Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective approach for detecting substance use. By capturing biomarkers in the fibers, hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use over a period of up to 90 days. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for precise measurement. In cases where scalp hair isn't an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. When talking about head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially entered into a lab's system. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a non-specific LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not cover.
Screening involves a preliminary, rapid check for substances. While Screening is a cost-effective method for eliminating drug usage across many samples, a positive screen outcome requires confirmation to be deemed admissible in legal settings. Any presumption of a positive result in Screening necessitates secondary confirmation.
Should a Screening yield a presumptive positive result, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for further preparation in Extraction. This process draws out drugs from hair at a notably lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug testing being the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as necessary. The whole laboratory processing from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often described as "hair follicle tests," the procedure evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In South Sanford, ME, hair follicle testing is preferred over traditional urine tests, offering superior accuracy and reliability.
This testing method effectively addresses limitations inherent in urine tests, such as shorter detection windows. Hair testing provides an expansive view of drug usage history, delivering unparalleled insight into substance consumption patterns for up to 90 days.
The methodology involved in hair follicle testing limits the risk of manipulation, ensuring results are more robust than those from urine tests.
This level of integrity and trustworthiness is essential in ensuring compliance and maintaining drug-free environments, especially for organizations with strict zero-tolerance policies.
Hair follicle testing in South Sanford, ME, offers an extended detection window for drug use, with the ability to identify usage over the past 90 days.
This provides employers with a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug history. Such long-range detection is critical in roles where safety and trust are paramount.
This extensive timeframe helps organizations monitor and assess applicant suitability, extending beyond the immediate past.
Employers gain an invaluable tool for promoting workplace safety by ensuring candidates and employees adhere to drug-free policies over a three-month span, presenting a well-rounded picture of behavior.
In South Sanford, ME, the hair follicle testing method is renowned for its secure and tamper-resistant qualities.
Compared to other testing methods, it significantly decreases the likelihood of sample adulteration. This ensures that results are unquestionably reliable, offering peace of mind to both testers and individuals.
The risk of interference or contamination during collection is minimal, safeguarding the integrity of the testing process.
Employers and legal systems benefit from this dependability, as they receive assurance that findings accurately reflect the individual's substance use history, free from external influence.
Accredited Drug Testing offers conveniently located testing centers in South Sanford, ME, and across the nation.
This extensive network ensures that individuals and employers enjoy quick and easy access to our reliable testing services, minimizing wait times and travel inconveniences.
Whether examining a specific town or any city across the US, our testing facilities are within reach.
We prioritize the accessibility of our services, guaranteeing clients a hassle-free experience with efficient and professional staff ready to assist at any location.
In South Sanford, ME, our drug testing process is designed to be simple and confidential.
From ordering the test to receiving results, every step prioritizes the individual's privacy and comfort, ensuring a discreet and straightforward experience.
The process is streamlined, reducing complexity and potential stress for all parties involved.
Our clients can trust that their information remains protected throughout, fostering a secure environment where they feel comfortable seeking necessary testing without hesitation.
Accredited Drug Testing in South Sanford, ME, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing.
This affordability ensures that companies of various sizes can benefit from accurate and extensive drug testing without breaking the budget. Alongside cost-effectiveness, fast turnaround times are guaranteed.
With efficient service and rapid result delivery, we provide excellent value, supporting the needs of businesses by offering impactful testing solutions that uphold safety and compliance without undue financial burden.
Hair follicle testing in South Sanford, ME, stands out with its fast and precise outcomes. This testing method is designed to detect substance use with high accuracy.
It ensures reliable results, enhancing the assessment process for both individuals and organizations. The rapidity of receiving results aids in swift decision-making, ensuring timely interventions if needed.
Our testing centers employ advanced techniques which bolster the credibility of hair follicle drug tests.
Clients can trust these tests for their high standard of precision, minimizing chances of false positives. This reliability offers peace of mind in various contexts, including employment and legal scenarios, by providing evidence-based findings.
Employers in South Sanford, ME, gain peace of mind and enhanced compliance by utilizing hair follicle testing.
These tests support the enforcement of strict workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance. Hair testing ensures a safer working environment through reliable detection of drug usage over extended periods.
With such a rigorous testing approach, companies can demonstrate due diligence in maintaining a drug-free workplace, thus supporting safety and productivity.
This proactive stance not only mitigates risks but also fosters a culture of responsibility and trust among employees, promoting overall business harmony.