Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage over an approximate three-month span. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 collected hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional options, or tests that exceed 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended to measure the specimen's weight. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, only scalp hair is implied. Body hair signifies all other categories of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Four primary steps are taken in the lab analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample in a lab's system. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and transferred, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any extra data entry that is beyond the provision of an electronic chain of custody system is fulfilled.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance use. Though Screening is an economical method to discount drug use for the majority of specimens, a positive result needs validation to be permissible in legal contexts. Any samples that suggest positivity on Screening will require further confirmation.
If a sample indicates potential positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are obtained from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other testing techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to conduct.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies are utilized for confirming any positive Screening findings. Before confirmation, any samples suggesting positive results are cleansed when necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and follows ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in St. Albans, ME, offers a distinct advantage over traditional urine tests, especially regarding detection accuracy. Hair testing is notably superior in reliability, presenting fewer occasions for errors or contamination. Several organizations now favor hair tests to ensure precise substance detection, appreciating its unparalleled importance in maintaining stringent drug-free standards.
One of the primary reasons for utilizing hair follicle testing in St. Albans, ME, is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair testing reveals substance use over a much longer span, up to 90 days. This comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history offers significant value to employers looking to maintain a clear picture of an applicant’s or employee's drug usage behavior.
In St. Albans, ME, hair follicle testing acts as a tamper-resistant method, lowering the risk of sample manipulation. Its observed collection process significantly diminishes the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring that results are trustworthy and indisputable. For stakeholders demanding high standards of integrity, this testing methodology is a preferred choice.
Our extensive network of testing centers provides unparalleled convenience for drug testing in St. Albans, ME. With locations available nationwide, clients can access testing services quickly and effortlessly. This expansive availability mitigates scheduling conflicts, making the hair follicle testing process a seamless experience for all involved.
In St. Albans, ME, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease. This user-friendly process addresses key concerns about personal data and simplifies testing procedures for users, embodying efficiency and discretion throughout.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in St. Albans, ME, make hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses. Our pricing structures offer cost-effectiveness without compromising on speed and reliability. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from our services, acquiring value and reassurance through timely and affordable examination processes.
The hair follicle drug tests conducted in St. Albans, ME, stand out for their impressive speed and accuracy. These tests can rapidly detect substances with high precision, providing reliable results. The ability to combine fast processing times with accurate findings makes hair follicle testing an invaluable tool for employers and individuals who require confidence in their substance testing.
In St. Albans, ME, hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By choosing hair testing, organizations reduce legal risks and boost workplace safety, providing peace of mind. Implementing these tests ensures that companies uphold drug-free environments while protecting their interests and employees alike.
