Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a lengthy drug and alcohol history by embedding biomarkers within the developing hair strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over approximately a 3-month timeframe. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of about 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil width) near the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results consists of four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially incorporated into a lab's system, ensuring it was sealed and transported accurately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional information not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While it offers an economical means to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be affirmed for court acceptability. Presumptively positive samples during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methods to conduct.
Any positive screening must be confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test is popularly termed a "hair follicle test," however, it actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stonington, ME
Hair testing offers a more extended detection window compared to urine testing, capturing drug use over 90 days, whereas urine tests only cover recent use.
For its accuracy and reliability, hair testing trumps traditional urine testing, providing a thorough account of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Stonington, ME
Employers in Stonington benefit from the 90-day detection period of hair follicle testing, offering insight into an applicant or staff member's substance activity.
With this extended window, businesses gain a comprehensive understanding of the person's drug use, aiding in informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stonington, ME
Hair follicle tests drastically curb the chance of tampering, guaranteeing objective and definitive results that employers can trust.
Avoiding the common pitfalls faced by other testing methods, hair tests provide a secure means of drug screening that is difficult to adulterate.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stonington, ME
With widespread testing centers, accessing our services is hassle-free, ensuring prompt and convenient testing possibilities.
Our nationwide and Stonington-based locations offer seamless access to high-quality testing services, making compliance easy and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stonington, ME
Our procedures prioritize ease and discretion from ordering to results, alleviating any privacy concerns clients might have.
With a straightforward, confidential approach, participants find the process user-friendly, ensuring comfort and confidentiality throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stonington, ME
We emphasize competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, providing excellent value linked with peace of mind for organizations of any scale.
Our cost-effective pricing model and rapid results make us the go-to choice for reliable, budget-friendly testing options in Stonington.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Stonington, ME
Hair follicle drug testing provides rapid and precise results, known for its superior accuracy in tracing substance usage over other methods.
In Stonington, ME, the efficiency of hair testing is unparalleled, delivering exact outcomes swiftly, making it a favored choice for quick, dependable drug screening.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stonington, ME
Adopting hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal exposure and promoting a safer working environment.
Employers achieve confidence and legal assurance by integrating these tests, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.