Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug usage. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by preserving biomarkers within the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to about a 90-day detection period for drug and alcohol traces. Collecting hair is easy, hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equals 100mg, which is the preferred amount for testing. For EtG or more extensive tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, the same amount of body hair can be used. By ‘head hair,’ we mean only scalp hair, while ‘body hair’ refers to every other hair type (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key procedures in lab processing of a test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning concerns the initial entry of a sample into the lab's system. This involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, designating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary test for substance abuse. Although it is a low-cost method to dismiss substance use in most samples, a positive Screening needs affirmation for court validity. Any samples indicated as positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample appears positive at Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, substances are drawn out from hair in lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining the challenge in performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs over Urine Testing in Thorndike, ME. Hair follicle drug testing offers several advantages over traditional urine analysis. Its detection accuracy and reliability outshine urine tests. A broader detection window allows survey of substance history without interruption. Reliability and difficulty of tampering further define hair testing's superiority.
In Thorndike, ME, hair follicle testing presents a substantial advantage with its Extended Detection Window. Capable of detecting drug use up to 90 days, it provides a thorough review of an individual's substance history. This extended timeline is crucial for employers assessing potential hires or current employees, offering a wider scope than shorter-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Thorndike, ME. Hair follicle tests offer a reliable testing method that significantly reduces the potential for sample adulteration. This ensures that results are both dependable and trustworthy, providing an unchallengeable basis for decisions, keeping the integrity of the testing process intact.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Thorndike, ME ensure that testing services are accessible easily and quickly. Our expansive network of testing centers facilitates hassle-free and rapid access to hair follicle drug tests, delivering testing services that fit seamlessly into everyday schedules.
The process for hair follicle testing in Thorndike, ME is both Simple and Confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step is designed with ease of use and privacy in mind. This straightforward and discreet process ensures that all client concerns regarding privacy are addressed effectively.
Our hair follicle testing services in Thorndike, ME offer Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround. We provide competitive pricing and efficient service delivery, ensuring excellent value for businesses of all sizes. With rapid turnaround times, companies can rely on our services for timely and cost-effective drug testing outcomes.
In Thorndike, ME, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast, precise, and reliable outcomes. These tests boast high accuracy in detecting substance use, making them an excellent choice for various needs. Offering quick results and a detailed analysis, hair testing ensures that any substance use is identified without delay, providing peace of mind and confidence to employers and individuals alike.
Using hair follicle testing for drug screening in Thorndike, ME offers employers Compliance and Peace of Mind. It upholds drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal risks, and improving workplace safety. By ensuring compliance, employers can rest assured that they are contributing to a secure and responsible working environment.