Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug evaluations in Topsham, Maine. If a hair drug or alcohol analysis is required, Accredited Drug Testing possesses expertise in hair testing with centers across every city Nationwide to conduct hair examinations. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body may be utilized. Hair analysis can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specialized hair testing services.
In the past few years, drug testing methods have seen an increase in the use of hair follicle tests. Numerous employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse experts now prefer hair analysis over the conventional urine test. Employers with strict drug-free policies, courts, and those on probation rely on hair follicle tests. The key advantage is a significantly extended detection window, usually up to 90 days, with an observed collection, making it hard to tamper. However, for detecting drug use in the last 5 days, urine tests remain the gold standard.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
The use of hair testing has emerged as a significant method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of drug and alcohol biomarkers within its growing fibers. When collected near the head, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of about 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered an ideal specimen for testing and verification. For EtG, additional requirements, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair is missing, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers strictly to hair from the scalp, while "body hair" includes all other hair variants (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory processing involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary procedure of integrating a sample into a lab’s framework. It encompasses checking that the sample was securely sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data compilation absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid examination for illicit drugs. Although Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug use in the broad spectrum of samples, a positive result necessitates validation to be legally recognized. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening demand secondary corroboration.
Upon a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this step, substances are drawn from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Testing Over Urine in Topsham, ME
Hair follicle testing offers substantial benefits compared to traditional urine tests. The superior detection capabilities of hair tests ensure a more accurate insight into an individual’s substance history. By analyzing hair samples, the test provides more reliable and thorough results, enhancing trust in assessments conducted in Topsham, ME.
Unlike urine tests that may detect drug use for a shorter timeframe, hair tests offer a window of detection lasting up to 90 days. This extended detection period makes hair testing a preferred choice for employers, ensuring adherence to strict substance-free guidelines while providing a comprehensive overview of substance usage.
Prolonged Detection Window in Topsham, ME
Hair follicle testing is a valuable tool in detecting drug use due to its long detection window, often extending up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use patterns, ensuring informed decisions based on comprehensive data.
In Topsham, ME, utilizing hair testing provides businesses and organizations a detailed view of an applicant or employee's substance use history. It significantly assists in maintaining workplace safety and compliance, as employers can rely on a more extended detection span to ensure that employees adhere to drug-free policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Topsham, ME
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering, translating into reliable, unquestionable results. In Topsham, ME, this form of testing ensures the authenticity of samples as the observed collection makes adulteration highly unlikely, providing confidence in outcomes.
For organizations and businesses, the tamper-resistant nature of hair tests is crucial in maintaining a drug-free workplace. It assures employers of the integrity of the samples collected, reducing the risk of manipulated results and strengthening trust in the drug testing process.
Convenient Testing Centers in Topsham, ME
With a variety of testing centers nationwide, including in Topsham, ME, it’s simple to access quick and hassle-free testing services. Our locations ensure that testing is convenient, offering accessibility and flexibility to meet diverse scheduling needs without sacrificing efficiency.
Residents and businesses in Topsham benefit from numerous centers, allowing for an uninterrupted testing schedule. This wide network streamlines the ease with which testing can be conducted, presenting a user-friendly approach to managing drug testing requirements.
Streamlined and Confidential Process in Topsham, ME
The process of ordering and completing hair follicle tests is designed to be both simple and confidential. In Topsham, ME, clients receive streamlined services that prioritize privacy, ensuring peace of mind throughout the testing procedure.
From scheduling the test to obtaining and reviewing results, every step is conducted with an emphasis on confidentiality. This commitment to a discreet process guarantees that all client information is protected while ensuring ease of use from start to finish.
Competitive Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Topsham, ME
In Topsham, ME, our hair follicle testing services are offered at competitive prices with fast turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of varying scales. The affordability of these services ensures that even small companies can access reliable drug testing methods without straining finances.
Coupled with quick turnaround times, our pricing structures empower businesses by delivering efficient testing results, allowing for rapid decision-making based on accurate data. This synergy of affordability and speed benefits employers greatly, reinforcing the value proposition of hair drug testing services available in Topsham.
Fast and Reliable Testing in Topsham, ME
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and swiftness. Offering rapid and accurate results, these tests provide a reliable way to detect substance use, ensuring both speed and reliability. In Topsham, ME, the efficiency of hair tests allows for quick decision-making when assessing the substance usage of individuals.
The high precision of hair follicle drug tests ensures minimal error rates, which is crucial for employers and organizations that require dependable results. This accuracy is vital in maintaining trust in the testing process and outcomes, underlining the significance of hair testing over other methods available in Topsham, ME.
Employer Compliance and Assurance in Topsham, ME
Utilizing hair follicle tests affirms compliance with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing overall safety. In Topsham, ME, adopting such testing methods ensures peace of mind for employers by providing rigorous assurance that staff members adhere to company substance use standards.
The reliability of hair tests aids in supporting a drug-free environment, reflecting positively on operational efficacy and reducing the likelihood of drug-related incidents. This method empowers employers, fostering confidence that their workplaces remain compliant and secure.
