Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis emerges as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a timeline for alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected from the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for various substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), yields 100mg, which is perfect for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be collected, the same quantity of body hair is acceptable. Scalp hair specifically refers to hair from the head, while body hair includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug analysis comprises four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that isn’t available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Screening efficiently excludes drug use in most samples, but any positive screen demands confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, further hair is collected from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are sourced from hair at considerably lower concentrations than with other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is exceptionally challenging.
The verification of positive screening outcomes employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any samples with presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as necessary. The laboratory processes, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adhere to standards set by the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and urine tests, Troy, ME, shows the superiority of hair testing in detection and reliability. Hair tests screen for drug use over an extended period, offering a deeper insight compared to urine tests. The more accurate results foster confidence in the testing process.
In Troy, ME, hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, this test offers a detailed view of an individual's history, aiding employers in making informed decisions about applicants or employees.
The hair follicle drug tests in Troy, ME, boast a tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly decreases the possibility of sample interference, ensuring results that are reliable and unassailable. Employers can trust that the outcomes are genuine and reflective of true substance use.
Our testing services in Troy, ME, are supported by nationwide locations. These centers provide easy access, offering a convenient, hassle-free process for anyone needing testing, no matter where they're located, ensuring a seamless experience for users.
The hair follicle testing process in Troy, ME, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step ensures privacy and ease, addressing any concerns individuals might have about confidentiality or complicated procedures.
In Troy, ME, we emphasize affordable pricing and speedy results for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times bring value and reassurance to businesses of any size, making the testing service both cost-effective and reliable.
Hair follicle drug tests in Troy, ME, offer swift and precise results. Speed and accuracy are paramount, ensuring that substance use is detected reliably. Our tests are designed to provide high levels of accuracy, becoming a preferred choice for those seeking fast, dependable results.
For employers in Troy, ME, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This practice not only minimizes legal liabilities but also enhances safety and peace of mind in the workplace, fostering a secure working environment.
