Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It offers a long-term overview of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the hair's fibrous structure as it grows. Samples taken near the scalp can reveal usage for up to a 3-month period for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is efficient to collect, reasonably tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred sample volume for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, a similar amount of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's database. This step ensures that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any necessary data input not completed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary, swift evaluation for drug abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug involvement in most samples, a positive outcome needs verification to be legally valid. All samples with an initial positive result in Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the primary sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing notably challenging to execute.
Verification of any initial positive result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initial positive samples undergo washing before verification if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and is accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Washington, ME, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in multiple aspects. A major advantage is its longer detection period compared to the limited timeframe of urine tests. Hair tests can uncover drug and alcohol use for up to 90 days prior, giving a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.
Moreover, hair follicle tests are considered more reliable due to their resistance to common tampering methods associated with urine tests. Hair analysis produces dependable results, ensuring a higher level of accuracy and confidence in the testing process.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Washington, ME, provides an invaluable tool for employers. It allows for the identification of drug use up to 90 days prior, offering a broader perspective on an individual's substance history compared to other methods.
Hair follicle testing in Washington, ME, is a highly tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The testing process is designed to ensure the integrity of each specimen, providing trustworthy and unquestionable results.
The inherent difficulty in circumventing hair tests makes them a preferred choice for individuals and organizations seeking reliable drug testing results, contributing to a drug-free and compliant environment.
With numerous testing centers around Washington, ME, our nationwide locations offer convenience and accessibility for all customers. These centers ensure a seamless process for scheduling and conducting tests, making drug testing quick and stress-free.
Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes customer convenience through local facilities, guaranteeing that individuals and companies throughout Washington, ME, have easy access to reliable testing services.
Accredited Drug Testing in Washington, ME, simplifies the testing process with a confidential procedure from start to finish. Ordering a test, conducting the sample collection, and receiving results are all handled with the utmost privacy, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality.
Our straightforward process ensures clients can confidently navigate drug testing requirements, relying on a system that values their privacy and security throughout the experience.
In Washington, ME, our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times set us apart as a leader in drug testing services. We offer competitive pricing structures to meet the needs of companies of all sizes without sacrificing the quality of our results.
Quick service and accurate results combine to provide true value, ensuring an effective and efficient approach to maintaining compliance and safety in the workplace.
Hair follicle drug testing in Washington, ME, is known for its precision and speed. This testing technique offers high accuracy, ensuring reliable results when identifying substance use. The advanced technology used in hair analysis quickly detects a wide range of drugs, providing important insights for making informed decisions.
The hair follicle test's rapid results benefit workplace safety and compliance programs, ensuring employers have access to timely data for decision-making. In Washington, ME, the reliability of hair testing ensures that employers can maintain a drug-free environment effectively.
Employers in Washington, ME, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with established drug-free workplace policies. This testing method minimizes legal risks by providing accurate and reliable results, upholding policy standards with confidence.
Employers can enjoy peace of mind knowing they are making informed decisions that contribute to a safe and compliant workplace, reducing potential legal liabilities and promoting safety.
