Hair Follicle Drug Testing - West Bath, ME

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means of detecting substance use, including alcohol. The fibrous nature of hair strands captures drug and alcohol biomarkers, providing a comprehensive profile of substance intake spanning months when collected close to the scalp. This method is straightforward to collect, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

Collecting a 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil), from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional analyses, or panels exceeding 10 substances, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. The specimen should ideally be measured using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory analysis of a drug test involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails integrating a sample into the laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

During Screening, a preliminary evaluation for drug presence takes place. Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in many cases; however, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptively positive samples identified in Screening require additional confirmation.

When a Screening result is presumptively positive, additional hair from the original sample is utilized for Extraction, where drugs are extracted at a lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the more complex methodologies.

Confirmation of any positive Screening finding is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation holds validation by the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify substance use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection period.
• Tamper-proof: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, ensuring the accuracy of results.
• Tracks historical usage: It reveals patterns of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Drug metabolite concentration in hair can be influenced by factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences.

Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle and urine testing in West Bath, ME, hair testing stands out for its precision and reliability. Hair tests provide an extended detection window and reduce the potential for sample tampering, making them a superior choice for accurate substance use analysis over traditional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in West Bath, ME offers a substantial detection period of up to 90 days. This extended timeframe provides employers with a comprehensive overview of an employee's substance use history, surpassing the capabilities of more limited detection methods, ensuring informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in West Bath, ME significantly lowers the risk of sample tampering. The rigorous process ensures the integrity of results, offering employers predictable and unquestionable outcomes, critical for maintaining workplace safety and compliance with drug policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is paramount with Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide locations, including facilities in West Bath, ME. These centers provide hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring fast and easy tests anywhere, supporting the need for efficient and accessible drug testing operations.

Simple, Confidential Process

In West Bath, ME, the process for hair follicle testing remains straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, emphasis is placed on user privacy and simplicity, preventing hassle and safeguarding sensitive information throughout, offering peace of mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

West Bath, ME businesses experience the advantage of affordable pricing and quick turnaround times with hair follicle testing. Competitive pricing combined with fast results provide exceptional value, meeting the financial needs of companies, while ensuring employee safety and compliance.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In West Bath, ME, hair follicle drug tests offer fast and accurate results. The precision and swiftness of these tests surpass traditional methods, making them ideal for businesses requiring reliable substance use detection. Results are typically processed quickly, ensuring timely information for decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in West Bath, ME benefit from the enhanced compliance and peace of mind provided by hair follicle testing. This method upholds workplace drug-free policies, minimizes legal risks, and supports a safer working environment, crucial aspects for every organization.

Drug Testing Near West Bath, ME

Bowdoinham, ME

Lincoln, ME

Westport, ME

Westport Island, ME

Harpswell, ME

Georgetown, ME

Topsham, ME

Brunswick, ME

Woolwich, ME

Arrowsic, ME

Phippsburg, ME

Brunswick Station, ME

Bath, ME