Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a potent method in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by trapping biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When acquired close to the scalp, hair can yield a detection timeframe of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, a little challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and affirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing in a lab’s system. This phase ensures the sample was securely sealed and transported, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any extra data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system is completed.
Screening entails an initial rapid inspection for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to discounting drug use across most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal validity. Samples that show a presumptive positive outcome in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
When Screening suggests a presumptive positive, additional hair is withdrawn from the original specimen for the Extraction stage. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from the hair in much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring that hair drug screening is the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive reading from the screening is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are laundered before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", this evaluation scrutinizes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Westbrook, ME
Hair follicle testing in Westbrook, ME, outshines traditional urine tests significantly. One of the core advantages is the superior detection accuracy it offers, often uncovering drug use from a much longer history window. Moreover, hair testing is resilient against intentional sample tampering, a common concern with urine tests, ensuring results remain uncompromised and trustworthy.
Another compelling benefit of hair testing is the broader detection period. While urinalysis is limited to highlighting recent drug use, hair tests can map substance consumption back up to 90 days. This extended timeframe is invaluable for organizations desiring thorough insights into an individual's drug history.
Extended Detection Window in Westbrook, ME
One distinct advantage of hair follicle testing is its capacity to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This long detection window presents a detailed view of a person's substance use history, invaluable for employers seeking a comprehensive background check. Westbrook, ME, businesses benefit by gaining insight into potential hires’ long-term habits.
With its three-month detection capability, hair testing stands head and shoulders above other methods, offering unmatched thoroughness. Such insights are crucial for maintaining workplace safety and integrity, ensuring trust and informed decisions when evaluating potential or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Westbrook, ME
Hair follicle tests are notably resistant to tampering, a significant advantage highlighted in Westbrook, ME. Unlike urine tests, which are relatively easy to alter, the collection and testing process of hair samples minimizes the potential for manipulation, ensuring that results remain reliable and incontestable. This reliability is crucial for both businesses and legal entities aiming for integrity in testing results.
The robust nature of hair testing not only deters attempts to adulterate results but also reinforces the credibility of the entire drug testing process. This tamper-resistant quality is key to maintaining fair assessment and fostering trust among all stakeholders involved in the drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Westbrook, ME
Accredited Drug Testing assures accessibility through a widespread network of nationwide centers, including convenient spots in Westbrook, ME. This extensive reach guarantees effortless access to our testing services, making it straightforward for individuals and businesses to manage their drug testing requirements without hassle.
Through our comprehensive network, obtaining a drug test is simple, no matter where you are. Whether you're local in Westbrook or elsewhere in the nation, the ease of access to certified testing ensures swift and efficient service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Westbrook, ME
Our testing process in Westbrook, ME, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step prioritizes ease of use and privacy. Whether you're an employer or an individual, the straightforward nature of our testing services ensures smooth operation while safeguarding personal information.
Maintaining confidentiality and simplicity is paramount. Every facet, from securing appointments to understanding results, is modeled to protect your privacy, providing assurance that your information is handled with the utmost care and discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Westbrook, ME
Competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times set Accredited Drug Testing apart in Westbrook, ME. Our commitments ensure that businesses of all sizes can enjoy excellent value and swift result provisioning, allowing you to manage drug testing efficiently without stretching budgets.
By offering affordable rates and speedy processing, our services not only meet but exceed expectations, providing robust support to companies striving for both cost-effectiveness and top-tier reliability in their drug testing programs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Westbrook, ME
Hair follicle drug tests in Westbrook, ME, offer exceptional precision and speed. These tests stand out due to their high accuracy in identifying past substance use, providing dependable results swiftly. The method allows for rapid processing of samples without compromising on the quality, ensuring both employers and individuals gain immediate and trustworthy insights into drug use.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing means you can count on timely and credible outcomes. By streamlining processes and ensuring the utmost accuracy in detecting a wide array of substances, these tests empower employers and provide peace of mind regarding the integrity of workplace drug testing results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Westbrook, ME
In Westbrook, ME, employing hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies. This method effectively reduces the chances of legal complications associated with inadequate drug testing enforcement. Employers can rest assured, knowing that the use of hair testing fosters a secure and compliant work environment, critical to business success.
By embracing hair testing, companies enhance their assurance of maintaining a safe workplace. It not only addresses potential legal obligations but also supports a culture of trust and safety, offering peace of mind that only reliable drug testing methods can provide.
