Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a record of drug and alcohol consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can provide up to a three-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively difficult to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of approximately 1.5 inches in length, comprising about 200 strands of hair (roughly the dimension of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be an option, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The comprehensive laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the foundational processing of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any remaining data entry requirements not addressed by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result from screening necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, further amounts of hair are extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are withdrawn from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of conducting hair drug testing.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with a presumptive positive result undergo a cleansing process prior to confirmation if required. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", this analysis evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Westfield, ME, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests.
With superior detection accuracy and reliability, these tests efficiently capture extended drug use patterns.
Compared to urine tests, hair testing offers a longer detection window, revealing substance use history, making it invaluable for employers seeking comprehensive screening.
Westfield, ME employers benefit from the extended detection window of hair testing.
Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days, this method offers an exhaustive view of an individual's substance use history.
This extended detection period helps employers gather crucial information about an applicant's or employee's drug usage, supporting informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Westfield, ME provide a tamper-resistant testing method.
By minimizing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests deliver results that are both reliable and unquestionable.
The robustness of hair testing methods significantly reduces the potential for sample tampering, building trust in the testing process and ensuring accurate results.
Our convenient testing locations in Westfield, ME and nationwide facilitate easy access to services.
Our expansive network ensures that testing is quick and hassle-free for all clients.
Whether in Westfield or elsewhere, our nationwide centers make drug testing a simple and efficient experience, bringing convenience to individuals and employers alike.
In Westfield, ME, our simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing ensures privacy and ease of use.
From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to be straightforward and secure.
This approach addresses any privacy concerns, offering individuals and employers a worry-free testing experience, respecting confidentiality at all stages.
We offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle drug tests in Westfield, ME.
Our competitive pricing and swift results provide excellent value to businesses of all sizes.
Our efficient service model ensures quick test processing, supporting timely decision-making for companies looking to implement effective drug screening strategies.
Hair follicle testing in Westfield, ME provides fast, accurate, and reliable results.
These tests excel in detecting substance use with remarkable precision and speed, offering high-confidence results.
The detection technology used in hair follicle tests ensures precise results, minimizing false positives and errors, making it a favorite choice for accurate drug screening.
Employers in Westfield, ME achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing.
This testing method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks.
Implementing hair tests enhances workplace safety, providing employers with reassurance and upholding their commitment to a drug-free environment.
