Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a powerful means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term chemical patterns by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of roughly 3 months for substances including alcohol and drugs. This method is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil), collected nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair — the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the dosage is suggested. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent bulk of body hair may be used. Scalp hair refers to hair from the head, excluding any other body hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This involves checking the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data logs not covered through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assay for detecting drug usage. Although Screening is a budget-friendly way to exclude drug consumption for most specimens, a confirmed positive result is required for legal admissibility. Any sample that preliminarily tests positive during Screening necessitates an additional verification.
Should a sample be initially positive during the Screening process, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. This stage involves retrieving drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other testing methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug analysis the most challenging to execute.
Verification of any positive initial result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are washed as needed before verification. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire process undergoes evaluation 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 often described as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Testing? In Woodstock, ME, hair testing offers superior benefits over urine tests. They capture more extended substance history and provide a robust detection capability that is tough to match.
With hair tests, reliability and detection accuracy are significantly enhanced, giving employers and legal authorities in-depth analysis of substance use over time.
In Woodstock, ME, hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection window, tracking drug use for up to 90 days. This offers employers a comprehensive substance history of their employees or potential hires.
Comprehensive History
Hair follicle testing in Woodstock, ME, remarkably lowers the risk of adulteration, providing results that are tough to dispute. Its design makes tampering a significant challenge, ensuring trust in every test result.
Reliability
In Woodstock, ME, our extensive network of testing sites offers unmatched convenience. With nationwide centers, accessing our testing services is swift and straightforward, providing hassle-free experiences.
Convenience
Our streamlined process for hair follicle testing in Woodstock, ME ensures simplicity and confidentiality from ordering to receiving results, addressing concerns about privacy and ease of access.
Process Highlights
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround characterize our hair testing services in Woodstock, ME. We offer affordable, value-driven packages ensuring companies of all sizes benefit from excellent service and peace of mind.
Advantages
The rapid and precise results of hair follicle testing are a standout feature in Woodstock, ME. Hair assessments capture substance use history with remarkable accuracy, providing high-reliability data promptly.
Benefits
Using hair follicle tests ensures compliance and peace of mind for Woodstock, ME employers. These tests support drug-free workplace policies, minimize legal exposure, and boost overall safety.
Compliance Benefits
