Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Owings, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has evolved into an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can deliver up to about a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion comprising approximately 200 hair strands (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is missing, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When we refer to head hair, it indicates scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory's system. This process includes ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be considered admissible in legal proceedings. Samples that yield a positive result in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use over a period extending up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection period.
• Resistance to manipulation: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly difficult, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Historical insight: It provides a timeline of drug usage patterns over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: It generally takes 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier compared to other drug testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Owings, MD, hair follicle testing proves superior to traditional urine tests. The extended detection time offers enhanced accuracy and reliability, making it a preferred choice for organizations seeking comprehensive insights into potential substance use.

Hair tests are less susceptible to tampering and provide a broader detection window. This makes them more effective in accurately identifying ongoing substance use issues, crucial for maintaining drug-free environments.

Extended Detection Window

One prominent advantage of hair follicle testing is the extended detection window. In Owings, MD, these tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers a comprehensive overview of both applicants and current employees' substance history.

This long-range detection capability is invaluable in ensuring that a meticulous review of drug usage patterns is conducted, helping employers maintain a safe and productive workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Owings, MD, hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage in terms of its tamper-resistant nature. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests deliver reliable and unmistakable results, which are essential for maintaining integrity in the testing process.

Employing hair testing ensures that the outcomes are unquestionable, providing much-needed assurance for employers and institutions concerned with accurate substance use analysis.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The convenience of nationwide testing centers ensures that in Owings, MD, individuals and companies have easy access to testing services. This accessibility ensures that testing is quick, straightforward, and hassle-free, essential for the seamless integration of drug testing policies.

Local and nationwide locations guarantee that tests are convenient to access, ensuring timely and effective substance use detection across multiple areas.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Owings, MD, ordering, attending, and receiving confidential results from a hair follicle test is simple and straightforward. The process is designed to respect privacy, ensuring that individuals can proceed with confidence knowing their data is protected.

The streamlined and easy process addresses privacy concerns effectively, providing peace of mind and ease of use, a crucial element for today’s busy lifestyles.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Owings, MD offers excellent value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from competitive pricing structures that do not compromise on quality or speed.

The combination of cost-effectiveness and rapid results enables businesses to ensure compliance and receive reliable and prompt testing outcomes, enhancing peace of mind for organizational leaders.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle tests stand out for their fast and accurate results. In Owings, MD, these tests offer precision in identifying substance use, ensuring high accuracy levels that are pivotal for employers and individuals alike. The quick turnaround time helps in making informed decisions promptly.

Choosing hair follicle testing aligns with the need for reliable results linked to substance detection. Its speed and precision provide a trustworthy option for those seeking thorough and swift analysis of drug use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Owings, MD enhances compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind to employers. These tests support legal risk reduction and foster a safe working environment through accurate substance monitoring.

Employers can meet regulatory demands efficiently, affirming their commitment to maintaining a healthy, drug-free workplace, which boosts overall organizational safety and security.

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