Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Annapolis, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair acts like a long-term recorder for alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken from near the scalp, hair samples can offer an approximate 90-day window for detecting both alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil size) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers specifically to scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses every other type of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four primary stages involved in processing a drug test result within a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first step, which involves integrating a sample into the lab’s system. It includes verifying that the sample is sealed and transported correctly, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entries that aren't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is the next step, which involves an initial rapid test for substances. While Screening is an economical way to initially rule out drug use in most samples, positive results from this stage must be confirmed to be useful in legal proceedings. Any presumptive positive results during Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are separated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g. urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most complex method to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program alongside accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: A hair drug test is hard to cheat, ensuring more accurate results.
• Offers historical insight: It can reveal a drug usage pattern over time, rather than just recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to detect recent use: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than other testing methods.
• Result variation: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the level of drug metabolites found in the hair.

Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests," the actual test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Annapolis, MD, hair follicle testing offers substantial advantages over urine testing. The superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair tests showcase their effectiveness, providing a more comprehensive view of a subject's drug use history.

While traditional urine tests might detect recent drug use, hair tests offer a broader detection window, covering up to 90 days. This provides employers a thorough understanding, ensuring better decision-making.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Annapolis, MD, benefit from the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing. Capable of identifying drug use over a span of up to 90 days, this method gives an encompassing view of an individual’s substance use history.

This extended timeline assists in making better, informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees. Offering an expansive detection period ensures that employers can maintain transparency and workplace safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant testing method in Annapolis, MD, eliminating the risks related to sample adulteration. The intrinsic nature of hair testing ensures that results are both reliable and unquestionable.

This secure process affirms the integrity of the testing, thus facilitating a transparent and trustworthy drug screening protocol. Stakeholders can rely on these tests for authoritative results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

For convenient drug testing, Annapolis, MD offers nationwide hair follicle testing centers. This extensive network ensures that accessing testing services is swift, comfortable, and hassle-free for everyone involved.

Local facilities in Annapolis further enhance accessibility, providing reliable options for hair follicle drug testing to meet diverse needs at any location nationwide.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Annapolis, MD, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, from ordering to taking the test and receiving results. This ease addresses privacy concerns and ensures a straightforward approach for users.

The discreet method guarantees that users experience minimal hassle, maintaining confidentiality at every stage while providing clear and reliable outcomes promptly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Featuring competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle tests in Annapolis, MD offer affordability and efficiency. Companies of all sizes can benefit from exceptional value and peace of mind.

With fast processing enhancing the affordability aspect, businesses ensure they stay on top of drug testing needs without compromising on cost or quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Annapolis, MD, guarantee fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision and speed of this testing method ensure high accuracy when identifying substance use, providing dependable outcomes that stakeholders can trust.

The ability to deliver timely results while maintaining accuracy makes hair follicle testing a favored choice for employers and individuals alike. The streamlined process and thorough detection capabilities keep it ahead in the drug testing field.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employing hair follicle testing in Annapolis, MD, assures compliance and peace of mind for employers. It supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, lowers legal risks, and enhances overall safety.

The implementation of hair testing as part of a comprehensive drug screening regime ensures that employers can create and maintain a secure and productive environment while staying compliant with legal standards.

Drug Testing Near Annapolis, MD

Cape Saint Claire, MD

Skidmore, MD

Riva, MD

Cape St. Claire, MD

Londontowne, MD

Arnold, MD

Highland Beach, MD

Edgewater, MD

Bay Ridge, MD

Annapolis Neck, MD

Parole, MD

Naval Academy, MD