Specializing in hair follicle drug testing, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive services in Barber, Maryland. Whether you're seeking a hair drug or alcohol test, our centers nationwide are equipped to conduct hair tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body are required. These tests can analyze substances like drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored testing options.
Hair follicle testing has become a common drug assessment method in recent years. Employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals prefer it over conventional urine tests. This method supports zero-tolerance drug policies, aiding probation systems. Key benefits include an extended detection window of up to 90 days, observed collection, and resistance to tampering, though urine tests remain more accurate for recent use within 5 days.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can serve as a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to have 150mg of the specimen. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, it pertains only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in laboratory processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial sample processing within a laboratory's framework. This phase involves verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective strategy for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening result needs confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests preliminarily positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction process. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than found in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminary positive results are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is sometimes used, though the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Barber, MD, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests by ensuring superior accuracy and reliability. The enhanced detection capabilities of hair testing provide a clearer picture of substance use. Unlike urine tests, which offer limited detection periods, hair tests extend their reach, covering up to 90 days, ensuring employers get the data needed for informed decisions.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing provides a broader scope into an individual’s substance use history in Barber, MD. Employers benefit from this insight, with the ability to monitor usage up to 90 days prior, offering a comprehensive breakdown of an applicant's or employee's drug habits, which urine tests cannot achieve, ensuring a better understanding of long-term behavior.
Hair follicle tests in Barber, MD, offer a tamper-resistant solution compared to other methods. By significantly diminishing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests deliver results that can be depended on. Their integrity ensures that every test is as conclusive and accurate as possible, easing employer concerns about potential manipulation and ensuring the truth prevails.
The convenience of accessing hair follicle testing is a priority in Barber, MD, thanks to numerous nationwide and local testing centers. These accessible locations make the process efficient and straightforward, eliminating hassles and ensuring quick service for anyone in need of testing. This extensive network supports all areas, offering unparalleled accessibility.
The process involved in hair follicle testing in Barber, MD is designed to be simple and confidential. From the initial order to receiving results, privacy is assured to all participants. This streamlined approach ensures ease of use, addressing any concerns about security and keeping personal information protected, providing a worry-free experience throughout.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Barber, MD an attractive choice for companies. The competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value for businesses of any scale, while quick results provide the certainty and peace of mind necessary for managing workplace policies effectively and efficiently.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched, making them a top choice in Barber, MD. They stand out for their high accuracy, efficiently pinpointing substance use through detailed analysis. This approach ensures reliable results, drastically reducing the waiting time for employers and individuals alike, granting them the trusted data they need for crucial decisions.
In Barber, MD, hair follicle testing assists employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The reliability of these tests reduces legal risks and supports safer working environments. Peace of mind is assured as this method underpins rigorous standards, emphasizing commitment to maintaining a drug-free culture and legal adherence.
