Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bartonsville, MD

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair tests has grown in recognition as an effective approach for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands can capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When gathered near the scalp, this method can reveal alcohol or drug use within a timeframe of roughly three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is convenient.

Gathering a 1.5-inch portion comprising approximately 200 hair strands, about the thickness of a #2 pencil and positioned close to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG supplements or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other varieties (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug testing involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first step where a sample is incorporated into the laboratory system, ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening represents a preliminary assessment for substance use. Though economically viable for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive result from Screening requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples testing positive initially do necessitate further corroboration.

When a sample tests positive in the Screening step, additional hair is retrieved from the original collection for Extraction. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at a concentration significantly lower than in alternative methods (like urine or saliva); hence, hair drug screening is notably intricate to complete.

Confirmation of any positive result from screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initial positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as appropriate. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair tests can identify drug usage for as long as 90 days, in contrast to urine tests, which cover a shorter period.
• Firm resistance to manipulation: A hair drug test is exceptionally hard to falsify, enhancing reliability.
• Yields usage pattern: It uncovers a sequence of drug consumption over time, not just recent activity.

Drawbacks:

• Incidental detection limitation: It usually takes 5-7 days for substances to become traceable in hair.
• Pricing: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs than other methods.
• Inconsistent outcomes: Variables such as hair color and individual growth speed may influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not on the scalp’s hair follicle

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bartonsville, MD

Hair follicle testing offers an edge over traditional urine tests by providing an extended detection window and greater accuracy. This method is incredibly effective for identifying long-term substance use, proving to be a more reliable option for those needing thorough drug screening. Its resistance to tampering further enhances its credibility.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Bartonsville, MD

Hair follicle testing in Bartonsville, MD unveils drug use over a significantly longer period—up to 90 days. This extended window gives employers a comprehensive view into an individual's substance use history, facilitating informed decisions regarding potential or current employees by revealing patterns of consistent usage.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bartonsville, MD

The hair follicle testing method greatly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, making it a preferred choice in Bartonsville. This approach provides secure, accurate results that are resistant to adulteration, ensuring integrity and reliability, pivotal for organizations that prioritize high testing standards.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bartonsville, MD

With vast testing center availability in Bartonsville, MD and nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing is both quick and hassle-free. Our widespread network ensures convenient and efficient testing solutions, accommodating clients wherever they are located, enhancing their entire testing experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Bartonsville, MD

Our hair follicle testing process in Bartonsville, MD is straightforward and ensures confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is designed to be user-friendly, providing privacy and ease of mind for individuals concerned about their personal information being protected throughout the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bartonsville, MD

In Bartonsville, MD, our competitive pricing for hair follicle drug testing is complemented by rapid turnaround times. This balance guarantees excellent value and assurance for companies, regardless of size, who are looking for cost-effective yet dependable drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate and Reliable Results in Bartonsville, MD

Hair follicle drug tests stand out in Bartonsville, MD for their speed and precision. They offer unmatched accuracy, swiftly identifying substance use. Compared to other methods, hair tests can meticulously detect a broad range of drugs, ensuring you get timely and dependable results for your testing needs.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bartonsville, MD

Employers in Bartonsville, MD can enjoy peace of mind using hair follicle tests, aligning with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only meets compliance standards but also mitigates legal risks, contributing to enhanced workplace safety and fostering a responsible and secure working environment.

Drug Testing Near Bartonsville, MD

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Frederick, MD

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Linganore-Bartonsville, MD

Linganore, MD