Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug evaluations in Bloomington, Maryland. If you require a hair-based test for drugs or alcohol, our expertise in hair testing ensures that we have facilities nationwide, including all major cities, to carry out such assessments. Typically, you will need 1.5 to 2 inches of hair available, either from the head or body, which can be used for analysis. Drug, alcohol/ETG, or other customized hair testing options are available.
Over recent years, hair follicle drug testing has become an increasingly common method for substance detection. Many employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse specialists now prefer it to the traditional urine tests. Hair tests are ideal for employers enforcing strict no-drug-use policies, legal entities, and individuals on probation. A hair follicle test is advantageous due to its lengthy detection period, typically up to 90 days, with samples collected under supervision, making it nearly impossible to tamper with. However, for recent drug use within five days, urine tests remain the more precise choice.
* 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.
Hair analysis is now widely regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair strands retain long-term data on alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. If taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to nearly 3 months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A strand measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount needed for both initial and confirmatory assessments. For tests including EtG, additional panels, or over 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. Should scalp hair not be accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. It's important to note that head hair specifically implies scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The complete process of laboratory drug testing encompasses Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within the laboratory's framework. This step includes confirming secure sealing and correct shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and supplementing any missing data not covered through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening includes an initial procedure to quickly detect drug abuse. Though it's an economical way to eliminate drug use for many samples, a confirmation is necessary for a positive result to be court-acceptable. Any samples that appear positive during Screening require a validating secondary test.
During the Screening phase, if a sample appears positive, additional hair from the specimen is prepared for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing a more complex method to conduct.
Confirming a positive result is carried out with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The lab process from start to finish, Accessioning through Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses on the hair strands above the scalp rather than the follicles.
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Bloomington, MD, several benefits stand out. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy, capturing a broader range of substances with more reliability. This results in a clear advantage for those seeking thorough substance use evaluation.
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests provide a robust defense against tampering, with an extended detection window. This reliability makes it a preferred choice for employers ensuring drug-free policies, thus protecting organizational interests effectively.
Hair follicle drug tests in Bloomington, MD, provide a significant advantage with their extended detection windows. They capture drug use patterns over up to 90 days, presenting a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This is crucial for employers seeking a thorough assessment.
Employers benefit from the prolonged detection period of hair tests, gaining a clear understanding of long-term substance use, beyond what urine tests can offer. This detailed insight aids in making informed staffing decisions.
In Bloomington, MD, the reliability of hair follicle tests shines through with their tamper-resistant nature. The method significantly reduces the possibility of adulterated samples, ensuring that results are dependable and authentic.
This testing approach provides unquestionable results, eliminating the risk of manipulation common in other testing methods. Its integrity supports employers and agencies in maintaining trust in their testing processes.
Bloomington, MD is served by a network of convenient, nationwide testing locations for hair follicle tests. This ease of access ensures that individuals and organizations can engage in testing services quickly and with minimal hassle.
Our local presence and commitment to accessibility ensure that testing needs are met efficiently. This setup guarantees a streamlined process, making hair testing an easy choice for anyone requiring such services across the country.
Hair follicle testing in Bloomington, MD is marked by a simple and confidential process. Ordering, taking tests, and receiving results are designed to assure privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns effectively.
This straightforward approach ensures that individuals experience a stress-free process, with each step aligned to preserve confidentiality and facilitate smooth testing. Such ease aids in reassuring those who apprehend the testing process.
In Bloomington, MD, hair follicle testing is underlined by competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This combination offers substantial value, ensuring peace of mind for businesses across all scales by providing cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
The approach supports businesses by delivering fast, reliable results and affordability, presenting a compelling option for those prioritizing efficient resource utilization and operational cost management.
In Bloomington, MD, hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise results. This method excels in its capability to accurately pinpoint substance use, offering unmatched precision. With these tests, quick turnarounds ensure timely and reliable outcomes.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing means that individuals and employers obtain results expeditiously. The tests' accuracy highlights their crucial role in ensuring substance-free environments with little room for error.
Hair follicle testing in Bloomington, MD assists employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method significantly reduces legal risks and enhances safety, contributing to a more secure and harmonious work environment.
Employers benefit from the assurance hair tests offer, aligning with regulatory demands and boosting peace of mind. The method supports the enforcement of stringent safety standards effectively, reducing workplace challenges associated with substance misuse.
