Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and other drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair might be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process confirms that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs validation to be permissible in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently called "hair follicle tests," the test actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bowling Green, MD
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages. It has superior detection accuracy and reliability, particularly for identifying long-term drug use. In Bowling Green, MD, this method is gaining popularity for its ability to reveal an applicant or employee's substance history comprehensively.
Extended Detection Window in Bowling Green, MD
Hair follicle testing provides a detection window of up to 90 days, far surpassing the capabilities of urine tests. In Bowling Green, MD, this extended timeframe gives employers a thorough assessment of a person's drug usage history, making it an invaluable tool for informed decision-making and maintaining a safe work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bowling Green, MD
The robust nature of hair follicle testing makes it resistant to tampering and sample adulteration. In Bowling Green, MD, this ensures the results are reliable and trustworthy. By minimizing the possibility of cheating, employers can confidently implement drug-free workplace policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bowling Green, MD
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Bowling Green, MD, offers seamless access to hair follicle drug testing services. This convenience ensures quick and hassle-free testing, making it easier for individuals and employers to meet their testing needs effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bowling Green, MD
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Bowling Green, MD, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. This approach addresses concerns regarding privacy and ensures ease of use, from ordering the test to receiving the results, providing an overall stress-free experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bowling Green, MD
In Bowling Green, MD, hair follicle testing is offered at competitive prices, coupled with quick turnaround times. This combination of affordability and efficiency offers excellent value for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bowling Green, MD
Hair follicle drug tests in Bowling Green, MD, are celebrated for their precision and expediency in results. They offer a high level of accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring both employers and individuals can trust the outcomes. The process is efficient, making it a preferred choice for those demanding reliability and timeliness in drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bowling Green, MD
Employers in Bowling Green, MD, who adopt hair follicle testing benefit from enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. This not only mitigates legal risks but also reinforces safety within the workplace, bringing peace of mind to both employers and employees.
