Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Braddock Heights, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is regarded as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption by securing biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands. When cut close to the scalp, hair provides a window of detection of approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 strands of hair (around the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It's advised to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal amount of body hair can be collected. When referring to head hair, it strictly pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages of processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first step, incorporating a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary assessment to identify drugs of abuse. Although it's a cost-effective measure for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be recognized in legal proceedings. Any presumptively positive samples in Screening need further confirmation.

If a presumptive positive result arises during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a highly complex technique to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing, as necessary, before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Difficulty in manipulating results: Cheating on a hair drug test is challenging, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical data provision: It delivers a usage pattern over time, not just recent drug use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of spotting recent usage: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Cost consideration: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier compared to alternative testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and personal growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests," this test analyzes the strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Braddock Heights, MD, hair testing consistently outperforms. This method has better detection accuracy and is more reliable. Furthermore, hair tests minimize the chances of tampering, providing a more secure testing environment.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Braddock Heights, MD, offers an extended drug detection window, often lasting up to 90 days. This long-term view gives employers insight into the substance use patterns of employees or applicants, helping them make more informed decisions regarding their workforce.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle testing process employed in Braddock Heights, MD, is highly tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This robust method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, giving users peace of mind knowing the outcomes are credible.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Offering both local and nationwide testing centers, our presence in Braddock Heights, MD, ensures that drug testing services are accessible and convenient. Our broad network guarantees a swift and straightforward process, enabling individuals to undergo necessary tests with ease.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Braddock Heights, MD, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, every step addresses privacy and user-friendliness, allowing individuals to handle the process with confidence and discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our pricing for hair follicle tests in Braddock Heights, MD, is competitive, paired with quick turnaround times. This combination assures companies get excellent value without compromising on speed or quality, making it a practical choice for businesses of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test provides rapid, precise, and dependable outcomes in Braddock Heights, MD. A standout feature of hair testing is its superior accuracy in detecting substance use compared to other testing methods. Employers and individuals relying on this method can count on fast and trustworthy results that truly reflect an individual’s drug use history.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

By using hair follicle tests, employers in Braddock Heights, MD, can confidently maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also enhances safety within the workplace environment, thereby providing peace of mind to employers and employees alike.

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