Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Brinklow, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a compelling method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, the chance of tampering is minimal, and shipping is uncomplicated.

A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be acquired, a comparable amount of body hair might be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. The term body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While Screening offers a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated to be valid in court. Any samples clinically positive in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.

Should a sample be clinically positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to conduct.

The confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All clinically positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, while urine tests have a shorter detection timeframe.
• High difficulty to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is incredibly challenging, resulting in more precise results.
• Historical usage information: It can outline a pattern of drug consumption over a duration, not solely recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to become visible in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the level of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Brinklow, MD, hair follicle testing substantially outperforms traditional urine tests. Hair testing offers enhanced accuracy in detecting substances, establishing a more reliable method to verify drug use.

Employers seeking to reinforce their drug-free policies find hair testing indispensable, as it spans a wider detection window compared to urine tests, offering deeper insights into substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Brinklow, MD provides a long detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. This extensive timeline offers a comprehensive review of an individual's substance history.

Employers benefit from this expanded detection window, obtaining a clearer understanding of potential or current employees’ habits, contributing to informed hiring and retention decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The integrity of hair follicle tests in Brinklow, MD is unparalleled, largely due to their resistance to manipulation. This testing method reduces the chance of sample tampering, ensuring reliable results.

With the rigorous collection process, hair testing stands as a robust choice for safeguarding against falsified results, providing trustworthy data for companies and legal authorities.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access in Brinklow, MD with nationwide and local testing centers. This network facilitates easy and hassle-free testing services wherever needed.

Our expansive location coverage guarantees businesses and individuals can quickly access testing facilities, streamlining the process significantly.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Brinklow, MD, the process for hair follicle testing is exceptionally simple and confidential. Clients can easily order tests and receive results, all while ensuring privacy throughout.

Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes discretion and ease, providing a seamless experience from arranging the test to obtaining trustworthy results, addressing any privacy concerns users may have.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Brinklow, MD, hair follicle testing is available with competitive pricing and swift turnaround, offering outstanding value. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from cost-effective, efficient testing services.

The affordability, combined with rapid results, provides companies with exceptional cost management and decision-making support, ensuring both financial and operational peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and reliability of hair follicle drug testing make it a superior choice in Brinklow, MD. Boasting remarkable detection capabilities, hair tests effectively identify substances, offering fast, credible results.

With hair testing, results are delivered with high accuracy, ensuring organizations can trust the findings. The process is accelerated, aiding employers and authorities in making well-informed decisions promptly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Brinklow, MD, utilizing hair follicle tests supports compliance with drug-free workplace mandates, enhancing safety and reducing liability risks. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they uphold regulatory standards.

Implementing hair testing promotes a safer working environment, helps avert potential legal concerns, and strengthens policy adherence across various industries.

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