Hair Drug Testing Locations - Bristol, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug involvement through the entrapment of biomarkers within the hair's structure as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.

Gathering a 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimum amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial integration of the sample into the lab’s system. This phase consists of ensuring the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any extra data entries not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody system.

During Screening, a preliminary scan for drugs of abuse is conducted. Although this method economically rules out drug usage in most cases, any positive outcomes from the screen necessitate confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptively positive samples identified in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared with other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the challenge of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. The laboratory process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is reviewed in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a narrower window.
• Difficult to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is exceptionally challenging, increasing the accuracy of results.
• Supplies historical insights: It demonstrates a pattern of drug consumption over time, unlike methods showing only recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of recent use detection: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to be identifiable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more compared to other testing techniques.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual growth differences can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly named "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bristol, MD
Hair testing offers superior advantages over urine tests, particularly in detecting drug use over extended periods. With its impressive accuracy and reliability, this method ensures more comprehensive insight into an individual's drug history, proving invaluable for employers aiming for sustained workplace safety and integrity.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Bristol, MD
The hair follicle drug test's ability to identify drug use up to 90 days back provides a more extensive detection period. This trait gives employers in Bristol an all-encompassing view into the substance history of applicants or employees, allowing for a more thorough assessment of their habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bristol, MD
The risk of sample tampering is substantially reduced with hair follicle tests. Bristol residents can trust this method for secure and unassailable results, ensuring that businesses maintain high levels of integrity and reliability in their drug testing procedures.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bristol, MD
With numerous testing centers across the nation and in Bristol, accessing drug testing services is hassle-free. This extensive network guarantees quick, easy, and convenient access for those in need, streamlining the testing process for Bristol residents.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Bristol, MD
Our process is designed to be straightforward and discreet, making ordering, taking, and receiving results seamless. For individuals in Bristol, this means respecting their privacy while providing an effortless experience in drug testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bristol, MD
We offer competitive pricing with rapid turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for businesses of all sizes in Bristol. This affordability coupled with speed makes it a great choice for companies needing efficient drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Accurate and Reliable Results in Bristol, MD
The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unparalleled, capturing substance use with exceptional accuracy. These tests offer Bristol residents the assurance of reliable detection, delivering swift and dependable results that help employers in making informed decisions about their workforce.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bristol, MD
Hair follicle testing helps employers meet stringent workplace drug policies, reducing legal liabilities and fostering a safer work environment. For businesses in Bristol, this method ensures that organizations are compliant, securing peace of mind.

Drug Testing Near Bristol, MD

Chaneyville, MD

Churchton, MD

Marlton, MD

Queenland, MD

Brock Hall, MD

Deale, MD

Marlboro Village, MD

Leitch, MD

Croom, MD

Harwood, MD

Greater Upper Marlboro, MD

Dunkirk, MD

Upper Marlboro, MD

Marlboro Meadows, MD

Tracys Landing, MD