Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cambridge, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a long-term history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair's strands. When gathered near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol usage for up to roughly 90 days. It is straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' strictly refers to hair from the scalp. 'Body hair' includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result is composed of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial stage in integrating a specimen into a lab's system. This process entails confirming that the specimen was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening comprises an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, but a positive screening result necessitates confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Samples that are potentially positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.

Should a specimen show a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited detection timeframe.
• Hard to tamper with: The difficulty in cheating a hair drug test results in greater accuracy.
• Historical usage insight: These tests can demonstrate a trend of drug use over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect very recent use: Typically, it takes about 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be costlier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Cambridge, MD, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in several key areas, making it the preferred choice. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, capturing drug use over months compared to days with urine tests. This extended timeline provides a more accurate picture of substance use.

The reliability of hair testing stems from its comprehensive analysis capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are not prone to falsification or short-term abstinence, ensuring confidence in the results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended detection windows make hair follicle testing a robust option in Cambridge, MD. Unlike urine tests, this method reveals drug use over a 90-day frame, offering a complete substance history. Employers gain a clear understanding of an individual's substance habits.

With hair testing, decisions based on drug history are more informed. This extended insight proves vital in workplace screenings, judicial cases, and personal assessments.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Cambridge, MD, benefits from hair follicle tests as an unassailable testing method. By drastically reducing sample tampering chances, these tests deliver reliable and uncontested outcomes. The process of hair collection deters the possibility of adulteration.

This tamper-resistant attribute is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the testing process. Employers and legal entities prefer this approach for its solid assurance of authenticity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Enjoy the ease of testing with nationwide and local centers in Cambridge, MD. Our conveniently located facilities ensure that access to hair follicle testing is quick and hassle-free, no matter where you are.

Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the process by strategically positioning centers to be easily accessible. This convenience supports individuals and companies in getting the services they need promptly.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our process in Cambridge, MD, makes hair follicle testing straightforward and confidential. From ordering to sampling and results retrieval, each step is streamlined, addressing privacy concerns effectively.

The ordering process is simple, allowing clients to secure their tests smoothly. Confidentiality is prioritized, giving users the assurance of privacy throughout their experience with us.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Take advantage of affordable pricing and swift results in Cambridge, MD. Our competitive rates and fast turnaround times provide unmatched value, particularly for businesses of varying sizes.

Accredited Drug Testing offers cost-effective solutions without compromising the accuracy and reliability of results. Businesses gain peace of mind from knowing that quality and affordability go hand in hand.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing delivers fast, precise, and reliable outcomes in Cambridge, MD. Its accuracy in identifying substance use outstrips that of traditional testing methods. The rapid turnaround time ensures that results are available quickly, enabling timely decision-making for our clients.

The precision of hair follicle tests lies in their ability to detect substances over extended periods, avoiding the pitfalls of false negatives. This accuracy benefits employers, legal authorities, and individuals seeking credible results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing ensures compliance and serenity for Cambridge, MD employers. By upholding drug-free workplace policies, these tests mitigate legal risks and bolster jobsite safety. Employers can be confident in their adherence to regulations.

The peace of mind provided by these tests stems from their reliable results. Business environments become safer, reducing liability and supporting a healthy work culture and legal adherence.

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