Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Charlestown, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing provides a robust mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair fiber during growth. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers a look-back window of up to three months for drug and alcohol detection. The sample is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable body hair sample can be used. "Head hair" refers to scalp hair exclusively, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab processing of drug tests encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase where the sample is entered into the lab’s system. This involves confirming the sample’s seal and proper shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data not included in an electronic chain of custody.

Screening provides a preliminary check for drug use. Although it's a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates verification for legal admissibility. Presumptively positive samples from Screening must undergo further confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, an additional hair portion is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is particularly complex.

Confirmation for any positive Screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positives undergo a necessary pre-confirmation wash. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair tests can track drug use over 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which have a shorter period.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, increasing result reliability.
• Historical insight: It provides a record of drug use patterns rather than only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to become evident in hair samples.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than other testing forms.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual growth variations can impact metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the procedure examines the strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Superior Detection Through Hair Testing
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing in Charlestown provides a superior advantage in detecting substances accurately. This method captures a broader history of drug use, surpassing traditional urine tests in reliability and insight, ideal for a thorough evaluation.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Monitoring Period
Hair follicle testing in Charlestown, MD, allows for monitoring drug usage over a more extended period, up to 90 days. This extensive detection windows offers employers a detailed overview of an individual's drug history, proving invaluable in hiring and management decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Secure and Reliable Testing
In Charlestown, MD, hair follicle tests are designed to minimize the chances of tampering, ensuring the results are trusted and reliable. This method provides indisputable evidence necessary for maintaining company standards and compliance.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Extensive Testing Network
With numerous testing centers across the nation and in Charlestown, MD, accessibility to hair follicle drug tests is effortlessly convenient, ensuring that testing services are readily available for quick and straightforward utilization by clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Effortless Confidentiality
In Charlestown, MD, our hair follicle testing processes are designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, our system accommodates privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use for all clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-Effective Solutions
In Charlestown, MD, we offer competitive pricing and swift processing times. Our affordability paired with quick results ensures that businesses of every size receive excellent value alongside the peace of mind that comes with reliable testing services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Accuracy and Speed in Testing
In Charlestown, MD, hair follicle drug testing offers rapid and precise results, providing a highly accurate method to detect substance use. This testing ensures timely information, crucial for informed decision-making regarding employment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Assured Compliance for Employers
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Charlestown assures employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies. This practice not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind to both employers and employees.

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