Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive hair follicle drug testing services in Cheltenham, Maryland. For those requiring a hair drug or alcohol screen, our specialty in hair testing is complemented by testing centers across the nation. It is generally necessary to have 1.5 to 2 inches of hair, whether on the head or body, for testing. Hair assessments can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, and offer various tailored testing options.
Over the years, hair follicle drug testing has become a favored approach in drug assessments. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts are increasingly opting for hair drug testing over traditional urine tests. Employers with zero-tolerance policies, courts, and those on probation are among frequent users. The key advantage of hair testing is its longer drug detection window, typically up to 90 days, an observation-based collection process, and significant resistance to tampering. Yet, for checking recent drug use within a 5-day timeframe, urine tests remain the most precise option.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair testing is seen as a significant method for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair offers an extended timeline for substance detection by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can indicate drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and can be easily transported.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, with approximately 200 strands (approximating the diameter of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, provides a 100mg sample, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and those beyond 10-panel testing, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair imply only scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory analysis of a drug test result includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is prepared for entry into the laboratory’s database, ensuring it was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any data not included in an electronic custody chain.
Screening serves as an initial, efficient method to identify potential drug use. Although screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in many samples, any positive results require subsequent confirmation for legal validation. Presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
Upon a presumptive positive in the Screening process, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at lower concentrations than other methods like urine or oral fluid, marking hair drug screening as a more intricate method.
Confirmation for positive Screening results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives undergo a wash before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredits to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Cheltenham, MD, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in reliability and detection accuracy.
Employers value hair tests for their ability to confirm a consistent pattern of substance use, aiding in informed decision-making. While urine tests are useful for recent consumption, hair tests cover the long-term, making them a more thorough option.
Hair follicle testing in Cheltenham, MD, offers an unparalleled extended detection window, capturing substance use over 90 days. This comprehensive analysis provides employers with a detailed view of an applicant's or employee's drug history, enabling informed choices.
With up to 90 days of detectable history, hair tests provide a thorough understanding of substance patterns, essential for companies enforcing drug-free policies and other regulatory standards.
In Cheltenham, MD, hair follicle drug tests offer a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. Their robustness lies in the difficulty of faking results, providing assured reliability and steadfastness.
With this form of testing, individuals and organizations can trust in the accuracy and legitimacy of the results, free from concerns about sample contamination or manipulation, thus ensuring dependable findings.
We offer convenient testing services in Cheltenham, MD, supported by extensive nationwide centers. This ensures quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing, making it easy for individuals and employers to secure the services they need.
Local and nationwide availability guarantees comprehensive coverage, reducing travel time and ensuring efficient testing procedures, enhancing the overall experience.
In Cheltenham, MD, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential.
The straightforward approach guarantees a user-friendly experience, addressing privacy concerns and enhancing ease of use for all involved.
In Cheltenham, MD, our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times on hair follicle testing offer exceptional value. This affordability makes our services accessible to companies of all sizes, without compromising on quality or speed.
Organizations benefit from fast processing and competitive rates, ensuring they receive excellent service that aligns with their budget, reinforcing trust and satisfaction.
In Cheltenham, MD, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and swiftness in identifying substance use. The superior accuracy of these tests makes them a preferred choice, allowing for detailed analysis that consistently delivers undeniable results.
Through rapid processing and precise detection, hair follicle tests provide reliable data swiftly. This ensures individuals and organizations receive timely insights into substance use, reinforcing their trust in the testing process.
Employers in Cheltenham, MD, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, fostering a secure working environment.
Using hair testing to uphold policy standards boosts organizational integrity and trust, resulting in a safer and more compliant atmosphere that benefits everyone involved.
