Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Chesterville, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair documents a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to approximately 90 days for alcohol and other substances. It's easy to collect, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When referring to head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four key steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. It involves confirming that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Any samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

If a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection span.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely difficult, ensuring more accurate results.
• Offers historical insight: It can indicate a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for substances to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Despite frequently being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Chesterville, MD, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer greater accuracy and reliability, making them invaluable for employers seeking comprehensive results.

The advantages of hair testing include a longer detection period and more robust reliability. This is crucial for employers implementing drug-free policies and looking for trustworthy results.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing provides an impressive detection window, covering up to 90 days of substance use history. This period gives employers in Chesterville, MD, a thorough overview of an individual's drug habits.

Such an extended detection range is unmatched, allowing companies to better understand an applicant's or employee's past drug use, making it ideal for long-term insight into substance use history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the standout features of hair follicle tests in Chesterville, MD, is its tamper-resistant method. This approach significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing trustworthy results.

Hair tests are less vulnerable to tampering compared to other testing methods, ensuring reliable and unquestionable outcomes. This benefit enhances their appeal among organizations seeking consistent results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access for individuals in Chesterville, MD. Our nationwide presence simplifies the testing process, making it quick and convenient for all users.

The accessibility of our centers ensures clients receive prompt services without hassle, contributing to a seamless and efficient experience across the nation.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Chesterville, MD, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results is streamlined, addressing privacy and ease of use.

Customers can trust that their information remains confidential throughout the testing procedure, making the process straightforward and secure, providing an enhanced client experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Chesterville, MD, presents excellent value. Our affordable pricing structures suit businesses of all sizes.

Fast turnaround ensures customers receive results swiftly, contributing to a seamless experience while reinforcing our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test in Chesterville, MD is known for its speed and accuracy. The precision it offers is unparalleled, making it the top choice for employers and individuals looking to detect substance use.

Using a hair follicle test ensures fast results, with its ability to identify various drugs in the system with high precision. The results' reliability is a significant benefit, appealing to many organizations.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Chesterville, MD, gain significant peace of mind and ensure policy compliance with hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks.

Implementation of hair testing enhances workplace safety and compliance, proving beneficial for employers seeking to maintain a drug-free environment while mitigating potential issues.

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