Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Churchton, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair records a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug presence by encasing biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair offers a detection span of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resilient to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A sample of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels surpassing 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of hair. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab’s system initially. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, attributing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid inspection for drugs. Although Screening is economically favorable to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive result necessitates confirmation to be accepted legally. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptive positive during the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing has the highest complexity among testing methods.

Verification of any positive screening finding is performed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are washed before confirmation as required. All laboratory steps from Accessioning to Confirmation are examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and adhere to the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can find drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a briefer detection timeframe.
• Hard to deceive: It is notably challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, ensuring more reliable results.
• Offers a behavioral timeline: It gives evidence of drug use over a timeline, not merely recent activity.

Limitations:

• Cannot indicate recent intake: It requires about 5-7 days for substances to be perceptible in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier compared to other drug testing procedures.
• Differences in outcomes: Elements such as hair pigmentation and personal hair growth differences may alter drug metabolites' concentration in hair.

Note: Though frequently identified as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair tests to traditional urine tests in Churchton, MD, hair follicle testing emerges as a clearer choice. These tests provide superior detection accuracy, picking up on drug use over an extended period. By choosing hair testing, employers can ensure reliability and accurate results, safeguarding their workplaces from potential drug-related issues.

Extended Detection Window

In Churchton, MD, hair follicle testing is preferred for its extended detection window. This method can trace drug usage up to 90 days back, providing an expansive view of an individual's substance history. For workplaces, this means a comprehensive assessment of potential or existing employees, making hair tests an essential tool.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests is a significant advantage in Churchton, MD. These tests considerably reduce the risk of sample tampering or dilution, ensuring that the results are unquestionable and reliable. Hair tests offer a secure testing process that traditional methods cannot easily replicate.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide testing centers, including those in Churchton, MD, offer ultimate convenience. With numerous locations, accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free, enabling efficient management of drug testing requirements. This ensures that precise and timely results are readily available, reducing logistical burdens.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Churchton, MD, our hair follicle testing process remains simple and confidential. The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving results addresses privacy concerns, ensuring ease of use. Understanding the importance of discretion affords individuals and businesses confidence in maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Churchton, MD delivers remarkable value. Our pricing structures are competitive, ensuring that companies of all sizes can access cost-effective solutions. Quick turnaround times provide peace of mind with timely and accurate outcomes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them ideal for fast-paced environments in Churchton, MD. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy in identifying substance use, offering both employers and individuals reliable and quick results. Hair follicle testing efficiently detects drug use, greatly benefitting organizations needing dependable drug screening.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing provides compliance and peace of mind for employers in Churchton, MD. Utilizing this method ensures that businesses are adhering to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks. This approach also helps to enhance workplace safety, offering reassurance to both employers and employees alike.

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