Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Columbia, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has become recognized as a robust instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a longitudinal record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can indicate up to roughly a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 strands of hair (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for evaluation and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the material is suggested. We advise measuring the substance on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, a matching quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer to scalp hair only. Body hair implies all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consist of the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This comprises verifying the sample was securely sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening incorporates an initial rapid analysis for illegal substances. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for court acceptance. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

If a sample is assumed positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation as required. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 qualifications.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter detection period.
• Challenge to manipulate: It is very challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Reveals historical patterns: It can exhibit a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variances: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variability can impact the drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the assessment evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Outclasses Urine Testing in Columbia, MD revolves around superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing, unlike conventional urine tests, covers an extended detection window and is less prone to tampering, making it the preferred choice for more accurate and dependable results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window is a key advantage of hair follicle testing in Columbia, MD. Unlike shorter-term tests, hair analyses can reveal substance use spanning up to 90 days. This comprehensive view into an individual’s history aids employers in making informed decisions about candidates or current staff members.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Minimizing Sample Adulteration is one of the strengths of hair follicle testing in Columbia, MD. This testing method greatly reduces the potential for tampering, providing trustworthy and unambiguous results that employers and legal entities can confidently rely on.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Locations in Columbia, MD are part of our nationwide network, offering easy and stress-free access to our services. Quick local availability guarantees that testing requirements are met without hassle, no matter your location in the area or across the country.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple and Confidential Process in Columbia, MD ensures ease of use and privacy. The entire testing procedure, from ordering to receiving results, is designed to be straightforward and discreet, addressing concerns about confidentiality effectively.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Columbia, MD supports our claim of superior value. Our competitive pricing, coupled with quick result delivery, ensures businesses of all sizes get the best possible service without sacrificing quality or speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Speed and Precision of Hair Follicle Testing in Columbia, MD are unparalleled. The quick and accurate detection of substance use ensures timely results, offering both reliability and high accuracy. This method reduces uncertainty and provides a dependable option for employers seeking to maintain a drug-free workplace.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Safety with hair follicle testing in Columbia, MD gives employers peace of mind. This testing method helps maintain a drug-free environment, thereby mitigating legal risks and improving workplace safety by adhering to established substance abuse policies.

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