Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Delmar, MD

What it is, How it works

Regarded as an effective instrument, hair testing aids in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair contains a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers a detection window for alcohol and drugs of nearly 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair denote scalp hair only, while body hair pertains to all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

There are four key phases in laboratory processing to generate a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial intake of a sample into a lab’s system, which encompasses verifying proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. As Screening is cost-efficient for indicating drug presence in the majority of samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples that appear positive in Screening require further confirmation.

If Screening indicates a potential positive, a further portion is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are drawn out from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening exceptionally challenging to conduct.

Confirmation for any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly evaluated in compliance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use spanning up to 90 days, whereas urine tests possess a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, promoting result accuracy.
• Reveals historical patterns: This test can illustrate a trend of drug use across time, unlike solely recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent usage: Detectability in hair takes around 5-7 days post drug use.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier than other methods of drug testing.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual growth patterns can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Delmar, MD, hair follicle testing is recognized for surpassing urine tests through its enhanced detection window and reliability. Urine tests may miss drug usage covered by the longer detection span of hair tests, up to 90 days. Hair tests offer a more consistent, tamper-resistant option, making them ideal for employers seeking accuracy and peace of mind against false negatives common in traditional urine analysis.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing stands out in Delmar, MD, offering an expansive detection window up to 90 days. Unlike traditional tests, hair analysis provides employers with a comprehensive picture of an individual's substance history, allowing for informed decisions. This extended detection capability ensures that both recent and historical drug use are identified, significant for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The integrity of hair follicle testing in Delmar, MD, lies in its tamper-resistant nature. As opposed to more easily altered tests, hair testing limits the possibilities for sample manipulation, ensuring authentic results. This method provides employers with confidence in the testing process, knowing the outcome cannot be easily influenced or doctored, which is critical for maintaining trust and accountability.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Benefit from the convenience of our nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Delmar, MD. Our wide-reaching locations ensure easy and quick access to reliable testing services for individuals and businesses. This accessibility reduces wait times, streamlining the testing process, and making it convenient for clients across various regions.
Trust our network to deliver efficient and prompt hair testing solutions near you.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Delmar, MD, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects confidentiality. From ordering a test to receiving results, each step is designed for ease of use and privacy protection, addressing concerns over sensitive information. Clients can rely on a smooth, discretionary experience, ensuring their personal details remain protected throughout the entire testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Delmar, MD, offers hair follicle testing at competitive prices coupled with fast result turnaround. Our pricing structure provides excellent value for businesses, regardless of size, needing reliable testing services. Quick results and affordable rates support employers in maintaining a compliant and efficient workplace without breaking their budget, making it a practical choice for ongoing assessment programs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Delmar, MD, remain unparalleled. These tests are engineered for fast results without compromising accuracy, ensuring swift detection of substance use. Employers rely on hair testing to catch prolonged drug use patterns, appreciating both the rapid return of results and the assurance of their reliability.
Furthermore, the methodology is as meticulous as it is quick, minimizing the likelihood of errors.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in Delmar, MD, provides employers with assurance by reinforcing compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing minimizes legal risks, promoting a safe work environment. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing that their substance testing program is robust and difficult to circumvent, fostering a safer, more productive workplace.
This compliance boosts overall company reputation as a trustworthy and reliable entity.

Drug Testing Near Delmar, MD

Royal Oak, MD

Allen, MD

Pittsville, MD

Galestown, MD

Sharptown, MD

Quantico, MD

Mardela Springs, MD

Fruitland, MD

Parsonsburg, MD

White Plains, MD

Salisbury, MD

Hebron, MD