Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Eckhart Mines, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair traps biomarkers in its fibers, providing a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs. When sampled close to the head, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection period for these substances. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.

A hair sample of 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp, yields 100mg, the ideal amount for testing. For additional tests such as EtG, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advised. If head hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

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

Accessioning is the first processing step where the sample is entered into the lab's system. This process verifies the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry that a digital chain of custody system does not include.

Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for substances. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, only confirmed positive screens are acceptable in legal contexts. Samples with positive initial screens need further confirmation.

If a sample shows a positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in urine or saliva, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of positive Screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that appear positive initially are washed as required before confirmation. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely challenging, thus providing more accurate results.
• Offers historical insight: It reveals a timeline of substance use, not just recent instances.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Detection of drugs in hair takes about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Drug metabolite concentrations in hair can fluctuate due to hair color and individual hair growth differences.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the scalp's follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Eckhart Mines, MD
Hair testing stands out over urine tests due to its superior accuracy in detecting long-term drug use. This method prevents cheating and produces reliable results that employers trust more than traditional urine samples.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Eckhart Mines, MD
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior, providing employers with a detailed account of an individual's past substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Eckhart Mines, MD
Hair follicle tests markedly lower the risk of sample tampering, offering results that are difficult to question and ensuring that the integrity of the testing process remains intact.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Eckhart Mines, MD
With a network of nationwide testing centers, individuals can access testing services efficiently and conveniently, ensuring a straightforward process for all involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Eckhart Mines, MD
The process for engaging in hair follicle testing is straightforward and private, promising confidentiality and ease from ordering to results delivery, thus safeguarding personal privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Eckhart Mines, MD
Offering competitive pricing and quick result times, this provides a great value for businesses seeking efficient and economical drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Eckhart Mines, MD
Hair follicle drug tests yield rapid and precise results, ensuring accuracy in detecting substance use. This has positioned them as a reliable solution for timely drug testing needs.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Eckhart Mines, MD
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing by maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thus diminishing legal risks and boosting workplace safety and security.

Drug Testing Near Eckhart Mines, MD

La Vale, MD

Barrelville, MD

Ocean, MD

Woodland, MD

Carlos, MD

National, MD

Mount Savage, MD

Shaft, MD

Midlothian, MD

Vale Summit, MD

Zihlman, MD

Frostburg, MD

Grahamtown, MD

Clarysville, MD