Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Elkton, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When extracted near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately a #2 pencil's diameter) closest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or over 10-panel screenings, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s balance. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. Referring to head hair indicates only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails initial sample input into a lab’s system. This involves confirming the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any missing data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.

If a sample is presumed positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing more complex.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have limited detection periods.
• Hard to falsify: Tampering with a hair drug test is challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Reveals usage patterns: It provides data on drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after roughly 5-7 days.
• Price: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal variances in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration within hair.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle tests in Elkton, MD offer better detection and reliability over urine tests. They detect drug use for up to 90 days, providing a more comprehensive usage history. While urine tests are still used for identifying recent drug use, hair tests deliver unmatched insight, especially for employers in zero-tolerance environments, enhancing both accuracy and assurance.

Extended Detection Window

The expansive detection window of hair tests in Elkton, MD spans up to 90 days. This gives employers a detailed view of an individual's drug use history, surpassing the limited timeline offered by urine tests. This longer timeframe is pivotal for those needing thorough assessments of substance habits, making it a staple in comprehensive drug-testing regimes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Elkton, MD significantly curtails the chance of sample adulteration. Its robust method of collection and analysis ensures that manipulation is practically nonexistent, offering unparalleled certainty in testing outcomes. This makes hair testing a trustworthy option for organizations prioritizing integrity and accuracy in drug testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Elkton, MD benefits from nationwide testing centers, promoting easy and convenient access to testing services. Whether local or across the country, these facilities ensure that testing is quick, accessible, and stress-free. This wide reach bolsters efficiency, minimizing delays and optimizing the testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

The testing process in Elkton, MD is simple and confidential. The straightforward approach ensures that ordering, testing, and receiving results is private and user-friendly. This ease of use allays privacy concerns, providing a seamless experience for individuals and organizations alike.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Elkton, MD boasts competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, coupled with rapid turnaround times. This combination delivers excellent value for businesses, large and small, ensuring cost-effective services that do not compromise on efficiency or quality. It's an optimal choice for cost-conscious companies seeking reliable testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Elkton, MD, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their remarkable accuracy and speed. Known for high precision in detecting substance use, these tests are not only fast but also provide reliable outcomes. Their ability to quickly deliver results makes them a preferred choice for employers and organizations seeking dependable drug testing solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Adopting hair follicle testing in Elkton, MD provides employers with compliance and peace of mind. It reinforces adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks, and fostering a safer working environment. The rigorous nature of hair testing ensures only reliable and credible results, enhancing workplace safety.

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