Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fairmount Heights, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal specimen for screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be collected. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to every other hair category (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The prominent steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a sample into the lab’s environment. This includes confirming the sample's sealing and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening consists of a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage on most samples, a screen showing positive requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.

When a sample indicates a preliminary positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and tailored for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the hardest methodology to execute.

Any positive screening outcome is confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests can detect drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine assays with a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: It's extremely challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It can reveal a pattern of drug consumption over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot capture recent consumption: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to become discernible in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other drug testing approaches.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Fairmount Heights, MD, hair follicle tests are superior to urine tests. With longer detection periods, they offer more comprehensive insights into substance use history.

These tests provide accurate and reliable data, minimizing the chances of evasion or false results, unlike traditional urine tests.

For employers, the assurance of hair follicle testing results in Fairmount Heights signifies better policy enforcement against substance abuse.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Fairmount Heights, MD, offers an extensive detection window, uncovering drug use for up to 90 days.

This longer review period is invaluable for employers, providing a thorough assessment of an individual's substance use habits.

Such broad detection capabilities ensure comprehensive evaluations and well-informed decisions on potential hires or current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Fairmount Heights, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant method that crucially limits the risk of sample tampering.

These tests ensure genuine and uncontestable outcomes, unlike some easily manipulated testing methods.

The straightforward collection process guarantees that results reflect actual substance use, offering reassurance to all stakeholders in the testing protocol.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Fairmount Heights, MD, our convenient nationwide testing locations offer accessible and straightforward services.

Local centers ensure that testing is quick and hassle-free, meeting both individual and business needs efficiently.

Our wide-reaching network ensures prompt testing access, reducing logistical challenges and waiting times.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Fairmount Heights, MD, is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively.

From ordering to receiving results, the process is streamlined, ensuring ease of use and discretion.

This user-friendly approach facilitates a stress-free experience, maintaining confidentiality throughout the procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Fairmount Heights, MD, we offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests, delivering exceptional value.

Cost-effective solutions ensure that businesses of all sizes can access reliable drug testing without breaking the budget.

Our efficient service model guarantees swift results, providing peace of mind and aiding prompt decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Fairmount Heights, MD, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast, precise, and dependable outcomes. These tests efficiently identify substance use, offering a high level of accuracy.

The speed of hair follicle screening means results are swiftly available, providing reassurance and quick decision-making capabilities for employers.

The reliability of hair testing is unmatched, confirming substance use without room for dispute, ensuring employer confidence in test results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Fairmount Heights, MD, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities.

Implementing these tests promotes workplace safety and instills confidence in adhering to zero-tolerance policies.

Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their procedures align with legal standards, safeguarding their organization's reputation.

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