Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fairwood, MD

What it is, How it works

Recognized as a potent method, hair testing is now widely used for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair stores a comprehensive, long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair testing can offer up to an approximately 3-month detection window for drugs and alcohol. The process of obtaining hair samples is straightforward, they're relatively resistant to tampering, and they are convenient to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp yields about 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. If testing involves EtG add-ons and/or exceeds 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It’s suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent collection of body hair can be sourced. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory procedures involved in processing a drug test result primarily include four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning marks the commencement of incorporating a sample into a laboratory's system. This includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional details not provided via an electronic custody chain system.

Screening involves a preliminary, rapid assessment for indications of drug abuse. While it’s a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result during Screening necessitates confirmation to be considered valid in legal contexts. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require secondary validation.

If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than with alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to conduct.

For any positive screening outcome, Confirmation is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as presumptive positives undergo a cleaning process prior to Confirmation as required. Each aspect of the lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use spanning up to 90 days, whereas urine tests observe a shorter detection span.
• Resistant to tampering: It's notably challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, thus enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Historical usage insight: Provides a pattern of drug usage over time, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent drug use: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair strands.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are more costly compared to other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Differences like hair color and individual growth rates can influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle analysis in Fairwood, MD, illustrates its superiority over traditional urine tests with better detection accuracy.

Offering a near-impossible window for cheating and observing samples under stringent conditions, hair tests are preferred for their extensive detection span. Conversely, urine tests maintain dominance only in identifying recent drug intake.

Extended Detection Window

With an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Fairwood, MD, tracks drug use for up to 90 days.

Employers gain a comprehensive view of substance use histories, ensuring informed decisions when assessing applicants or current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Fairwood, MD, benefits from hair follicle testing's resistant to tampering methods, securing reliable outcomes.

This method provides confidence in results, showcasing a significant reduction in sample adulteration risks.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Conveniently located testing sites in Fairwood, MD, offer easy access to accredited hair drug testing services.

Our nation-wide testing infrastructure ensures a stress-free setup for those seeking reliable facilities quickly.

Simple, Confidential Process

The testing process in Fairwood, MD, is straightforward and confidential, reassuring users of their privacy.

Easily order, take tests, and receive swift feedback without hassles, addressing privacy concerns effectively.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Hair testing services in Fairwood, MD, provide affordable pricing and quick turnaround times.

Businesses of all sizes enjoy competitive rates and fast results, presenting excellent value and assurance.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Fairwood, MD, hair follicle drug testing is synonymous with speed and precision. This method stands out for its high accuracy level in tracking substance use.

Providing fast results, these tests enable individuals and organizations to quickly address their testing needs with confidence. Each analysis ensures thorough accuracy, offering unmatched reliability.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Adopting hair follicle testing in Fairwood, MD, fosters compliance with drug-free workplace policies.

Employers benefit from reduced legal exposure and enhanced indoor safety, ensuring a more orderly environment.

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