Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fort Washington, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a detailed history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. When collected near the scalp, it can offer up to roughly a three-month detection window for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered the optimal amount for screening and validation. For EtG, additional components, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes confirming that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary, swift evaluation for substances of abuse. While a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be permissible in court. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening require an additional confirmation.

If a sample appears tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (ex. urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most intricate method to administer.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumably positive samples are washed as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use stretching up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that offer a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Due to the difficulty in manipulating a hair drug test, the results tend to be more reliable.
• Provides historical insight: It can demonstrate a pattern of drug consumption over time, not solely focusing on recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect immediate usage: It requires about 5-7 days for substances to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Typically, hair drug tests are more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Fort Washington, MD, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by providing a superior detection period and accuracy. The hair test's ability to reveal drug use over a lengthy timeframe ensures a comprehensive evaluation. With a higher reliability rate, it remains tough to manipulate, whereas urine tests can be prone to tampering.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Fort Washington, MD offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, far surpassing urine tests. This method enables employers to gain a full view of a person's substance use history, ensuring that no critical information is overlooked during evaluation.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Offering a tamper-resistant solution, hair follicle drug tests in Fort Washington, MD significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. By obtaining a reliable specimen, this method provides unquestioned accuracy, ensuring that the integrity of results remains intact and uncompromised.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Fort Washington, MD, and beyond, our nationwide network of testing centers offers convenient access to hair follicle testing. This ensures a hassle-free and efficient experience no matter your location, supporting swift and easy testing procedures.

Simple, Confidential Process

Conducting a hair follicle test in Fort Washington, MD is a simple and confidential process. From ordering to receiving results, each step addresses privacy concerns, ensuring users feel secure and informed throughout their testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Fort Washington, MD, we provide affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing. This combination ensures excellent value for businesses of any size, allowing for cost-effective measures without compromising on the certainty of timely results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test in Fort Washington, MD stands out for its speed and precision. Unlike traditional testing, it offers reliable outcomes by detecting substance use accurately. This method ensures quick and decisive results, making it the preferred choice for those needing immediate answers regarding drug use history.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Fort Washington, MD gain compliance and peace of mind by opting for hair follicle testing. This approach supports drug-free workplace policies, minimizes legal risks, and enhances overall workplace safety, facilitating a trustworthy environment.

Drug Testing Near Fort Washington, MD

Oxon Hill-Glassmanor, MD

Glassmanor, MD

Oxon Hill, MD

Bryans Road, MD

Bennsville, MD

National Harbor, MD

Friendly, MD

Piscataway, MD

Silesia, MD

Accokeek, MD