Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Glenarden, MD

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective approach for revealing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a prolonged overview of substance use, such as alcohol and illicit drugs. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal a usage pattern for up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, modifying it is challenging, and it is convenient to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) taken nearest to the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and confirmation. For additional testing parameters like EtG or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale for precise weighing. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (e.g., facial or axillary).

Process Overview

The primary procedures in the lab processing of drug test outcomes consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within the laboratory's framework. This step encompasses ensuring the sample's seal and shipment accuracy, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data documentation absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a preliminary examination for drug presence. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug consumption on most samples, a positive result must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that presumptively test positive in Screening mandate further confirmation.

Samples indicating presumptive positivity during Screening require additional hair from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexities of hair drug screening.

Confirmatory tests for any preliminary positive outcomes are conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The entire processing, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug testing can trace drug consumption for up to 90 days, compared to the shorter detection timeframe of urine tests.
• Minimal chance of deception: Cheating on a hair drug test is highly unlikely, hence the results are more reliable.
• Offers historical insight: It outlines a pattern of substance use over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Higher cost: Generally, hair drug testing is costlier than other testing methodologies.
• Result variations: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Though termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Glenarden, MD, hair follicle testing outperforms urine testing due to its superior detection range and accuracy.

• Hair testing can reveal substance use over a 90-day period, a significant advantage over urine testing's shorter window.
• The reliability of hair tests is far greater, as they are harder to tamper with compared to conventional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

In Glenarden, MD, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests is a significant benefit, allowing for a comprehensive review of a person's substance use history.

• Capable of tracing up to 90 days back, this method gives employers a detailed overview of an individual's past drug use.
• This broader detection range is crucial for businesses seeking thorough insights.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Glenarden, MD, is a tamper-resistant method that significantly lowers the risk of sample manipulation.

• Collecting samples in an observed setting ensures the integrity of each test.
• Due to its collection process, it is extremely difficult to alter or cheat the results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Glenarden, MD, our hair follicle testing facilities are conveniently located nationwide, offering easy access to quality testing services.

• With numerous centers across the country, obtaining a test is quick and stress-free.
• The widespread availability of our services ensures minimal disruption to your schedule.

Simple, Confidential Process

Conducting hair follicle tests in Glenarden, MD, is a straightforward and private operation.

• The process of scheduling, sample collection, and receiving results is streamlined for ease of use.
• Your confidentiality is a top priority, ensuring comfort and discretion throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and swift results, hair follicle testing in Glenarden, MD, delivers excellent value.

• Our pricing structure is designed to be affordable for businesses of all sizes.
• Fast turnaround times help maintain business efficiency and quick decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests offer rapid, accurate, and reliable outcomes in Glenarden, MD. These tests are designed to swiftly detect substances, guaranteeing precise results.

• With quick processing times, hair follicle tests provide immediate insights into substance use.
• Their accuracy is unmatched, catching traces of drugs that may go unnoticed in other testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Glenarden, MD, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, providing peace of mind.

• This testing reduces legal liabilities and elevates workplace safety.
• It underscores an organization's commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment.

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