Hair Drug Testing Locations - Goshen, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands preserve a long-term record of these substances by holding biomolecules within the developing hair fibers. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection range of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample containing approximately 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG additions and tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages involved in the laboratory analysis of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial treatment of a sample within a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and wraps up any supplementary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.

Screening features an initial rapid test for drug misuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples testing presumptive positive at the Screening phase must undergo secondary confirmation.

For specimens with presumptive positive results from Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most intricate method to conduct.

The Confirmation of positive Screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before Confirmation as warranted. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests have the ability to identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that possess a shorter detection period.
• Tamper-resistant: It is remarkably challenging to falsify a hair drug test, ensuring more precise outcomes.
• Reveals usage history: It can demonstrate a pattern of drug consumption over a span of time rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent consumption: Drugs require about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to cost more than other drug testing approaches.
• Diversity in outcomes: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly called "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

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Goshen, MD

• Hair testing provides superior accuracy in detecting drug use.
  Compared to urine tests, it offers enhanced reliability,
  making it the preferred choice for a thorough substance use evaluation.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Goshen, MD

• Hair follicle testing identifies drug use over an extended timeframe of up to 90 days.
  This method provides a complete view of an individual's substance history,
  offering a significant advantage over shorter detection windows.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Goshen, MD

• Hair follicle tests are designed to minimize the risk of sample tampering.
  They provide reliable results that are difficult to contest,
  ensuring test integrity throughout the screening process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Goshen, MD

• Enjoy the ease of accessing our comprehensive network of testing centers nationwide,
  ensuring swift and stress-free testing services at both local and national levels.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Goshen, MD

• Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and discreet.
  We prioritize privacy at every step, from test ordering to secure result delivery,
  addressing concerns about confidentiality and convenience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Goshen, MD

• Experience competitive pricing structures and rapid result processing.
  Our cost-effective solutions provide exceptional value and peace of mind
  for businesses of every size.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Goshen, MD

• Hair follicle testing guarantees precise and swift identification of substance use.
  Its high accuracy rate significantly surpasses that of traditional methods,
  ensuring reliable results promptly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Goshen, MD

• Utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
  It reduces legal liabilities while promoting a safer working environment,
  offering employers reassurance and confidence in their screening programs.

Drug Testing Near Goshen, MD

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