Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Greenbelt, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments have become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair furnishes an extended history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection duration for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipment.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplements, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is recommended. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. “Head hair” refers strictly to scalp hair, while “body hair” includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four critical phases in the laboratory processing of a drug analysis result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This step ensures the sample is correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody record.

Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While it is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate a secondary verification.

In the event of a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for further processing in Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower levels than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug analysis the most complex technique to execute.

Positive screening results are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positives are cleansed before the confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Testing reliability: It is notably challenging to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Traces use patterns: By providing trends in drug use over time, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments tend to cost more relative to other testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the assessment evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Greenbelt, MD, hair follicle testing is gaining traction over traditional urine tests. This method boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a broader detection window up to 90 days, allowing employers and law enforcement to better enforce no-drug policies. Hair testing is notably harder to tamper with compared to urine tests, making it the preferred choice for comprehensive substance use screening.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, making it an ideal choice in Greenbelt, MD. Unlike urine tests that detect only recent use, hair tests can trace drug intake up to 90 days back. This method gives employers a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history, allowing for more informed decisions regarding hiring and workplace policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests significantly reduce tampering risks, providing reliable and unquestionable results in Greenbelt, MD. Unlike urine tests, making the sample collection imposter-proof is easier. With observed sample collection, it becomes almost impossible to alter or substitute the sample, ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of the test outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient nationwide testing locations, including in Greenbelt, MD, accessing hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. Our extensive network ensures quick and easy access to testing facilities without lengthy travel. This convenience supports both local residents and those with broader service needs, facilitating seamless drug testing processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

Ordering and using hair follicle testing in Greenbelt, MD, is a simple and confidential process. We prioritize privacy and ease of use, allowing individuals and employers to order tests, provide samples, and receive results without hassle. Secure data handling and a straightforward process ensure that confidentiality and user friendliness are at the forefront of the service.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Greenbelt, MD, our hair follicle testing services offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. This ensures businesses of all sizes can access high-quality testing without compromising on cost efficiency. The competitive pricing, combined with quick result delivery, reinforces excellent value and peace of mind for employers seeking reliable testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Greenbelt, MD, are unmatched. These tests offer high accuracy in detecting substances, ensuring fast and reliable results. Within a week, results can reveal substance use over a period of three months, providing a thorough overview of an individual's drug intake. This efficiency aids in timely decision-making for employers and legal entities.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For businesses in Greenbelt, MD, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, thus reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. Using this robust method gives employers peace of mind, knowing they're upholding high standards. The comprehensive detection window allows for a thorough assessment of substance use, promoting a safe and efficient work environment.

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