Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Harrisonville, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now considered an essential means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The growing hair strand's fibers capture biomarkers, offering a long-term alcohol and drug use record. When taken from near the scalp, hair can give a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to ship.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the perfect sample weight for testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary checks, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is preferred. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is advised to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When detailing head hair, this pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair designates all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning comprises the preparatory processing of a sample within a lab's database. This phase checks that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and enters any further required data not submitted through an electronic chain of custody platform.

Screening serves as an initial, swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. While it's a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Samples with presumptive positive results during Screening need a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the primary specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Lab analysis of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before verification if necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug consumption for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter recognition duration.
• Challenge to deceive: Circumventing a hair drug test is very challenging, enhancing the result's reliability.
• Supplies historical insight: These tests can highlight a trend of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of spotting recent use: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to become evident in hair.
• Expense: Typically, hair drug tests are costlier than other drug testing methods.
• Result discrepancies: Elements like hair color and individual variances in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration within the hair.

Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination assesses the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Harrisonville, MD, lies in its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests excel in identifying drug use over a longer span when compared to urine tests.

• Enhanced detection period
• Less susceptible to manipulation

Employers benefit from improved accuracy and reliability, making hair tests a preferred choice for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Harrisonville, MD is a standout feature of hair follicle testing. This method recognizes drug use for up to 90 days, equipping employers with a detailed account of an individual's substance history.

• Comprehensive view of past substance use
• Enhanced historical data

Such breadth in detection ensures a thorough assessment, aiding in more informed decision-making for employers.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Harrisonville, MD drastically minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. Hair follicle tests provide steady and unquestionable results.

• Secure collection process
• Reduced chance of falsification

By maintaining the integrity of the sample, these tests reinforce confidence in the results delivered.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations, including Harrisonville, MD, make accessing hair follicle testing services uncomplicated.

• Wide-reaching network of centers
• Seamless and efficient services

This expansive network guarantees that testing remains user-friendly, thus delivering a stress-free experience for all.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Harrisonville, MD highlights the ease and privacy inherent in hair follicle testing.

• Streamlined procedure
• Confidential handling of results

These aspects ensure participants can engage in testing without concerns over privacy or complicated procedures, emphasizing user-friendliness at every step.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Harrisonville, MD characterize our approach. Our competitive pricing and quick results promote excellent value.

• Cost-effective solutions
• Rapid processing time

This combination of factors leads to both economic efficiency and reassurance for employers, regardless of their size or needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Harrisonville, MD provide significant advantages for drug testing. Hair follicle tests stand out due to their precision and rapidity in identifying substance use, ensuring a high level of accuracy.

• Efficient processing times
• Higher detection rates
• Consistent, dependable outcomes

With these attributes, hair tests offer dependable results promptly, meeting the needs of any testing requirement.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Harrisonville, MD is facilitated by hair follicle testing. This approach ensures adherence to drug-free workplace regulations, minimizing legal risks.

• Enhanced workplace safety
• Reduction in legal concerns

Commitment to such testing methodologies supports regulatory requirements and the overall safety of work environments.

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