Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Indian Springs, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides an extended historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair’s fibers. When cut near the scalp, this hair can yield up to a 3-month detection period for both alcohol and various drugs. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. It's important to note that when we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test sample involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample in a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional information that wasn’t supplied by an electronic custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is an efficient means to discern drug use in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be legally acceptable in court. Samples with a presumptive positive Screening outcome necessitate secondary verification.

Upon receiving a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample and made ready for Extraction. At this point, substances are isolated from the hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva tests), which explains why hair drug testing presents more challenges.

Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples marked as presumptive positive are cleansed prior to Confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the entire lab process is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair tests detect drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter span.
• Increased test credibility: Hair drug tests are notably difficult to manipulate, thereby enhancing result reliability.
• Long-term usage pattern: It offers insights into patterns of drug use over time, rather than just recent intake.

Limitations:

• Lacks immediate use detection: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become evident in hair samples.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs compared to other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and personal differences in hair growth might influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Indian Springs, MD surpasses urine testing in multiple ways. With a detection window reaching up to 90 days, it offers superior accuracy and is more difficult to circumvent.
Employers and legal agencies prefer this method as it gives a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history, ensuring greater reliability over time.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Indian Springs, MD provides an extended detection window for drug use, typically up to 90 days. This makes it a valuable tool for employers seeking a comprehensive analysis of an applicant's or employee's substance use history.
It effectively captures long-term patterns, offering more than just a snapshot like other test types.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Employers in Indian Springs, MD recognize hair follicle tests as highly tamper-resistant, offering reliable results.
Unlike other test types, the collection process here minimizes the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring outcomes that are credible and unquestionable, vital for maintaining integrity in drug screening protocols.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Access to drug testing is made convenient for Indian Springs, MD residents with our national and local testing locations.
With centers nationwide, we ensure swift and hassle-free services, providing clients with ease and flexibility for their testing requirements, reinforcing a user-friendly experience wherever you are.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Indian Springs, MD, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, every step is designed with privacy and ease in mind.
Clients can expect a seamless experience, ensuring their data and circumstances remain protected throughout the testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and quick turnaround are hallmarks of our service in Indian Springs, MD. Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value, while our rapid processing of results gives companies peace of mind.
All businesses, regardless of size, can rely on our efficient and cost-effective solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Indian Springs, MD, hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and rapid results. Conducted with high accuracy, these tests effectively reveal substance use, offering reliable outcomes for various agencies and employers.
The ability to deliver fast and accurate detection makes them a preferred choice over conventional methods, ensuring results that can be trusted without delay.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Incorporating hair follicle tests in Indian Springs, MD lends compliance and peace of mind to employers. This method aids in adhering to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks, and fostering a safer work environment.
Ensuring employees' compliance with these policies minimizes potential liabilities and enhances overall corporate safety standards.

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