Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Jefferson, Maryland. For those requiring hair drug or alcohol assessments, our expertise in hair testing is backed by a network of testing centers across the nation, including various cities. To perform the test, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is generally used. The analysis includes drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other specialized options.
In recent times, conducting drug tests often involves a hair follicle drug test. This change is seen with many employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals opting for hair testing over the conventional urine test. These tests are favored by zero-tolerance employers and those in judicial settings. The standout advantage of hair follicle drug tests is their extended detection period, lasting up to 90 days, through an observed collection process, making tampering nearly impossible. However, urine tests remain the most precise for recent drug use in the past five days.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair testing is increasingly accepted as a robust method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair captures a timeline of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. If collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easily transported.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, the equivalent amount of body hair may serve as an alternative. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other varieties such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning concerns the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This procedure includes ensuring that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While this is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, substantiation is necessary for a positive screen to be valid in legal contexts. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further preparation in Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Any positive screening results are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Jefferson, MD is evident through the superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair testing. Compared to standard urine tests, hair follicle tests offer a broader detection window and are less susceptible to manipulation—qualities appreciated by employers seeking trustworthy results.
Extended Detection Window in Jefferson, MD provides up to 90 days of monitoring. This lengthy detection period supplies employers with a comprehensive assessment of an applicant or employee's drug usage patterns, ensuring informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Jefferson, MD stands out due to its resistance to sample adulteration. Hair follicle testing requires a controlled collection process that assures the authenticity and integrity of the sample, ultimately delivering consistent and dependable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Jefferson, MD are part of our expansive network. Our testing centers provide easy and accessible services, allowing for a swift and stress-free testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Jefferson, MD ensures privacy and ease from start to finish. The order, collection, and results stages are seamless, aligned with clients' confidentiality expectations while guaranteeing straightforward usability.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jefferson, MD complements our services. With competitive pricing models and quick response times, companies of varying sizes receive excellent value and assurance through efficient processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Jefferson, MD are possible with hair follicle drug tests. Known for their precision and speed, these tests are a valuable tool for identifying substance use. Professionals trust them for their ability to yield dependable outcomes swiftly and efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jefferson, MD is achieved through the use of hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, potentially reducing legal risks and promoting a safer working environment.
