Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Jefferson, MD

What it is, How it works

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:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests reveal drug use up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection span of urine tests.
• Resistance to evasion: It is exceedingly challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing result reliability.
• Offers historical insight: It charts a timeline of drug consumption rather than solely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent usage: Approximately 5-7 days are required for drugs to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Drug metabolite concentration in hair can be influenced by factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences.

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

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

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

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 Locations

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

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, Fast Turnaround

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

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

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.

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