Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing in Kettering, Maryland. If you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol test, Accredited Drug Testing excels in hair testing, with facilities across the nation, including all cities. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp or body can be used for testing. Hair tests may analyze drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specific testing needs.
As of late, hair follicle drug testing has become a more common method for screening. Employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals are increasingly favoring hair tests over urine tests. This method is utilized by organizations enforcing strict no-drug policies, courts, and for probation monitoring. The key advantage of hair testing is its extended detection window of drug usage, up to 90 days, with an observed collection method that is difficult to tamper with. However, urine tests remain superior for detecting recent drug use within 5 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 analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. A long-term record of alcohol and drug use is provided by hair, which traps biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When taken near the scalp, a hair sample can offer a detection window of up to around 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, consisting of around 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional analysis, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the initial processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This phase verifies the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid analysis for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, confirmed results are necessary for them to be admissible legally. Any samples suspected to be positive during Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positive results at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging to conduct.
Positive screening result confirmations are performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually performed on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers superior benefits over traditional urine testing in Kettering, MD. The main advantage of hair testing is its extensive detection window of up to 90 days, which far surpasses the short span of urine tests. This provides employers with a more reliable history of an individual’s drug use, making it the superior choice for those with strict substance policies.
Moreover, hair testing is observed, reducing the opportunities for sample tampering—a common issue with urine testing. Employers and courts opting for this method gain confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the results, leading to more informed decisions regarding current or prospective employees.
The extended detection period offered by hair follicle testing in Kettering, MD, is a vital asset for employers seeking a comprehensive perspective of an individual’s substance history. By assessing drug use over a 90-day period, this method provides a more thorough analysis compared to conventional tests.
Employers can utilize this extended perspective to evaluate an applicant's or employee’s past drug activity, ensuring a safer workplace. Such extensive insight is invaluable in maintaining a drug-free environment, contributing to better management and decision-making practices.
Hair follicle testing in Kettering, MD, significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, offering reliable and unquestioned results. Unlike urine samples, which can be manipulated, hair tests are collected through a direct and observed process, ensuring authenticity.
This method provides reassurance to employers and judicial systems that the results are trustworthy. By minimizing the chance of adulteration, hair testing solidifies its status as a dependable option for detecting drug use.
With plentiful testing centers across the nation, including Kettering, MD, our services promise convenience and ease. Accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free, catering to the needs of businesses and individuals alike.
Our widespread network ensures that wherever you are, there’s a center close by ready to assist with your testing requirements. This convenience supports prompt and efficient service, allowing you to focus on other priorities.
In Kettering, MD, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, addressing concerns surrounding privacy and ease of use. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is straightforward and secure.
Such simplicity ensures that individuals can go through testing confidently, knowing their information is protected. This confidentiality is crucial in fostering trust in the testing process and promoting a seamless experience.
Our testing services in Kettering, MD, are priced competitively to offer exceptional value while ensuring quick turnaround times. Regardless of company size, organizations can benefit from our cost-effective solutions.
The combination of affordability and efficiency enhances the overall testing experience, providing employers with budget-friendly options without compromising on quality or timeliness.
In Kettering, MD, hair follicle drug testing offers speedy and dependable outcomes. With its exceptional precision, hair testing can accurately detect a wide range of substances, providing results you can rely on. This method stands out for its ability to quickly identify drug use for both employers and individuals ensuring informed decisions based on trustworthy data.
This high level of accuracy in hair follicle testing ensures that employers in Kettering can make critical hiring or ongoing employment decisions with confidence. As this testing method efficiently validates substance use over an extended period, it proves to be an invaluable resource for maintaining a safe and productive workplace.
Employers in Kettering, MD, benefit from peace of mind and compliance assurance through hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks and enhancing overall safety.
By leveraging this reliable testing method, organizations can ensure adherence to industry and legal standards, maintaining a secure and productive work environment. The confidence in accurate testing aids employers in minimizing liability and preserving workplace integrity.
