Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lake Arbor, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair samples have emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The growing strands of hair capture biomarkers, offering a prolonged view of alcohol and drug use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can detect drugs and alcohol for a duration of up to three months. It is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp can provide 100mg, which is perfect for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the hair. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug testing process in the lab consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into the lab's system. It involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of misuse. While being an economical way to negate drug use in most samples, any positive result from Screening needs verification to be legally valid. Samples that appear positive in Screening require further confirmation.

In cases where a sample checks positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), explaining why hair drug testing is one of the most complex methodologies.

Confirmation of any positive screen result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples that screened positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The overall lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which have a shorter detection range.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Retrospective data provision: It outlines drug use over an extended period rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent consumption: It takes about 5-7 days before drugs become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing alternatives.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually done on the hair strand, not the follicle under the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Discover why hair follicle testing reigns over traditional urine tests in Lake Arbor, MD. With superior detection capabilities and a long window of evidence, this method ensures more reliable outcomes. Employers and legal bodies benefit from its high accuracy, showcasing a clear representation of an individual's history, unlike the limited snapshot urine tests provide.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Lake Arbor, MD, is unbeatable. Spanning up to 90 days, it offers a panoramic view into an individual's substance use, ideal for employers needing an exhaustive evaluation. It reveals patterns of use that short-term tests like urine cannot, providing a larger picture of employee reliability and history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Lake Arbor, MD, hair follicle tests shine as a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. The process significantly limits opportunities for sample adulteration, delivering untainted and reliable results. By choosing this advanced testing technique, you reduce risks of compromising the integrity of the test outcomes, offering peace of mind to all stakeholders.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Lake Arbor, MD, enjoy the benefits of conveniently located testing centers nationwide. Our local presence guarantees easy and hassle-free access to testing services, making it a simple task to meet your needs. With facilities everywhere, you are assured of quick service that fits into any schedule seamlessly.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our process in Lake Arbor, MD, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and retrieving results are streamlined, addressing concerns of participant privacy and ease. This efficiency ensures a user-friendly experience, from initiation to completion, keeping the focus on accuracy and discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Lake Arbor, MD, our services deliver excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from competitive rates and the rapid delivery of results, reinforcing our commitment to offering peace of mind alongside fiscal prudence.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Experience fast, accurate, and reliable results in Lake Arbor, MD with hair follicle testing. This method stands out for its precision in detecting various substances, offering confidence for employers looking for trustworthy results. Not only does it streamline your process, it significantly minimizes false positives or negatives, making it the preferred choice for substance detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Lake Arbor, MD, hair follicle testing ensures employer compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. This testing method fosters peace of mind by reducing legal risks and promoting a safer workplace environment. The extended detection timeframe and observed collection method alleviate concerns of recent drug use being missed.

Drug Testing Near Lake Arbor, MD

Peppermill Village, MD

Carmody Hills-Pepper Mill Village, MD

Greater Landover, MD

Ritchie, MD

Kentland, MD

Dodge Park, MD

Palmer Park, MD

Springdale, MD

Glenarden, MD

Kettering, MD

Woodmore, MD

Largo, MD