Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Loch Lynn Heights, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection period of up to approximately 90 days for alcohol and substance use. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

An ideal hair sample for both screening and confirmation would consist of a 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 strands, equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil, yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary phases in processing a laboratory drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of initially integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not already covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening outcome must be verified to be legally recognized. Samples with preliminary positive results from Screening require further confirmation.

If a sample generates a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is withdrawn from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The continuous process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests are capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a much shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is very difficult, yielding more reliable results.
• Offers historical insights: It reveals patterns of drug use over an extended timeframe, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Variabilities in factors such as hair color and individual hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In Loch Lynn Heights, MD, the superior detection offered by hair testing provides a more accurate and reliable method over traditional urine tests. Its ability to uncover substance use over a more extended period ensures a clearer picture of an individual's history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Loch Lynn Heights, MD can reveal drug use for up to 90 days. This long detection period aids employers in gaining a comprehensive understanding of a candidate or employee’s substance usage history.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In Loch Lynn Heights, MD, hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the chances of sample manipulation, ensuring authenticity and unquestionable results, which is a step ahead of other testing techniques.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Our expansive network of testing centers across Loch Lynn Heights, MD, and nationwide guarantee immediate and stress-free access to testing services for enhanced convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process: In Loch Lynn Heights, MD, our easy and discrete testing process ensures privacy and user simplicity from ordering to test-taking and receiving results.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: Our competitive pricing and swift result delivery in Loch Lynn Heights, MD provide exceptional value and assurance for businesses regardless of their size.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In Loch Lynn Heights, MD, hair follicle testing provides speed and precision in delivering results. Its ability to detect substance use with high accuracy places this method ahead in reliability compared to other testing options.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Utilizing hair follicle testing in Loch Lynn Heights, MD, firms can align with drug-free workplace standards effortlessly, minimizing legal risks and bolstering workplace safety and peace of mind.

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