Hair Drug Testing Locations - Mattapex, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by trapping biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. When cut near the scalp, hair can provide roughly a 3-month timeline of drug and alcohol use. The collection process is straightforward, it's hard to tamper with, and shipping is uncomplicated.

A hair sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG tests, add-ons, and screenings over 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measurement. If scalp hair cannot be retrieved, collect an equivalent amount of body hair. When talking about head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug test result process in a laboratory follows four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first phase where a sample is integrated into a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a specific LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method of ruling out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any sample that tests presumptively positive in Screening calls for further verification.

If the sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample and set up for Extraction. In this step, drugs are drawn out from hair at a much lower concentration when compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screen results is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptive positive are washed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is rigorously reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have briefer detection periods.
• Hard to falsify: Manipulating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, improving the reliability of the results.
• Offers usage trends: It reveals a record of drug use over time, not only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Although sometimes referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test focuses on analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mattapex, MD: Hair follicle testing stands head and shoulders above urine testing in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. With a longer detection window and greater resistance to tampering, hair tests provide a more comprehensive look into an individual's drug use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Mattapex, MD: Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing can detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This provides employers with an inclusive view of an individual's substance-related activities over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mattapex, MD: The hair follicle test minimizes tampering risk significantly, yielding dependable and conclusive results. This ensures the authenticity of the test, reducing the chances of fraudulent outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Mattapex, MD: Our extensive network of testing centers provides swift, convenient, and seamless access to hair follicle testing services across the nation and locally in Mattapex.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Mattapex, MD: We ensure a straightforward, discreet procedure for ordering, conducting, and obtaining results, addressing privacy concerns and making the experience user-friendly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mattapex, MD: Our competitive pricing and quick results offer exceptional value, catering to companies of all sizes who seek comprehensive drug screening solutions without breaking the bank.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mattapex, MD: Hair follicle drug tests offer quick and precise results, making them highly accurate in identifying substance use. The efficiency of hair testing allows for rapid turnaround, ensuring that employers receive reliable data promptly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mattapex, MD:Employing hair follicle testing assists employers in aligning with drug-free workplace mandates, curtails legal pitfalls, and boosts workplace safety through reliable substance use monitoring.

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