Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Matthews, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has evolved into a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and substances by embedding biomarkers in the hair strand's fibrous structure. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month period of possible drug and alcohol presence. Hair samples are straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation purposes. For tests involving EtG, additional compounds, and/or beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen weight is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Our reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory drug test processing encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the introduction of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening is a preliminary, cost-efficient method to detect potential drug abuse. While Screening effectively eliminates drug presence for most samples, positive results necessitate confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples with presumptive positives during Screening require follow-up confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves separating the drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), accentuating the complexity of hair drug screening methodology.

Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is verified under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category, adhering to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can trace drug consumption up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Resistance to manipulation: Hair drug tests are challenging to deceive, ensuring more reliable results.
• Historical usage data: It charts drug use patterns over time, beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs require about 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than alternative methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and personal hair growth differences can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Matthews, MD, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair assessments can detect a broader range of substances over a more extended period compared to traditional urine tests. This reliability makes it instrumental for employers seeking confidence in their workforce's substance-free status while minimizing false negatives.

Extended Detection Window

In Matthews, MD, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, up to 90 days. This prolonged monitoring period enables companies to make informed decisions based on a more complete picture of an applicant’s or employee's behaviors, fostering safer work environments.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Matthews, MD, offers a tamper-resistant method, reducing the risk of sample adulteration significantly. Unlike urine tests, where samples can be easily manipulated, hair tests provide reliable and unquestionable results. This feature is crucial for organizations looking to enforce strict, undebatable drug-free policies effectively.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Matthews, MD, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. These locations ensure that individuals and companies can receive timely testing without logistical challenges, enhancing the accessibility of drug testing services across various locales.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Matthews, MD, is simple and confidential, ensuring that individuals can order, take, and receive results without concerns about privacy. The seamless process contributes to a user-friendly experience, addressing personal and professional needs efficiently while safeguarding privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Matthews, MD, hair follicle drug testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. These cost-effective solutions ensure that organizations do not have to compromise on quality or speed, supporting their operational and safety objectives effectively.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Matthews, MD, stands out for providing precise and swift hair follicle drug tests. These assessments ensure high accuracy in detecting substance use, offering quick results that businesses can rely on. The method’s combination of speed and reliability makes it an ideal choice for timely decision-making, helping organizations maintain their standards without unnecessary delays.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Matthews, MD, ensures that employers can maintain compliance with workplace drug-free mandates, reducing legal risks. This approach enhances workplace safety by ensuring comprehensive monitoring of substance use, thereby offering peace of mind to employers and contributing to a secure working atmosphere.

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