Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Monrovia, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means of detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows, hair offers a long-term history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, with a lower likelihood of adulteration, and it is simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands, comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil, cut close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for initial screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or beyond 10-panel assessments, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a proportionate amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types, like facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

There are four primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is input into the lab system. This step involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment to check for drug use. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-acceptable. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

For samples that test positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. In this stage, hair is processed to extract drugs at lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), hence the challenging nature of hair drug screening.

Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to manipulate: Tampering with a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, ensuring more precise outcomes.
• Tracks usage over time: It reveals a timeline of drug use over months, not just immediate usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Detection of drugs in hair typically requires 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair hue and individual hair growth rate can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze strands of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Monrovia, MD

Hair follicle testing provides superior advantages over traditional urine tests. It offers greater detection accuracy, covering a wider window of substance use history, thus delivering more reliable results. This testing process is a preferred choice of Monrovia's employers seeking conclusive outcomes.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Monrovia, MD

Hair follicle testing offers a lengthy detection period of up to 90 days, significantly longer than standard methods. This comprehensive timeline grants employers a more complete overview of a candidate’s or employee’s drug use habits, enhancing their decision-making process.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Monrovia, MD

Hair follicle drug tests reduce the likelihood of sample tampering. The method’s inherent design makes it challenging to alter or compromise the integrity of samples, ensuring that the results remain reliable and trustworthy, supporting robust decision-making protocols.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Monrovia, MD

Accredited Drug Testing offers various testing centers nationwide, including local options in Monrovia. Tests are convenient, ensuring seamless access to services whenever needed, which supports employees and employers alike inclusively.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Monrovia, MD

The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is designed to be straightforward and discreet. We prioritize privacy and user-friendly interactions, thereby reducing any potential concerns and enhancing user confidence.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Monrovia, MD

Offering balanced pricing and swift results, our services provide companies with practical and economical drug testing solutions. This combination assures excellent value, as well as confidence, irrespective of company size or industry.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Monrovia, MD

The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug testing in Monrovia stand out prominently. These tests offer high accuracy, effectively detecting substance use with unmatched reliability. The procedure ensures quick turnaround times, providing fast access to results for all concerned parties.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Monrovia, MD

Using hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies. It aids in minimizing legal implications and enhances the safety and productivity of the workplace. With reliable results, employers gain confidence in maintaining a compliant and secure working environment.

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