Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Mount Airy, MD. If you need testing for drugs or alcohol, our organization specializes in hair evaluation with centers available across numerous cities nationwide, ready to conduct a hair analysis. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair are necessary, although body hair may also suffice. Hair testing can assess for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored analyses.
In recent times, hair follicle examinations have increasingly become popular in drug testing methodologies. An increasing number of employers, judicial bodies, and substance misuse experts are preferring hair testing over the conventional urine tests. Hair follicle evaluations are favored by organizations adhering to zero-tolerance policies, court systems, and probationary individuals. Its key advantage lies in a longer detection window, commonly up to 90 days, utilizing verified sample collections, making it nearly immune to cheating. Yet, urine tests remain the most precise for analyzing recent drug usage within 5 days.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Over time, hair can encapsulate biomarkers of alcohol and drugs within its growing strands. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a period of roughly three months. Hair samples are straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an ideal quantity for both screening and verification. For tests such as EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test results involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially incorporated into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any additional data not supplied by electronic custody systems.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Although it's a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening need further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower levels compared to other practices (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positively screened result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Positive samples are appropriately cleansed before confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", these examinations analyze the hair strand alone, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing presents distinct advantages over traditional urine tests, offering improved detection accuracy and reliability. In Mount Airy, MD, the emphasis on hair testing provides a more dependable method for identifying substance use, surpassing the limitations of urine testing.
One notable benefit is the standard of accuracy. Hair analysis offers a wider window for detecting substance use, ensuring that employers and agencies have the most accurate information regarding an individual's drug history.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing makes it a powerful tool for employers in Mount Airy, MD seeking a comprehensive view of an individual's drug usage history. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can trace substance use for up to 90 days.
This broader detection range provides valuable insights into an applicant or employee's behavior, enabling a deeper understanding of their substance history and improving evaluation processes.
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of tampering, offering a reliable and unquestionable method in Mount Airy, MD. Compared to urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests provide peace of mind by delivering consistent and valid results.
In this secure method, the likelihood of sample adulteration is minimized, ensuring that the test reflects an honest and accurate representation of substance use.
Convenient access to nationwide testing centers, including in Mount Airy, MD, makes drug testing straightforward and hassle-free. The availability ensures quick, easy access to quality testing services without major interruptions.
Local facilities provide flexibility and ease for individuals and companies requiring drug testing, making the process smoother and more efficient for everyone involved.
The process of ordering, testing, and receiving results in Mount Airy, MD is both simple and confidential. This approach eases privacy concerns and ensures individuals receive comprehensive and secure treatment throughout the testing process.
The straightforward steps involved in hair follicle testing contribute to a smoother experience, making it easier for employers and individuals alike to manage their testing needs discreetly.
Mount Airy, MD benefits from affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in hair follicle drug testing. This combination offers exceptional value for businesses of any size, ensuring cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality.
The competitive pricing structures allow employers to manage their drug testing budgets efficiently, while quick processing times provide timely results that are essential for decision-making.
In Mount Airy, MD, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unrivaled. These tests offer high accuracy levels in detecting substance use, facilitating fast and dependable results that are essential for employers and individuals alike.
The technology behind hair follicle tests ensures reliable detection of various substances, leading to prompt and precise outcomes. This efficiency contrasts markedly with more traditional testing methods.
For employers in Mount Airy, MD, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. It supports employers in maintaining a secure and regulated environment.
Implementing such testing not only aligns with legal regulations but also fosters peace of mind by verifying adherence to workplace safety standards, contributing to a safer and more compliant workforce.