Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug tests in North Potomac, Maryland. Whether it involves a hair drug or alcohol analysis, our company specializes in hair testing and maintains centers in cities across the nation to provide such services. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is required. Hair samples are used to detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored options.
In recent times, the hair follicle method for drug tests has become increasingly prevalent. Many employers, judicial entities, and Substance Abuse experts are favoring this test over the traditional urine test. Hair follicle tests are employed by organizations with strict anti-drug policies, courts, and individuals on probation. The key advantage is its longer detection window, usually up to 90 days—resulting from an observed collection process that is hard to adulterate. Nevertheless, for recent drug usage within 5 days, urine tests remain the go-to option.
* 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 testing is now recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fiber. When sampled near the scalp, hair delivers an approximate 3-month detection period for substances. It is straightforward to gather, resilient to tampering, and easy to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, collecting 150mg of the specimen is advisable. The use of a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Note that when discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
For presumptive positives in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are wash-treated before confirmation as warranted. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used incorrectly; the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Tests Lead over traditional urine tests in North Potomac, MD is clear. Hair testing can deliver superior detection accuracy and reliability when compared to urine tests. With a much more extended detection window and less likelihood of result tampering, hair tests provide a comprehensive view of substance history.
Extended Detection Window is a hallmark of hair follicle testing in North Potomac, MD. These tests can detect drug use over a period extending up to 90 days, unlike traditional methods. This longer detection timeframe supplies employers with a thorough assessment of an individual's substance history, enhancing informed decision-making.
Reduced Adulteration Risk is a prominent feature of hair follicle testing in North Potomac. These tests diminish the risk of sample tampering, offering results that are both reliable and beyond question. The procedures involved make it nearly impossible to alter outcomes, ensuring credible findings.
Convenient Locations in North Potomac, MD offer easy access to testing services. With a nationwide network of testing centers, individuals and companies can utilize our hassle-free services locally or elsewhere without difficulty, ensuring quick, straightforward testing experiences.
Simple and Private describes the hair testing process in North Potomac, MD. The process of ordering, testing, and receiving results is simple yet confidential. Privacy is greatly respected, and the streamlined procedure reassures users of the secure handling of their personal information.
Competitive Pricing characterizes our drug testing services in North Potomac. Our affordable rates combine with rapid result delivery to provide excellent value for all-sized companies. With an emphasis on quick turnaround times, businesses can make timely decisions with peace of mind.
Speed and Precision define hair follicle testing in North Potomac. These tests offer high accuracy in detecting substance use with swift results. They capture a longer history of substance abuse, ensuring that the findings are reliable and timely. The meticulous process ensures rapid and dependable results.
Compliance and Security in the workplace are enhanced through hair follicle testing in North Potomac, MD. They assist employers in upholding drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks, and contributing to increased safety and security at work, providing peace of mind alongside regulatory compliance.
