Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Orchard Beach, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust approach to identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. When gathered from near the scalp, hair provides a detection timeframe that spans up to around three months for both alcohol and various drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional analyses, and/or those that extend beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair might be used as a substitute. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types, such as facial and axillary hair, among others.

Process Overview

The primary steps in the laboratory’s drug testing process include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the beginning phase where a sample is introduced into the lab’s system. This step includes ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any remaining data entry that the electronic chain of custody system does not cover.

Screening is a preliminary fast assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a favorable screening outcome must be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening need additional confirmation.

If a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This step involves isolating drugs from the hair at much lower concentrations than is possible with other tests (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis one of the most intricate methodologies to execute.

Positive findings in screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The end-to-end lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine testing, which offers a shorter detection window.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, leading to more reliable results.
• Chronological data: This testing provides insight into the pattern of drug use over time, rather than just recent ingestion.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent usage: Detection of drugs in hair takes about 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally carry higher costs compared to other drug-testing methods.
• Result variations: Individual hair characteristics like color and growth rate can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Orchard Beach, MD
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing stands out due to its superior detection capabilities. This method provides a reliable record of substance use over time, which urine tests may not offer. The accuracy of hair testing in identifying prolonged substance use makes it a valuable tool for employers and legal authorities enforcing drug policies.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Orchard Beach, MD
Hair follicle testing spans a substantial detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing the capabilities of other test methods. This extended view allows employers to evaluate an individual's drug use history comprehensively, aiding in informed decision-making regarding employment or other critical assessments.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Orchard Beach, MD
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-proof approach to drug screening, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The robustness of this method ensures that the results are reliable and difficult to dispute, providing a trustworthy foundation for any necessary actions based on test outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Orchard Beach, MD
Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Orchard Beach, MD, ensures that access to hair follicle testing is quick and easy. This convenience allows individuals to obtain necessary testing without hassle, supporting prompt and comprehensive drug screening.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Orchard Beach, MD
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be straightforward and confidential. This ensures privacy for individuals while providing a seamless experience, addressing any concerns about ease of use and personal data protection.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Orchard Beach, MD
We offer competitive pricing structures paired with quick turnaround times, making our hair follicle drug testing a valuable choice for companies of all sizes. This combination of cost-effectiveness and efficiency ensures that businesses can meet their needs without compromising on quality or speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Orchard Beach, MD
Hair follicle drug tests offer superior accuracy and speed when detecting substance use. The precision with which these tests identify drug presence is unmatched, making them a preferred choice in situations where quick and reliable results are critical. This ensures that employers and individuals have confidence in the data obtained from these screenings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Orchard Beach, MD
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers comply with drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer workplace. This ensures that businesses can maintain a clean operational environment, providing peace of mind and showcasing a commitment to a substance-free workplace.

Drug Testing Near Orchard Beach, MD

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