Hair Drug Testing Locations - Oxford, MD

What it is, How it works

The utilization of hair testing has been recognized as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can chronicle extended histories of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When the hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer up to an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to falsify, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be gathered. When referencing head hair, it pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial processing phase of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data entry that is not supplied by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.

Screening pertains to the initial swift evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that indicate a presumptive positive during Screening will necessitate an additional confirmation.

If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging approach to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests that have shorter detection periods.
• Difficulty in cheating: Cheating in a hair drug test is highly challenging, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical data provision: It offers insights into patterns of drug use over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It typically takes 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are often pricier compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual discrepancies in hair growth may influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oxford, MD

For unbeatable detection accuracy, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests. By tapping into a longer detection window, these tests yield superior reliability in identifying drug use patterns, offering a clearer picture of an individual's history.

Hair tests have a marked advantage due to the difficulty in tampering, unlike urine tests, making them a preferred choice for institutions in need of precise results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Oxford, MD

The standout feature of hair follicle tests is their extensive detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This longer period provides employers with a broad perspective of an individual's substance use history, unlike other methods limited to recent use.

Such tests give employers in Oxford a comprehensive understanding of potential or current employees' habits, ensuring informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oxford, MD

One of the critical advantages of hair follicle tests is their resilience against tampering. These tests are resistant to the risks of sample adulteration, ensuring high reliability and trustworthy results.

Conducted in a controlled collection process, hair tests offer employers and authorities confidence in the genuineness of the results, a confidence unmatched by alternative methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oxford, MD

Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide and locally in Oxford guarantees easy access to testing services. This provides a seamless and hassle-free experience for individuals and organizations alike.

The convenience offered by these locations eliminates unnecessary delays, ensuring quick and efficient testing processes.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Oxford, MD

Our hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed to address privacy concerns, ensuring users' peace of mind.

The straightforward nature of the process makes it accessible for anyone seeking a private and efficient testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oxford, MD

Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times are hallmarks of our services. We offer excellent value without sacrificing quality, making us an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes in Oxford.

Our efficient processes ensure that companies can enjoy rapid results without breaking the bank, providing essential insights when they matter most.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Oxford, MD, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their quick, accurate, and reliable results. The precision with which these tests function ensures that substance use is detected effectively.

With lightning speed and remarkable accuracy, hair follicle tests have a distinct upper hand over other methods. The ability to detect various substances precisely makes it an unparalleled choice for individuals and organizations seeking dependable results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oxford, MD

In today's regulatory climate, maintaining workplace compliance is crucial. Hair follicle tests offer peace of mind by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby mitigating legal risks.

Employers can feel assured as these tests provide a reliable check on employee compliance, ultimately leading to enhanced safety and productivity in the workplace.

Drug Testing Near Oxford, MD

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