Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive drug screening using hair follicle tests in Parkville, Maryland. Whether you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol test, we specialize in these services with testing centers available in cities across the Nation. Typically, hair samples should be 1.5 to 2 inches long from the head or body. These tests can check for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored to specific requirements.
In recent times, hair follicle drug testing has become more common. Numerous employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts now opt for hair testing over the traditional urine method. Organizations with zero-tolerance policies, the courts, and probationary individuals often prefer hair testing due to its extended detection window of around 90 days, observed collection, and difficulty to cheat. However, for recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain more precise.
* 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 considered an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive history of substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for shipping.
By taking a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, you obtain 100mg of hair, ideal for conducting screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The process within the laboratory for generating a drug test result encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry tasks not available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for potential drug use. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptively positive result in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
For samples marked as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug tests one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation for any result that is positive in Screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary before confirmation. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," these evaluations analyze the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The preference for hair follicle testing in Parkville, MD, over traditional urine tests is evident. Hair tests offer a superior detection period and accuracy, capturing drug use over a longer timeframe. Employers benefit from its reliability, especially those with strict drug policies.
In Parkville, MD, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection period, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days. This unmatched ability offers employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history.
Hair follicle testing in Parkville, MD, significantly minimizes the risk of adulteration, presenting a tamper-resistant option for drug screening. Sample integrity is maintained due to strict collection processes, ensuring the authenticity of results.
Our testing centers in Parkville, MD, and nationwide, provide convenience to those needing hair follicle drug testing. These easily accessible locations ensure a quick and hassle-free process.
In Parkville, MD, our hair follicle drug testing boasts a simple and confidential process. Ordering, collecting, and obtaining results is straightforward and maintains privacy, reassuring concerned individuals.
Parkville, MD, benefits from our competitive pricing and swift processing of hair follicle tests. These factors make drug testing both accessible and efficient for companies of all sizes.
In Parkville, MD, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. These tests offer fast, precise results, making them a reliable choice for detecting substance use. Due to their detailed detection capabilities, individuals and businesses gain confidence in their outcomes.
Hair follicle testing offers peace of mind to Parkville, MD, employers through reliable drug-free policy compliance. By using this testing method, businesses reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety.
