Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pecktonville, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the growing hair strand's fibers, hair can offer a comprehensive history of substances over time. When gathered near the scalp, it allows for about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and conveniently shipped.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, deemed the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it implies only scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary step involving integrating a sample into a lab's system. It includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as an initial, swift examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screen requires confirmation for court use. Presumptive positive samples in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other tests (e.g., urine or oral fluid), challenging due to the nature of hair drug screening.

Positive screening confirmations are achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS testing. All samples testing positive are washed if required before confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is meticulously assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, contrasting with the shorter windows of urine tests.
• Challenging to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is considerably difficult, ensuring more accurate results.
• Offers historical insight: It showcases a timeline of drug use, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to manifest in hair, delaying detection.
• Expense: Hair testing typically incurs higher costs than alternative drug testing methods.
• Results variability: Elements such as hair color and personal hair growth variations can influence the drug metabolite concentration found in hair.

Note: Despite being labeled "hair follicle tests," the actual test analyzes the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Pecktonville, MD, hair follicle testing noticeably outperforms traditional urine testing. It ensures superior detection precision and reliability, tracking substance use over longer periods. This method propels employers toward a more thorough validation process, reducing the inaccuracies and potential for manipulation associated with urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window
One of the most substantial benefits of hair follicle testing in Pecktonville, MD is its extensive detection window, capturing up to 90 days of drug use history. This long-term overview equips employers with valuable insights into an applicant or employee's substance use patterns, far surpassing the capabilities of other testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
The hair follicle drug testing method in Pecktonville, MD is designed to substantially eliminate the risk of sample tampering. This reliability means the results are indisputable, providing a sound foundation for decision-making in drug policy enforcement and supporting a fair testing approach.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
At our Pecktonville, MD location, and nationwide, we strive to provide convenient access to our drug testing services. With numerous centers across the country, finding a testing site nearby is effortless, providing swift and seamless testing experiences for all participants.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process
In Pecktonville, MD, our hair follicle testing is distinguished by its simplicity and confidentiality. The process—from ordering to testing and receiving results—ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing privacy concerns that clients may have while ensuring an uncomplicated journey.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Accredited Drug Testing in Pecktonville, MD offers competitive pricing structures, accompanied by fast turnaround times. Our service assures companies of all sizes great value, ensuring timely results and peace of mind without financially burdening their operations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
The hair follicle drug test is characterized by its remarkable precision and speed. Located in Pecktonville, MD, our service ensures that detection of substance use is not only rapid but also highly accurate. This methodology ensures a thorough and reliable examination, offering peace of mind to both the employer and the test subject in question.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
For employers in Pecktonville, MD, incorporating hair follicle testing can ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This robust testing reduces legal vulnerabilities and optimizes workplace safety, delivering both compliance and serenity for employers concerned about maintaining a drug-free environment.

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