Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pittsville, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of hair as it grows, hair can provide an extended history of substance use. When taken from the area near the scalp, hair may reveal drug or alcohol presence for around a 90-day timeframe. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to falsify, and convenient for transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hairs (approximating the width of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for testing. For EtG additions or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary phases in the laboratory processing to produce a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial sample processing into a lab’s framework. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial review for drugs of abuse. Screening is cost-efficient and useful for quickly excluding drug usage in most samples, but a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that are presumptive positives in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.

When a sample indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set up for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration from hair as opposed to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to deceive: Hair drug tests are notably difficult to cheat, thereby enhancing result accuracy.
• Reveals historical patterns: Tests can show a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent occurrences.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual growth rates may impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Though sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair strand, not the sub-scalp hair follicle

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing drug testing methods in Pittsville, MD, the benefits of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are evident.
Superior Accuracy: Hair tests offer more reliable results.

• Longer Detection Window
• Minimal Chance for Tampering

Furthermore, hair tests are a preferred option for employers implementing zero-tolerance drug use policies due to their comprehensive detection capabilities.

Extended Detection Window

The hair follicle test in Pittsville, MD offers an extended detection window, tracing substance use up to 90 days.
Benefits: This broader timeframe gives a panoramic view of an individual's substance history.

• Comprehensive Substance Analysis
• Enhanced Detection Period

This testing method provides organizations with a fuller picture of an applicant's fitness for the job, boosting confidence in hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Pittsville, MD provide a tamper-resistant drug testing option, mitigating the risk of sample adulteration.
Reliability: Hair samples are difficult to manipulate.

• Unquestionable Results
• Consistent Accuracy

This reliability ensures that results are a true reflection of an individual's substance history, crucial for maintaining a trusted testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to drug testing services with centers nationwide, including Pittsville, MD.
Locations: Numerous centers available for hassle-free testing.

• Easy Access
• Quick Service

The combination of local and national presence guarantees prompt testing services, affirming commitment to client convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Pittsville, MD, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and private, ensuring ease of use from start to finish.
Confidentiality: All interactions are discreet.

• Simple Ordering
• Confidential Results Delivery

These straightforward steps alleviate privacy concerns, fostering a comfortable experience for all stakeholders involved in the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our services in Pittsville, MD offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses.
Cost-Effective: Competitive pricing structures ensure affordability.

• Quick Turnaround
• Exceptional Value

Efficient service delivery coupled with economical pricing supports businesses in maintaining budget-friendly operations without compromising quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Pittsville, MD, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering swift, accurate outcomes. Their precision in detecting substance use vastly outshines other testing methods.
Quick Results: The speed of processing ensures timely results.

• High Accuracy
• Reliable Detection

Moreover, the reliability of hair follicle testing is unmatched, making it the method of choice for organizations seeking certainty in their testing protocols.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Pittsville, MD, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, increasing legal protection and workplace safety.
Compliance: Hair testing aligns with stringent policy requirements.

• Legal Risk Mitigation
• Enhanced Workplace Safety

Utilizing this test method reinforces a company's commitment to a safe and compliant workplace, boosting organizational integrity.

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