Hair Drug Testing Locations - Pleasant Grove, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term biomarkers of alcohol and other substances within its growing fibers. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use over a 3-month time frame. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of hair. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

There are four primary steps in processing a drug test result in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into a lab's system. This includes ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not already provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use for most samples, any positive results must be confirmed to be admissible in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

A sample showing presumptive positivity during Screening undergoes further preparation in the Extraction stage, where drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can indicate drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period.
• Difficulty in deception: Cheating on a hair drug test is highly challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historic usage patterns: It provides a timeline of drug use, not merely recent exposure.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days for substances to be traceable in hair.
• Higher cost: Hair drug tests are generally pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the examination evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pleasant Grove, MD

Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. It provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, giving employers a clearer insight into substance use patterns. The comprehensive results from hair testing make it the preferred choice over urine tests, which may not detect longer-term usage.
Employers benefit from the unparalleled precision provided by hair testing methods.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Pleasant Grove, MD

Hair follicle testing extends detection capabilities up to 90 days. This long-term view offers employers a broader assessment of an individual's substance history, crucial information for pre-employment screenings.
By analyzing hair samples, employers gain a more rounded perspective on potential or current employees' past drug use, facilitating informed hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pleasant Grove, MD

Hair follicle tests have a reputation for being highly tamper-resistant, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This delivers reliable, trustworthy results, standing head and shoulders above other testing methods.
Employers appreciate this robustness in safeguarding against potential cheating or manipulation in drug tests, ensuring authenticity in results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pleasant Grove, MD

Access to testing services is made easy with our numerous nationwide centers. Accredited Drug Testing offers swift, effortless access in Pleasant Grove, MD, prioritizing customer convenience and efficiency.
With practical locations, testing becomes hassle-free, allowing participants to focus on receiving accurate and timely results.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Pleasant Grove, MD

The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects individual privacy. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, the confidentiality of participants is a top priority.
The entire procedure is designed to be user-friendly, addressing potential concerns and ensuring comfort for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pleasant Grove, MD

Accredited Drug Testing delivers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for companies of any size. Our cost-effective services make high-quality drug testing accessible.
With swift result delivery, employers receive critical insights into drug use without a long wait, providing peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pleasant Grove, MD

Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speedy delivery of results. Unlike other testing methods, these tests offer high accuracy in uncovering substance use. Such reliability is particularly valuable for employers seeking confidence in the testing process.
With swift processing times, results are returned promptly, ensuring informed decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pleasant Grove, MD

Employers can ensure compliance with drug-free policies by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and promotes a safe working environment.
The assurance in results from a trusted testing method allows businesses to operate with confidence, knowing their workforce adheres to company standards.

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