Accredited Drug Testing provides thorough hair follicle drug testing services in Pomona, Maryland. Specializing in hair tests for drugs and alcohol, we maintain testing centers across the United States that can handle these assessments. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair, either from your scalp or body, is needed. Hair follicle tests can evaluate for substances, alcohol/ETG, or offer a range of tailored options.
In recent times, hair follicle drug testing has become a more prevalent choice in substance screening. Employers, judicial systems, and addiction specialists increasingly favor hair testing over traditional urine tests. This method is preferred by organizations with strict no-drug policies, judiciary bodies, and probationary programs. A key advantage is the extensive detection window, lasting approximately 90 days. Additionally, the supervision during collection minimizes cheating, though for very recent use, urine tests remain superior.
* 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.
Drug and alcohol detection through hair testing is now considered a potent method. Hair captures a lengthy history of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When taken from near the scalp, a sample can offer an approximate 3-month detection period for drug and alcohol use. It’s straightforward to collect, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, deemed an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process at a lab includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially entered into a lab’s system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data that the electronic chain of custody system does not cover.
Screening conducts a preliminary review for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at a concentration much lower than in other testing methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair testing is among the most complex methods.
Confirmation of positive screening findings is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Prior to confirmation, all presumptively positive samples are washed if required. The entire laboratory method, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests," the actual test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pomona, MD
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine testing methods, primarily in its longer detection window and higher reliability. Whereas urine tests are effective at identifying recent substance use, hair tests can detect drug or alcohol consumption over the past 90 days. This enhanced accuracy is crucial for employers with stringent drug-free workplace policies.
The superior detection capabilities of hair tests help contextualize a user's history, surpassing the limitations of urine-based testing. As such, it provides more comprehensive evidence of an individual's drug use patterns and encourages more informed decision-making by those in charge of screening and compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Pomona, MD
The notable feature of hair follicle drug testing is its extended detection timeframe, which spans up to 90 days. This extended window allows for a more comprehensive assessment of a person's substance use history, offering employers a fuller understanding of potential candidates or current employees. By evaluating a prolonged timeframe, businesses can ensure they make informed hiring and retaining decisions.
This approach provides a balanced perspective on an individual's lifestyle, distinguishing between occasional users and habitual offenders. With this method, companies and authorities alike gain valuable insights into patterns of substance use that might not be visible through other testing modalities such as urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pomona, MD
Hair follicle tests boast a significant advantage in resisting tampering. Unlike other testing forms, the collection of hair samples is an observed process, which reduces opportunities for adulteration. This rigorous approach ensures the purity and integrity of samples, making it difficult for individuals to manipulate the results and providing reliable outcomes for employers and institutions.
The robust nature of hair testing means that substitutes or additives cannot easily compromise the sample. Consequently, this method reassures those relying on its results that the findings are authentic and actionable, fostering trust in drug screening programs.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pomona, MD
With extensive testing centers available nationwide and locally in Pomona, MD, gaining access to hair follicle drug testing services is both swift and seamless. This extensive reach ensures individuals and employers can easily consult professional services without geographical constraints, streamlining the testing process.
Our strategically located facilities afford users the opportunity to conveniently schedule tests and receive quick results. This level of accessibility underscores our commitment to providing hassle-free testing solutions to meet varied client needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pomona, MD
The procedure for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and discreet, designed to safeguard privacy at every stage. From ordering to collection and the receipt of results, each step is crafted to ensure client confidentiality. This assurance of privacy is paramount to many individuals and organizations that prioritize security and simplicity in their drug testing processes.
The ease of arranging tests and accessing results supports a user-friendly experience. Organizations and individuals can take comfort in knowing that while the system is efficient, it equally respects and upholds their privacy expectations throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pomona, MD
We offer competitive pricing that suits diverse budgets while ensuring high-quality service. Coupled with our fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing becomes an economically viable option for businesses of any scale seeking to implement drug screening programs or monitor ongoing substance use in workplaces.
Timely and cost-effective, our services ensure that organizations maximize their investment without compromising on result accuracy. The blend of affordability and rapid result delivery provides peace of mind and solid aligns with financial and operational goals.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pomona, MD
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its precision and rapid turnaround. This method delivers high accuracy when identifying drug and alcohol use, aiding organizations such as employers and legal entities in obtaining trustworthy results. The efficient processing ensures that concerned parties are well-informed swiftly, enhancing decision-making processes.
Besides exceptional accuracy, the speed of obtaining results from hair tests is of tremendous benefit. Faster insights provide immediate visibility into an individual's substance habits, which is crucial for compliance and policy enforcement. This reliability, combined with the prompt release of results, makes hair follicle testing an invaluable drug screening tool.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pomona, MD
Employers using hair follicle testing align with workplace drug-free policies, fortifying compliance and reducing legal risks. This method of testing serves as a strong deterrent against substance abuse, enhancing workplace safety and promoting a healthy environment. By ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, organizations can focus on operational excellence and maintain their reputation.
Additionally, the comprehensive nature of hair testing contributes to peace of mind. Employers are assured that the outcomes they receive are accurate and reflective of an individual's substance use, thus supporting a positive, substance-free workplace culture.
