Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Saint Marys City, MD

What it is, How it works

The utilization of hair analysis has advanced as an effective method for recognizing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended overview of alcohol and drug history by embedding biomarkers in the strands of developing hair. By obtaining hair near the scalp, it's possible to achieve a detection period extending up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transportation.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil) found close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, serving as the optimal sample for assessment and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, a sample weight of 150mg is advised. It’s best to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be procured. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes any other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

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

Accessioning begins with the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step involves confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening includes an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening serves as an economical means to negate drug use in the majority of cases; however, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court acceptance. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening demand further validation.

For samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

To confirm any positive screening outcome, techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the whole laboratory procedure is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can reveal drug consumption for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests that cover shorter periods.
• Resistance to falsification: Cheating hair drug tests is very challenging, offering more reliable results.
• Historical insight: It provides an overview of drug use patterns over time, beyond just recent intake.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: Detecting drugs in hair takes about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally come at a higher cost than other methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saint Marys City, MD
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests, the former offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a wider detection window, which is beneficial for employers and other entities looking for comprehensive drug use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Saint Marys City, MD
Hair follicle testing offers a far-reaching detection period of up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with an in-depth view of an individual's substance history, making it an effective tool for comprehensive screening.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saint Marys City, MD
The reliability of hair follicle tests lies in their tamper-resistant nature. This makes them a trustworthy option, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration and providing confidence in the test results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Saint Marys City, MD
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers provides convenient access to testing services. This ensures a seamless, fast, and hassle-free experience for all individuals seeking drug testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Saint Marys City, MD
Our procedure is straightforward and confidential, from ordering to receiving results. This addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, allowing individuals to proceed with confidence and peace of mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saint Marys City, MD
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times deliver exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. These advantages provide peace of mind, knowing that effective and economical testing options are available.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saint Marys City, MD
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed, ensuring high accuracy in detecting substances. This testing method is advantageous for its ability to deliver quick and trustworthy results, making it an invaluable tool for identifying substance use in various settings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saint Marys City, MD
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This method reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety by maintaining a compliant work environment, offering peace of mind to employers.

Drug Testing Near Saint Marys City, MD

Saint Marys City, MD