Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The method of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective approach for detecting the presence of drugs and alcohol. Hair can capture a prolonged record of substance usage by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the strand as it grows. By taking a sample near the scalp, this method offers a detection window for substances extending up to approximately 90 days. Hair is easy to collect, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch section containing around 200 hairs (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. When conducting tests such as EtG, add-ons, or those including more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It's advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types like facial or underarm hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory's drug testing procedure comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the essential processing of incorporating a sample into the lab's database. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial assessment to detect substances of abuse. Though cost-efficient and effective for most cases, any positive findings from this stage must be validated for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening require further Confirmation.
At the Screening stage, if a sample is presumptively positive, additional hair from the original sample is prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug testing a complex procedure.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening employs techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation when necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently being dubbed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
For those in Saint Michaels, MD, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests in several ways. Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy and reliability, especially over extended periods. While both tests aim to detect substance use, hair testing significantly reduces false negative results, making it a trusted choice for employers and legal entities who prioritize accuracy.
In Saint Michaels, MD, hair follicle drug testing provides a comprehensive view of substance use history, extending up to 90 days. This extended detection window is invaluable for employers seeking insight into an applicant or existing employee’s past drug use. The ability to review long-term behavior rather than just recent usage is a distinct advantage of the hair testing method.
Hair follicle tests in Saint Michaels, MD, stand a step ahead in preventing tampering. This testing method is resistant to adulteration attempts that can occur with other sample types. Providing definite, unquestionable results, hair tests give confidence to those who depend on the authenticity of substance use screenings, significantly minimizing the risk of sample manipulation.
Convenience is key with our nationwide testing facilities, including locations in Saint Michaels, MD. These centers offer quick and hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring that drug testing is conducted efficiently and locally. This network of locations facilitates accessibility, making the process seamless for individuals and organizations alike seeking reliable testing.
The hair follicle testing process in Saint Michaels, MD, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the streamlined process ensures user privacy and ease of use. Addressing concerns about confidentiality, our services maintain discretion and simplicity, catering to those needing an efficient and unobtrusive testing experience.
Our competitive prices and swift turnaround times in Saint Michaels, MD, make for an affordable and efficient testing service. By offering excellent value, we cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind with each test conducted. This cost-effective service model does not compromise on quality, maintaining high standards while offering economical solutions.
In Saint Michaels, MD, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable detection. This precision ensures a high level of accuracy when identifying substance use. The method's efficiency provides timely results, advantageous for any situation requiring quick decision-making based on test outcomes.
With such dependable results, individuals and organizations alike can trust the findings produced by these tests.
Employers in Saint Michaels, MD, can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method offers peace of mind by minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety standards. By adopting this testing option, workplaces can reinforce their commitment to maintaining a safe, compliant, and productive environment for all employees.
