Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Sandy Hook, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair holds a prolonged record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the growing strand's fibers. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal a roughly three-month period of alcohol and other drugs usage. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 strands (roughly akin to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn't an option, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all others (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four crucial phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves entering a sample into the lab's system. This step verifies that the sample was adequately sealed and sent, a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is allocated, and any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody is completed.

Screening consists of a preliminary rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Screening is economical for eliminating drug usage in most samples, though a positive result requires confirmation for legal use. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing a challenging methodology.

Confirmation for positive screenings is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a briefer detection period.
• Resistance to tampering: Tampering with a hair drug test is highly challenging, leading to more accurate results.
• Provides usage pattern: It reveals a pattern of drug use over time, not only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Ineffective for recent use: Drugs typically become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after usage.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is usually pricier than alternative methodologies.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and growth differences may influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Sandy Hook, MD, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing on multiple fronts. Its longer detection period provides a superior edge, capturing a comprehensive substance use history. The accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it a preferred choice among modern testing methods.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Sandy Hook, MD, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, far exceeding the short-term coverage of urine tests. This provides employers with a detailed perspective on an individual's past substance use, enhancing informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Sandy Hook, MD, hair follicle tests are remarkably tamper-resistant. This testing method significantly minimizes the potential for sample adulteration, assuring reliable, unquestionable results. Such integrity reinforces trust in the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations both nationally and in Sandy Hook, MD. With expansive coverage, accessing our testing services is fast, hassle-free, and readily adjustable to your scheduling needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

Ordering, taking, and receiving your hair follicle testing results in Sandy Hook, MD, is straightforward and confidential. This simple process prioritizes your privacy while ensuring ease of use, so you can proceed with confidence in every step.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Sandy Hook, MD, our affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times ensures great value. This straightforward approach provides economical solutions to businesses of all sizes seeking timely and reliable drug testing outcomes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Sandy Hook, MD, are unrivaled. Their high accuracy in detecting substance use ensures reliable outcomes for all testing needs. Facility in test procedures leads to fast and confident results, backed by thorough scientific analysis.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in Sandy Hook, MD, delivers compliance and peace of mind for employers. Adhering to drug-free workplace policies decreases legal liabilities and promotes a safer work environment, aligning with company values and safety standards.

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