Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Severna Park, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the strands during growth. When sampled near the scalp, hair can provide an estimated window of up to three months for alcohol and drug detection. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample containing around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of hair is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step wherein a sample is integrated into a laboratory's system. This entails verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional information not included in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective way to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples preliminarily testing positive in Screening need further confirmation.

Should a sample test positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample to prepare for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

Positive screening outcomes are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Samples testing positive are cleansed before confirmation, if necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests provide a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to circumvent: Cheating a hair drug test is notably challenging, enhancing the reliability of results.
• Yields historical usage patterns: It can depict drug consumption trends over time rather than merely recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to identify recent intake: Detection of drugs in hair starts about 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments typically incur higher costs than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Severna Park, MD, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine testing. By providing superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair tests have become the preferred choice for many. The advanced scrutiny they offer makes them more effective than traditional urine tests, ensuring a clear and comprehensive report of substance use.
Superior Detection

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing provides a prolonged detection window, extending up to 90 days, which is a noteworthy benefit in Severna Park, MD. This extended period allows employers to obtain a more thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, beyond the limited timeframe of typical tests.
Comprehensive View

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Severna Park, MD, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests makes them a preferred choice for accurate substance use detection. This testing method significantly reduces the likelihood of sample tampering, ensuring that the results are both reliable and exact.
Unquestionable Results

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our extensive network of testing facilities nationwide, including those in Severna Park, MD, ensures convenient access to hair follicle tests. Clients benefit from a seamless, stress-free testing experience, making the entire process quick and efficient.
Widespread Availability

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process is made simple and confidential in Severna Park, MD. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to protect privacy and streamline the testing experience, alleviating concerns about ease of use and confidentiality.
Effortless Process

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Clients in Severna Park, MD can enjoy affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing model ensures that businesses of any size can access these reliable services without breaking their budget.
Cost-Effective Solution

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test stands out with its swift and precise outcomes, making it an excellent choice for Severna Park, MD. This method's ability to detect substance use with high accuracy provides unmatchable reliability for employers and other stakeholders.
Quick and Reliable

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For companies in Severna Park, MD, hair follicle testing offers assurance of compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating potential legal problems and boosting workplace safety. The precision of these tests contributes significantly to a safer, more secure work environment.
Implementation of Safety

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