Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Smithsburg, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying both drug and alcohol usage. Hair can capture a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. If obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.

A sample of 1.5 inches, roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG testing, additional panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the specimen. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair be lacking, the same quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

Four primary stages comprise the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial stage, where a sample is processed into a lab’s system. The procedure confirms proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary, cost-effective assessment for substances of abuse. Though it efficiently excludes drug usage for most samples, a positive Screening must be confirmed before court use. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.

In the event of a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to perform.

Confirmation of any positive Screening result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash as necessary before Confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specialization and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• High resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly difficult, ensuring more precise results.
• Historical insight: Offers a view of drug use patterns over time, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days before drugs become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites present.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests in fact analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Smithsburg, MD

Comparing hair testing and urine tests in Smithsburg, MD reveals the superior detection accuracy of hair testing. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, proving to be more reliable for uncovering consistent substance use. Employers benefit from this enhanced accuracy, which urine tests cannot match.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Smithsburg, MD

Hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use over a long period, up to 90 days. This extended window in Smithsburg, MD allows employers to evaluate an applicant or employee’s past behaviors, ensuring they maintain standards of integrity and trustworthiness in their hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Smithsburg, MD

Hair follicle tests employed in Smithsburg, MD minimize sample adulteration risks, delivering reliable and unquestionable results. This tamper-resistant nature ensures the credibility of test data, significantly reducing any possibility of cheating or deception compared to traditional methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Smithsburg, MD

Accessing drug testing in Smithsburg, MD is straightforward due to our extensive nationwide testing centers. Whether locally or across different cities, our centers ensure quick, hassle-free testing services, providing clients with the convenience they need.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Smithsburg, MD

The process for hair follicle testing in Smithsburg, MD is both simple and confidential. From ordering to sample collection and result delivery, confidentiality is maintained, addressing privacy concerns effectively. This streamlined approach ensures ease of use for all involved parties.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Smithsburg, MD

Testing services in Smithsburg, MD are priced competitively, offering quick turnaround times and excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from the affordability and efficiency of these services, ensuring they meet testing requirements without exceeding budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Smithsburg, MD

Hair follicle drug tests in Smithsburg, MD offer precision and speed in detecting substance use. These tests boast high accuracy, ensuring reliable results quickly. The ability to detect substances with confidence means that employers and individuals can trust the results, knowing they reflect true usage patterns.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Smithsburg, MD

Employers in Smithsburg utilizing hair follicle testing achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal threats and enhancing security. The method ensures adherence to regulations, providing peace of mind when managing adherence to workplace safety and integrity.

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