Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Solomons, Maryland. Whether it's for detecting drugs or alcohol, our expertise in hair testing means we have facilities nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of scalp or body hair is required. Our hair tests cover substances including drugs, alcohol/ETG, with optional custom testing.
The popularity of hair follicle drug testing has surged recently. Employers, judicial bodies, and substance abuse agencies now prefer it over traditional urine tests. This test appeals to those enforcing strict anti-drug policies, such as employers with zero tolerance, probation clients, and court systems. Its advantage lies in a 90-day detection capability, with samples collected under supervision, making tampering difficult. Urine tests still have an edge in identifying recent drug use within five days.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Seen as an influential mechanism, hair testing aids in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can detect substances like alcohol for up to a three-month window. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
Taking a sample of 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, perfect for both screening and confirmation. For comprehensive testing like EtG, extra panels beyond 10 require 150mg. It is advised to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair might be used. “Head hair” pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas “body hair” indicates other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase where a sample is input into the lab system, verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and preparing any extra data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although cost-efficient and effective for most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation for court validity. Samples with tentative positive results in Screening need further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a possible positive, additional hair is extracted from the main sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology.
Any positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Sample washing occurs before Confirmation for necessary cases. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is of the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Solomons, MD
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Its ability to identify a longer history of drug use enhances reliability. This advantage comes from the test's design to reveal patterns missed by urine tests. This robust approach results in enhanced screening capabilities critical for employers in maintaining a safe workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Solomons, MD
Hair follicle testing unveils drug use over a prolonged period, often up to 90 days. This extensive detection window provides employers with a comprehensive view of substance use history. By understanding these patterns, companies in Solomons can better evaluate applicants' or employees' behaviors over time, aiding in hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Solomons, MD
Hair follicle tests are excellent at minimizing sample tampering risks. Their design makes it difficult to alter or adulterate samples, ensuring the integrity of results. This feature is crucial for employers and organizations seeking dependable outcomes. The process reinforces confidence in the accuracy and authenticity of the results provided in Solomons.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Solomons, MD
Our extensive network of testing centers offers unparalleled convenience. With locations nationwide and local sites, accessing drug testing services is simple, quick, and hassle-free. This ease of use ensures that residents and businesses in Solomons have swift access to testing, enhancing efficiency and reliability of the process.
Simple, Confidential Process in Solomons, MD
The process for ordering and taking hair follicle tests is designed to be straightforward and preserve privacy. From scheduling a test to receiving results, every step is handled with confidentiality. Our user-friendly approach ensures participants in Solomons experience a smooth process, addressing any privacy concerns with ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Solomons, MD
Competitive pricing and quick result delivery make our services an excellent value. We offer cost-effective hair follicle testing with minimal waiting times, providing speed and efficiency. Businesses of any size in Solomons benefit from these attributes, ensuring satisfaction and peace of mind alongside financial savings.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Solomons, MD
Hair follicle drug tests provide precise results with remarkable speed, making them a preferred choice. The method ensures a high accuracy rate when detecting substance usage, allowing organizations to trust the results. This level of precision aids in making informed decisions quickly, benefiting employers and individuals alike in Solomons.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Solomons, MD
Utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal exposure and risks associated with non-compliance. This testing method supports a safe and productive environment, offering employers peace of mind. In Solomons, such comprehensive assurance fosters a compliant and secure workplace culture.