Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Somerset, Maryland. Whether requiring a test for drugs or alcohol, Accredited Drug Testing excels in this area, with testing locations available nationwide. To undergo a hair test, an individual typically needs 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on their head or body. Hair analysis can reveal drug use, alcohol/ETG, or other bespoke options.
Hair follicle drug testing has increasingly become a popular method over the years. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts often prefer hair tests over urine tests. Reasons include zero-tolerance drug policies, legal requirements, and monitoring probation compliance. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, usually up to 90 days, and are hard to tamper with, although urine tests remain better for detecting recent usage 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.
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged history of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When taken from near the scalp, hair can indicate substance use over a period of roughly three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of around 200 strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If head hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Bodily hair comprises other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary stages in lab processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary handling of a sample into the lab system. This includes confirming the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not provide.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for drug abuse. While it is an economical approach to dismiss most samples' drug use, a positive screen must be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
For samples that are presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging process to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive outcomes undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The whole laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", in fact, the test assesses the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Somerset, MD: Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests provide superior detection accuracy, covering a broader time frame. This method ensures greater reliability, which is crucial for employers, legal authorities, and health professionals.
Hair testing stands out due to its ability to retrospectively detect substance use, thus offering a clearer, more comprehensive assessment. This makes it a more effective choice for those seeking detailed information about substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Somerset, MD: One significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect past drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This testing method gives employers an insightful overview of an employee or candidate’s substance history, aiding in making informed decisions.
For employers, this extended window offers a more thorough understanding of an individual’s past behavior, assisting in maintaining a substance-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Somerset, MD: Hair follicle testing is a robust method that minimizes the risk of sample tampering. This ensures that results are both reliable and trusted, greatly reducing the chances of adulteration.
With its inherent resistances to manipulation, hair testing provides unquestionable outcomes, making it a dependable choice for critical testing situations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Somerset, MD: With extensive testing centers distributed nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access to hair follicle testing services. This broad availability allows for easier, hassle-free testing experiences for everyone.
Local accessibility ensures that individuals and organizations can quickly undergo necessary testing without the burden of traveling far distances.
Simple, Confidential Process in Somerset, MD: The framework for initiating, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. This simplicity addresses privacy concerns, making the process comfortable and secure for all participants.
Emphasizing ease of use, the structured yet user-friendly process ensures that confidentiality is maintained at every step, catering to sensitive client needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Somerset, MD: Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive prices for hair follicle testing, ensuring financial feasibility for businesses of all sizes. Quick result turnaround times complement this affordability, delivering valuable service benefits.
Companies benefit from reasonable pricing combined with efficient processing times, gaining confidence in the high quality and reliability of test results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Somerset, MD: Hair follicle drug testing delivers high precision and speed in results, making it a preferred method for many. This type of test accurately detects substance use, providing dependable results that support both individual and organizational needs.
For those looking for efficient testing solutions, hair follicle tests offer a quick yet thorough method to identify drug or alcohol use. Results are not only reliable but also processed swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Somerset, MD: Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, offering reliable results that reinforce legal compliance. This approach not only reduces risks but also promotes a safer work environment.
Employers gain significant benefits, such as reducing legal vulnerabilities and enhancing overall workplace safety, thus ensuring peace of mind.
