Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services right in South Kensington, Maryland. If you require a drug or alcohol assessment through hair analysis, we are experts in this field, with centers available across the United States ready to conduct hair tests. Typically, hair must be between 1.5 to 2 inches long from the crown, or body hair may be used in many cases. Hair analyses can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other tailored testing options.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become a more common method for conducting drug screenings. More employers, courts, and substance abuse specialists now opt for hair drug tests over the standard urine tests. This method is preferred by those implementing zero-tolerance policies, including employers, judicial systems, and individuals on probation. The key advantage of hair follicle testing is the extended detection period of up to 90 days, secured in an observed setting, making it nearly unfeasible to tamper with. However, urine tests remain superior when determining drug usage within the past 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 is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a history of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When obtained close to the scalp, hair offers up to a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drugs. It is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (approximating the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advocated. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can also be obtained. When discussing head hair, it specifically implies scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation are the four key steps in processing drug test results in a laboratory setting.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a sample into the lab's database. This process features checking that the sample was adequately sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid testing for drug presence. It offers a cost-effective solution to negate drug use across many samples; however, a positive result from screening requires further validation to stand in a court setting. Samples that exhibit presumptive positives during Screening necessitate secondary affirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. Drugs are then isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug tests one of the most challenging methodologies.
Verification of any positive result from screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is validated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accredited standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often dubbed "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Kensington, MD lies in its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests provide a more reliable and comprehensive substance use analysis, capturing a longer drug history than standard urine tests. Unlike urine tests, which are easy to falsify, hair follicle testing offers undeniable evidence and delivers insights into long-term substance use.
With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in South Kensington, MD offers an extensive overview of an individual's drug use history. Employers benefit from this longer detection period, as it provides a thorough understanding of potential employee substance habits. This extensive window ensures a more informed decision-making process during hiring and ongoing evaluations.
The hair follicle test, widely used in South Kensington, MD, stands out as a tamper-resistant testing method. It significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are both reliable and unquestionable. By minimizing the opportunity for manipulation, these tests provide peace of mind to employers and legal entities concerned with accurate substance assessment.
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in South Kensington, MD, offers convenient access to quick, easy, and hassle-free drug testing services. With numerous local facilities, individuals and businesses can easily find a nearby location for their testing needs, ensuring they receive the required services without undue delay or complexity.
The hair follicle testing process in South Kensington, MD is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease of use. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, each step is designed to be straightforward and respectful of individual confidentiality concerns, offering a seamless experience for all users.
In South Kensington, MD, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. Our competitive pricing structures deliver excellent value for companies of all sizes, ensuring that businesses can access high-quality testing services without compromising their budgets, all while guaranteeing prompt and reliable results.
Hair follicle drug tests in South Kensington, MD provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, delivering precise substance use detection. These tests are capable of identifying drug use with high accuracy, making them an ideal choice for those seeking trustworthy outcomes. Their speed and precision outperform many traditional testing methods, making hair follicle testing a preferred option for timely results.
In South Kensington, MD, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. By implementing this method, employers can minimize legal risks and enhance workplace safety, fostering a secure and responsible working environment. It provides reassurance that the business adheres to necessary regulations, maintaining integrity and trust within the workforce.