Comprehensive Hair Follicle Drug Testing in St. James, Maryland - Accredited Drug Testing is a trusted name for hair drug or alcohol testing nationwide, with locations including St. James, Maryland. Specializing in hair testing, our centers offer analyses for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other custom options. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair is required, either from the scalp or body.
The Rise of Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Increasingly, hair follicle drug tests are being adopted by employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals as an alternative to urine tests. With a detection window of up to 90 days, these tests offer a longer trace period, are conducted under observation, and greatly minimize the potential for cheating, although urine tests remain more accurate for recent use within 5 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 analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal an extended record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. Collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to around three months for various substances. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a standard pencil), nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg quantity is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair includes other types (such as facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with processing a sample into the laboratory's system, which encompasses checking the sample's seal and delivery, assigning a random laboratory accessioning number (LAN), and completing any necessary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening efficiently excludes drug use for most samples, a positive result necessitates validation for legal acceptance. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening demand a further confirmation.
In cases where Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at remarkably low concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), underscoring why hair drug testing is considered challenging.
Confirmation of positive Screening results is executed using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with tentative positive results undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. Each step from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted against both the CAP Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle within the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in St. James, MD - When compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing stands out due to its superior detection accuracy and consistent reliability. Offering a broader detection window and resistance to tampering, hair testing is preferred by many organizations in St. James seeking thorough screening measures and peace of mind.
Extended Detection Window in St. James, MD - Hair follicle testing uniquely identifies drug use over an extensive period, up to 90 days, which allows employers to discern an individual’s complete substance history. This extended window aids organizations in St. James in making informed decisions regarding personnel and applicants.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in St. James, MD - One of the many merits of hair follicle testing is the minimal risk of sample tampering. In St. James, this test's resistance to adulteration ensures that results are both dependable and indisputable, instilling confidence in the integrity of the drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in St. James, MD - Accredited Drug Testing offers an extensive network of centers across the country, including accessible sites within St. James, MD. This widespread availability guarantees seamless and expedient access to our drug testing services, simplifying the process for those in need.
Simple, Confidential Process in St. James, MD - The procedure for hair follicle testing is straightforward and private, ensuring comfort and confidentiality for users. In St. James, individuals can order, complete tests, and receive results with ease, all while feeling secure in the handling of their sensitive information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in St. James, MD - Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures that combine affordability with swift processing times. Businesses in St. James can take advantage of the value provided, achieving prompt results without compromising on quality or peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in St. James, MD - Hair follicle drug tests provide exceptional accuracy in uncovering substance use, with results delivered promptly. In St. James, MD, individuals and businesses benefit from this method's high reliability and swift turnaround, ensuring precise and dependable outcomes that uphold their confidence in test findings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in St. James, MD - By implementing hair follicle testing, employers in St. James can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal liabilities and contributes to a safer work environment, providing reassurance and security for both employers and employees alike.
