Hair Follicle Drug Testing - St. Michaels, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The composition of hair offers an extended timeline of drug and alcohol intake by encasing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal evidence of drug and alcohol usage spanning up to roughly 90 days. Harvesting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's breadth) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which serves as an optimal amount for both screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional substances, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is suggested to use 150mg of the sample. We advise measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair is permissible. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The central stages in the laboratory assessment of a drug testing output are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves assimilating a specimen into the laboratory’s framework. This encompasses confirming the integrity and proper transport of the sample, allocating an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data management not covered by an electronic custody protocol.

Screening provides a preliminary scan for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most specimens, a positive screen mandates validation to be permissible in a legal setting. All samples with initial positive results in Screening necessitate subsequent authentication.

In scenarios where a specimen shows positive results during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably diminished concentrations than alternative techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), positioning hair drug analysis as the most intricate methodology to execute.

Validation of any positive Screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug screening:

• Extended detection timeline: Hair drug analysis can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection window of urine analysis.
• Highly resistant to manipulation: Manipulating hair drug analysis is exceedingly challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Funds historical insight: It offers an insight into drug use trends over time, beyond merely recent consumption.

Constraints:

• Inability to recognize recent intake: Drugs become detectable in hair after an estimated 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug analysis generally incurs a heftier cost than other testing techniques.
• Result fluctuations: Variables such as hair pigment and individual hair growth differences can alter metabolite concentration levels in hair.

Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In St. Michaels, MD, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests through superior detection accuracy and dependability. These tests offer an extended detection period, capturing a wider spectrum of drug use history.

Advantages of hair testing over urine tests include a reduced risk of sample tampering and an extensive detection window. These benefits make hair tests the preferred choice for detailed substance history assessments.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in St. Michaels, MD, provides an extended detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This thorough approach offers employers detailed insights into a subject's substance history.

By covering a broader timeframe, hair testing delivers a comprehensive evaluation, enabling employers to make informed decisions based on an individual's long-term substance use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In St. Michaels, MD, the hair follicle test is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature, ensuring sample integrity for accurate results. This testing method significantly reduces the chance of adulteration compared to other tests.

The reliability of hair testing is key, offering employers and individuals unquestionable evidence. With its robust sample protection, hair tests maintain a high standard of reliability in substance detection.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In St. Michaels, MD, our nationwide testing locations offer convenience and accessibility. With numerous centers available, obtaining a hair follicle test is straightforward and hassle-free.

The extensive network of testing facilities ensures that individuals and employers can quickly access testing services, making the process efficient and convenient wherever they are located.

Simple, Confidential Process

In St. Michaels, MD, our hair follicle testing process remains simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. The step-by-step procedure ensures understanding and ease for all users.

From ordering to receiving results, the entire process is streamlined to maintain confidentiality. This user-friendly approach offers peace of mind and reduces anxiety associated with drug testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and swift turnaround times define our hair follicle testing in St. Michaels, MD. We offer competitive rates without compromising on quality or speed of results.

This approach ensures that companies of all sizes can benefit from high-quality drug testing services that fit their budget, delivering cost-effective solutions without delays.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In St. Michaels, MD, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast and accurate outcomes. These tests provide a high level of precision, ensuring substance use detection is both reliable and efficient.

Hair testing methods deliver speed and thoroughness, detecting even small traces of drugs in a user's system. This accuracy is unmatched, offering comprehensive insights into one's substance history, and ensuring your testing process is both prompt and dependable.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in St. Michaels, MD, supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting safety. Employers benefit from the assurance this method provides.

The comprehensive and reliable nature of hair tests offers peace of mind, ensuring adherence to workplace standards and fostering a secure environment, essential for both employers and employees alike.

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