Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Tilghman, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the growing hair fiber. When collected near the scalp, hair can furnish up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and additional drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch snippet of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advise weighing the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When indicating head hair, we specify scalp hair solely. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four fundamental phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial assimilation of a sample into a lab's framework. This step involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and accomplishing any extra data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening represents an initial rapid assessment for illicit drugs. Although Screening is an economical way to identify drug consumption for the majority of samples, a positive screening must be verified to be legally recognized in court. Any samples that yield a presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.

In instances where a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (for instance, urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug screening is the most intricate method to administer.

Validation of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory course from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analyses can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine analyses which offer a shorter detection period.
• Challenges in falsification: Cheating a hair drug test is arduous, resulting in more accurate findings.
• Delivers historical insight: It can reveal a timeline of drug consumption over a span of time, beyond recent intake.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect immediate use: Approximately 5-7 days are required for drugs to become noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments are typically pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Result variation: Aspects like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tilghman, MD
Hair testing offers immense advantages over traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy and reliability, it captures a fuller history of substance use, making it the preferred choice in Tilghman for effective drug screening.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Tilghman, MD
Employers gain a comprehensive understanding of substance use history in Tilghman through hair follicle testing, capable of detecting drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period offers an insightful glance into an individual's past behaviors.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tilghman, MD
Resistance to adulteration highlights the reliability of hair follicle tests in Tilghman. This method significantly minimizes sample tampering risks, ensuring unquestionable results that reinforce trust and integrity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Tilghman, MD
Our testing centers, from Tilghman to all over the nation, facilitate easy and hassle-free access to drug testing services. Enjoy quick, convenient solutions, regardless of your location.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Tilghman, MD
We ensure a straightforward and private process for acquiring, performing, and receiving results. In Tilghman, confidentiality and ease-of-use remain our top priorities, meeting all privacy concerns seamlessly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tilghman, MD
In Tilghman, our competitive pricing and swift turnaround define excellent value. We cater to companies of all sizes, reinforcing confidence through cost-effective and timely service delivery.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tilghman, MD
Hair follicle drug tests provide unparalleled precision and speed. By accurately detecting various substances, this method ensures reliable results, making it an indispensable tool for those in Tilghman, Maryland, seeking efficient drug testing solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tilghman, MD
Adopting hair follicle testing strengthens compliance with workplace drug policies in Tilghman. By reducing legal risks and enhancing safety, it offers employers peace of mind, fostering a secure work environment.

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