Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Webster, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains evidence of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in its fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, a hair sample can reveal substance use over a period of up to three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, it's challenging to tamper with, and it is simple to transport.

For sampling, a 1.5-inch segment from about 200 hair strands near the scalp, similar in size to a #2 pencil, provides 100mg of hair—suitable for both screening and confirmation. If tests for EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10 are needed, 150mg is recommended. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. The term 'head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types such as facial, axillary, etc.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing for a drug test result involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system, ensuring it was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening aims to quickly identify the presence of drugs. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use in many samples, any sample that tests positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation to be considered valid in legal proceedings.

For samples that produce presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to perform.

Confirmation of positive screenings is carried out using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positives are cleansed as necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and is accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests offer up to a 90-day detection period, surpassing the shorter duration of urine tests.
• Resistance to tampering: The reliability of hair drug tests is higher due to the difficulty in manipulating results.
• Chronological data provision: These tests deliver insight into drug usage over time rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Delayed detection capability: Drugs only become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Compared to other methods, hair drug tests are generally pricier.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations within the hair.

Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the examination actually involves the hair strand, not the follicle below the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing in Webster, MD, by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Employers and authorities often rely on hair testing due to its effectiveness in unveiling prolonged substance use.

Urine tests might be standard, but the enhanced detection capability and reliability of hair tests make them a preferred choice for comprehensive assessment.

Extended Detection Window

In Webster, MD, one of the significant advantages of hair follicle drug testing is the extended detection window, up to 90 days. This gives employers a well-rounded understanding of an individual's long-term substance use.

An extended detection period with hair testing provides an insightful overview of an employee or candidate's history, aiding in thorough evaluations and informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant testing method in Webster, MD, significantly lowering the chance of adulterated samples and ensuring reliable outcomes.

The resistance to sample tampering makes hair testing a dependable choice, guaranteeing that the results are trustworthy and difficult to manipulate.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Webster, MD, accessing our services is straightforward and hassle-free.

Our comprehensive network of testing centers ensures that individuals can quickly and effortlessly undergo testing, offering convenience at every step.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Webster, MD, is simple and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns customers may have while being user-friendly.

From ordering tests to receiving results, the process is streamlined to ensure ease of use and secure handling of personal information.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Webster, MD, provide outstanding value, catering to businesses of every scale.

The affordability and efficiency of our testing solutions make them a practical option for companies seeking peace of mind and excellent service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering quick, accurate, and reliable results in Webster, MD. The testing method ensures a high level of precision in detecting substance usage.

The advanced methodology employed in hair testing makes it a highly trustworthy option for identifying substance abuse, offering superior accuracy compared to other methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Webster, MD, gain peace of mind and ensure policy compliance by employing hair follicle testing. It helps mitigate legal risks and enhances the safety of the workplace environment.

The use of hair testing aligns with maintaining a drug-free workplace, providing assurance and reducing potential liabilities associated with non-compliance.

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