Accredited Drug Testing provides hair follicle drug testing services in West Laurel, Maryland. For those requiring a hair drug or alcohol test, we specialize in this method and offer testing facilities across cities nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body can be used. Our tests can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other custom hair testing requirements.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become more common in drug testing protocols. Employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals are opting for hair tests over traditional urine tests. This method is favored by employers with strict drug policies, courts, and those on probation due to its extended detection window of up to 90 days, its direct observation collection, and its resistance to tampering. However, urine tests remain most accurate for drug use detection within the last 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.
The utilization of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug activity by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, it can provide a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and drug presence. The collection of hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered an optimal sample for preliminary testing and confirmation. For tests such as EtG or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advised to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, specifically, it pertains only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system, which involves verifying that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not recorded by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to identify drug use in most samples, any positive findings need confirmation to be valid for court proceedings. Samples returning a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further validation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing remains the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though colloquially termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in West Laurel, MD, surpasses urine tests with superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a longer detection window and are less prone to tampering, providing a clearer picture of an individual's substance history. These advantages make hair testing a preferred choice over traditional urine tests.
The benefits of hair follicle testing extend beyond just accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a more robust screening process, capable of detecting drug use over a more extended period. This offers employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, making it a more reliable testing method.
In West Laurel, MD, hair follicle testing provides an unparalleled detection window, identifying drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This extensive period gives employers a detailed insight into an applicant's or employee's long-term substance history, aiding in informed decision-making.
The ability to trace drug use back 90 days is a key advantage of hair follicle testing in West Laurel, MD. This extended detection period not only reveals past drug use but also helps employers assess potential risks, ensuring a safer and more compliant work environment.
Hair follicle testing in West Laurel, MD, greatly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, offering reliable and indisputable results. The nature of the test makes it difficult to manipulate, ensuring that the outcomes remain trustworthy and accurate, providing peace of mind to employers.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in West Laurel, MD, sets them apart from other testing methods. By significantly reducing the possibility of tampering, hair tests ensure that the results are both dependable and valid, reinforcing the credibility and integrity of the testing process.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in West Laurel, MD, accessing hair follicle testing services is seamless. These facilities ensure quick and hassle-free testing, making it easy for employers and individuals to utilize our comprehensive testing services.
In West Laurel, MD, our wide network of testing locations offers unparalleled convenience. Quick and easy access to testing services allows for efficient and effective drug screening, minimizing disruption and providing flexibility for employers and individuals alike.
Our hair follicle testing process in West Laurel, MD, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the entire procedure ensures privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns about the ease and discretion of the process.
In West Laurel, MD, the hair follicle testing procedure prioritizes confidentiality and simplicity. It provides a worry-free experience for those involved, safeguarding privacy at every step, from the initial order to the final results, ensuring comfort and trust in the testing process.
In West Laurel, MD, our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing with fast turnaround times. These affordable options provide excellent value, ensuring companies of all sizes can enjoy dependable and efficient testing without sacrificing quality or peace of mind.
Our commitment to affordability and quick processing in West Laurel, MD, makes hair follicle testing accessible and efficient. Businesses can rely on our testing services to deliver quality outcomes, supporting their operations with dependable and cost-effective drug testing solutions.
In West Laurel, MD, hair follicle tests stand out for their swift and precise results. Their high level of accuracy in identifying substance use makes them a top choice in drug testing. The advanced methods ensure quick turnaround times, offering reliable outcomes employers can trust. This efficiency aids in prompt decision-making and enhances workplace safety.
Precision in testing is crucial, and hair follicle tests excel in this aspect. In West Laurel, MD, these tests deliver both speed and accuracy, ensuring that any substance use is promptly and correctly identified. This reliability in results gives businesses confidence in maintaining a drug-free environment.
For employers in West Laurel, MD, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also bolsters workplace safety, providing employers with peace of mind and assurance that their policies are consistently met.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in West Laurel, MD, helps maintain adherence to workplace drug policies, ensuring a safer environment for all. By relying on this method, employers can effectively mitigate legal dangers while enhancing overall workplace well-being and safety.
