Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in White Marsh, Maryland. For those requiring a hair drug or alcohol screening, we specialize in hair testing and have facilities across all cities nationwide capable of conducting these tests. Having 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on the crown or body is generally adequate. Hair analysis can be configured for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailored testing alternatives.
In the past few years, hair follicle drug testing has become a more common method for drug assessment. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse specialists are opting for hair tests rather than standard urine exams. Hair follicle tests are favored by those enforcing zero-tolerance drug policies, the court systems, and those on probation. The primary advantage of hair follicle tests is the extended detection window, normally up to 90 days, obtained through observed collection, making tampering nearly impossible. However, for recent use within 5 days, urine testing remains the most precise option.
* 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.
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository of a long-term usage record by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. If collected near the scalp, hair provides a look-back period of roughly 3 months for tracing alcohol and drug usage. The process of obtaining hair samples is straightforward, it's relatively resistant to tampering, and it can be transported with ease.
A sample that is 1.5 inches in length and consists of nearly 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or testing above 10 panel levels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advocate for utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent measure of body hair is viable for collection. Our mention of head hair is specifically regarding scalp hair, whereas body hair includes other types of hair (such as facial and axillary hair).
Simplified Process Description
The four principal stages in the lab processing of a drug testing result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial registration of a sample into a lab’s framework. This step involves confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody method.
Screening denotes an initial broad scan for drug presence. While it's an economical approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome from this check needs subsequent confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
Upon presuming positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drug components are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is considered one of the more complex methods.
Confirmation for any positive found during screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples marked as presumptively positive undergo a cleansing step before confirmation when necessary. The laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Hair drug testing strengths include:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing excels over urine tests in White Marsh, MD due to its enhanced detection capability and reliability. While urine tests scan for recent drug use, hair tests provide a clearer picture of substance consumption over a prolonged period. Employers gain a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug history, thus supporting more informed decision-making.
Another significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. While urine samples can be adulterated or substituted, hair samples are collected with greater integrity, ensuring results that are much harder to manipulate. This makes hair testing a more trustworthy method for employers and legal entities enforcing drug policies.
Hair follicle testing in White Marsh, MD offers an expansive detection window, capturing drug usage for up to 90 days. This capability gives employers a thorough insight into a person's substance history, crucial for roles demanding trust and reliability. Unlike other tests, hair samples reveal patterns of behavior, not just isolated incidents.
With such an elongated detection period, employers can better evaluate consistency in an individual's substance use, aiding in the assessment of long-term trends over time.
In White Marsh, MD, the integrity of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, which are vulnerable to adulteration, hair samples are collected under strict conditions that curtail the chances of illicit manipulation. This reliability ensures results maintain their legitimacy.
Employers and organizations can rely on hair testing for definitive outcomes that are nearly impossible to falsify, safeguarding the credibility of the testing process.
Offering convenience, our testing facilities are spread across the nation, including White Marsh, MD. With numerous centers, access to testing services is streamlined, eliminating travel woes for clients. The widespread availability facilitates quick and effortless scheduling.
Local testing sites offer timely appointments, making hair testing an easily accessible option for individuals and organizations alike, ensuring a seamless testing experience.
In White Marsh, MD, our hair testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, every step is straightforward, safeguarding personal data privacy. The seamless approach ensures minimal disruption and maximum convenience.
Clients appreciate the clear communication and guarantees of discretion, reinforcing trust in the testing process and easing concerns regarding data handling.
Our pricing in White Marsh, MD is competitively structured, making hair follicle testing accessible without compromising on quality. Quick turnaround times offer additional value, allowing companies to act swiftly.
In White Marsh, MD, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their swift, precise results. These tests offer unmatched accuracy in identifying substance use, aligning with employers' need for dependable screenings. The technology behind hair testing ensures minute trace detection, surpassing conventional methods.
Clients can expect results that are both timely and reliable, enabling them to make prompt, informed decisions regarding hiring or disciplinary actions. The rapid processing offers peace of mind in maintaining workplace safety standards.
Employers in White Marsh, MD find peace of mind using hair follicle testing to comply with drug-free policies. These tests contribute to risk mitigation and safer workplaces by deterring substance abuse. Employers align themselves with regulatory expectations, reducing the potential for legal challenges.
Adopting hair tests as part of regular screening processes provides assurance of an employee's drug compliance, forming a basis for trust and operational stability.