Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Willows, MD

What it is, How it works

The perception of hair testing has evolved into seeing it as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer an extensive timeline of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the fiber of the hair as it grows. Collecting hair close to the scalp allows for a detection time frame of roughly 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

A sample comprising 1.5 inches of roughly 200 strands of hair (the equivalent of a #2 pencil) nearer to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core steps in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the introduction of a sample into the lab’s workflow. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped with care, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and manages additional data entries absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening acts as a primary evaluation for signs of drug misuse. Although it offers a cost-efficient approach to exclude substance use in most samples, results that test positive during Screening require further confirmation to hold validity in legal proceedings. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening need secondary confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Preparation for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other approaches (e.g., urine, oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as the most complex to execute.

Confirmation for any screening result testing positive is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is analyzed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can recognize drug usage extending up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection span.
• Difficult to falsify: It’s very arduous to manipulate a hair drug test, ensuring results are more reliable.
• Delivers historical information: It shows a timeline of drug usage over an interval, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: It generally takes about 5-7 days for substances to emerge in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Variability in outcomes: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact the level of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine testing in Willows, MD, hair tests emerge as the superior method. This advanced testing technique provides more precise and dependable detection accuracy of substance use. Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers a more extensive detection window, which merits it invaluable for anyone seeking accurate and trustworthy drug testing solutions.

Extended Detection Window

If you are looking for a long-term view of an individual’s substance use history, hair follicle testing in Willows, MD is the right choice. Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests can detect drug use over an extended period—up to 90 days. This longer detection window is invaluable for employers seeking comprehensive insights into their employees' or applicants' substance use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the biggest advantages of hair follicle testing in Willows, MD is its tamper-resistant design. This method significantly decreases the possibility of sample adulteration, which makes results trustworthy and unquestionable. Anyone looking to ensure the integrity and reliability of test outcomes can confidently rely on hair follicle testing to provide unmatched security against tampering.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With Accredited Drug Testing, individuals in Willows, MD experience utmost convenience with our local and nationwide testing centers. Accessing drug testing services has never been this easy, quick, and hassle-free. No matter the location, we've made sure to offer user-friendly testing services to meet the needs of all clients promptly and effortlessly.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Willows, MD, the process of ordering, taking, and receiving results for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet. The simplicity and confidentiality involved in every step cater to privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. This worry-free process is ideal for individuals and businesses alike, prioritizing privacy and ease in drug testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Those in Willows, MD can confidently depend on our affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structures provide excellent value, coupled with fast service, ensuring peace of mind for businesses of every size looking for cost-effective and swift testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle tests conducted in Willows, MD are renowned for their exceptional precision and swiftness. One significant advantage of this type of testing is its high level of accuracy in identifying substance use, fostering trust in the results provided. Hair follicle testing consistently delivers quick and dependable outcomes, making it a preferred choice for those prioritizing reliability in drug testing procedures.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Willows, MD can achieve compliance and a sense of security through hair follicle testing. Choosing this method of drug testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and promoting a safer working environment. The advantages this testing provides are vital for maintaining a healthy and lawful workplace atmosphere.

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