Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Wittman, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. It captures a long-term record of substance use by preserving biomarkers within the growing hair fiber. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to about three months for substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil), collected nearest to the scalp, results in 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable measure of body hair may be obtained. The term "head hair" specifically pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug testing laboratory procedure comprises four principal phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the preliminary incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This encompasses checking that the sample remains sealed and sent correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary swift assessment for illicit drugs. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use for most samples, any positive result must be validated to be legally defensible. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is retrieved from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly minimal concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.

Positive screening outcomes are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample that tests presumptively positive is cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests identify drug usage for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a briefer period of detection.
• Challenging to deceive: Since hair drug tests are difficult to manipulate, the results are more reliable.
• Offers historical insight: They furnish a pattern of substance usage over time, beyond recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs typically become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually incur higher costs than alternative methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth may impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the evaluation targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage over urine tests in Wittman, MD, in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. This method reliably identifies substance use even after lengthy periods, which traditional urine tests may miss. Employers benefit by maintaining stricter drug-free environments thanks to the added peace of mind that comes with superior detection capabilities.

Extended Detection Window

In Wittman, MD, the benefit of hair follicle testing is its extended detection duration, often up to 90 days. This thorough insight into an individual's substance history provides employers with an enhanced tool for evaluating an employee's or applicant’s past drug use, helping to make informed hiring and management decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Wittman, MD, offers a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. By significantly reducing the threat of specimen adulteration compared to urine tests, hair tests guarantee robust and trustworthy results. This ensures an unbiased evaluation of an individual's drug use history.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

For the residents of Wittman, MD, convenient testing centers nationwide, including local facilities, ensure that accessing hair follicle drug testing services is straightforward and smooth. Quick, easy locations for testing are available, thus streamlining the testing process for individuals and businesses alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Wittman, MD, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure is designed to respect privacy and offer ease of use, addressing personal privacy concerns while ensuring ease and efficiency throughout the entire process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Hair follicle testing in Wittman, MD, is characterized by competitive pricing and quick result turnaround times. This balance of affordability and speed ensures that companies of varying sizes receive valuable drug testing services without compromising on quality or efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Wittman, MD, hair follicle tests stand out for their precision and speed. The high accuracy rate of these tests ensures that any substance use is reliably detected. Results are delivered promptly, making them an invaluable tool for employers and agencies that require dependable outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Wittman, MD, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method assures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks, and fostering a safer, more productive work environment. The reliability of hair testing supports consistent policy enforcement across the board.

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