Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are increasingly recognized for their effectiveness in identifying substance use. Hair can encapsulate biomarkers within its fibers, offering a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over an approximate three-month timeframe. This material is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be retrieved. By head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other classifications (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab analysis of a drug test finding include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the sample’s initial integration into the lab’s system. This process encompasses confirmation of the sample being securely sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data logging absent in an electronic custody chain.
Screening begins with a preliminary drug abuse check. Though cost-effective for largely negating drug presence across most samples, any positive screens call for confirmation to stand in legal scenarios. Samples with positive presumption during Screening necessitate follow-up verification.
If presumed positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluids, underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive screen outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo washing before verification as required. Each lab phase from Accessioning to Confirmation falls under examination via CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp
In Woodland, MD, hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. Accuracy and reliability are key factors why many prefer it. Hair testing provides a longer detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days back. In contrast, urine tests have a shorter detection span and can be more easily compromised. Hair tests ensure a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history.
Employers in Woodland, MD benefit from hair follicle tests due to their extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can detect drug use up to 90 days prior, providing a thorough picture of substance history. This longer window assists in making informed decisions regarding employment, offering a reliable insight into past behaviors and ensuring a trustworthy workforce.
Sample integrity is a prevalent issue in drug testing, but hair follicle tests used in Woodland, MD provide a tamper-resistant solution. These tests significantly reduce the risk of adulteration due to their nature. Unlike urine samples, hair tests are difficult to manipulate, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results that enhance the credibility of the testing process.
Convenience in drug testing is paramount, and our nationwide testing centers offer seamless access to services in Woodland, MD. With numerous local and national locations, businesses and individuals alike can enjoy quick, easy, and hassle-free testing processes. Our broad network ensures you are never far from a reliable testing site.
Our drug testing process in Woodland, MD is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving results, everything is streamlined, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use. Individuals and companies can rely on us for a secure testing experience that values client confidentiality.
Affordability is a cornerstone of our services in Woodland, MD. With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, we offer exceptional value to companies of every size. Our pricing structures cater to different budgets, ensuring all organizations can benefit from effective and reliable drug testing solutions without compromise.
Fast and accurate results are crucial for employers in Woodland, MD. Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision in detecting substances, offering high reliability. Typically, you receive results faster compared to urine tests, without sacrificing accuracy. This quick turnaround is essential for maintaining safety and compliance within the workplace environment, ensuring peace of mind for all involved.
Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Woodland, MD, providing peace of mind to employers. By utilizing this method, companies lower their legal risks while promoting safety and adherence to regulations. This not only safeguards the workplace but also strengthens the employer's responsibility to maintain a drug-free environment.