Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lake Shore, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record for alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Collecting hair near the scalp can yield a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.

A 1.5-inch sample containing around 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and verification. When testing for EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 drug panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be gathered. When discussing head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial, and axillary).

Process Overview

The essential phases in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves processing a sample into the laboratory system initially. This involves checking that the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing outstanding data entry that was not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require further confirmation.

If a sample tests as tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Verification of any positive result from Screening is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is exceedingly challenging, resulting in more reliable results.
• Offers historical insight: It can reveal a drug use trend over time, rather than just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Lake Shore, MD, hair follicle tests have proven to be superior because they deliver more reliable and precise results than traditional urine tests. Advantages of hair testing include extended detection periods, making them more effective for long-term substance use monitoring.

Hair testing boasts a longer detection window, often up to 90 days, providing a thorough review of a person's drug history. This method considerably enhances reliability and precision, a crucial aspect often lacking in more conventional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in Lake Shore, MD, offer an extended detection period that can trace substance use back up to 90 days, giving employers an invaluable snapshot of an individual's drug history. These tests offer enhanced oversight that urine tests cannot match due to their limited detection window of only a few days.

This extended window ensures that alternatives like urine tests, which detect more recent drug use, do not provide such historical insights. Hair testing reveals consistent patterns of use, critical in decision-making processes for employers.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle testing method in Lake Shore, MD, significantly curtails the risk of tampering. Its unique attributes make it an unquestionably reliable form of testing, as altering the sample becomes practically impossible.

With its observed collection process, hair testing counters common issues associated with tampering, providing accurate and dependable results. It addresses longstanding concerns of adulteration that are often linked with other sample types, like urine tests, ensuring confidence in results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient locations throughout Lake Shore, MD, and nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing services has never been easier. Our testing centers offer hassle-free access, ensuring that drug testing needs are met promptly and efficiently.

This extensive network provides flexibility, allowing individuals and organizations to schedule testing at their convenience. The widespread availability ensures that no matter where you are, top-notch drug testing services are within reach.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Lake Shore, MD, the hair follicle drug testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed with ease and privacy in mind, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

Concerns about privacy are addressed through secure processes, protecting individuals' information and providing assurance of confidentiality throughout the testing stages. This approach makes hair testing a preferred choice for many seeking efficient and discreet drug screening solutions.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Apart from being fast and reliable, hair follicle drug testing in Lake Shore, MD, offers affordable pricing paired with swift turnaround times. This blend of cost-effectiveness and efficiency caters to companies, regardless of size, providing significant value.

The competitive pricing structures ensure that organizations can maintain budget-friendly testing regimens without compromising on the quality of results. Quick turnaround times further emphasize the practicality of choosing hair testing for reliable and economical drug screening.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Lake Shore, MD, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their remarkable precision and efficiency in identifying substance use. Fast and reliable, these tests provide accurate results swiftly, ensuring that individuals and organizations can promptly make informed decisions.

With a high degree of accuracy, hair testing effectively spots substances, offering a dependable method for ensuring workplace safety and compliance. Its reliability is unmatched by other types of drug testing available in the area.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Lake Shore, MD, hair follicle testing offers employers peace of mind by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. With these tests, legal risks are minimized due to the reliability and accuracy offered, crucial for maintaining a safe work environment.

Investing in hair testing enhances workplace safety and compliance, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to uphold strict no-drug use policies. This ensures a secure environment, fostering productivity and reducing potential liabilities associated with substance use.

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