Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Berwyn Heights, MD

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows, hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use. When taken near the scalp, a sample can reveal drug and alcohol use for nearly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg — an optimal amount for evaluation and verification. To test for EtG, additional substances, or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's suggested to measure the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory handling of a drug test result is comprised of four crucial phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase, where the sample is integrated into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment are intact, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry that the electronic chain of custody does not cover.

Screening performs an initial basic assessment for illegal substances. Though Screening offers an economical means to discard drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive result must be confirmed for judicial acceptance. Any samples deemed as potentially positive during Screening need further verification.

If a sample shows a possible positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, much lower drug concentrations are drawn from the hair compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing the most demanding method to execute.

Positive screening findings undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The entire procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter timeframe.
• Hard to tamper: It's nearly impossible to deceive a hair drug test, ensuring higher accuracy.
• Delivers historical insight: It shows drug use patterns over time, not merely recent activity.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: It typically takes 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier than other methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and unique growth rates can impact the drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Berwyn Heights, MD, outshines traditional urine tests. The detection accuracy and reliability of hair testing are unmatched, providing superior insights.

• Longer Detection Window: Hair tests offer a 90-day detection period, surpassing urine tests.
• Accuracy: Proven methods ensure precise results.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Berwyn Heights, MD, offers a remarkable detection window of up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history.

For safety-sensitive positions, this longer detection period is invaluable in monitoring and maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Berwyn Heights, MD, are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly lowering the chances of sample adulteration.

The integrity of hair testing assures reliable and unquestionable results, making it a trustworthy choice for stringent testing requirements.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient nationwide and local testing locations, including Berwyn Heights, MD, facilitate easy access to testing services.

Our numerous centers ensure quick and hassle-free testing, saving time and providing convenience for all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Berwyn Heights, MD, our testing process is simple and confidential, prioritizing user privacy.

From ordering to receiving results, our streamlined approach ensures ease of use and protects personal information throughout the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle testing services in Berwyn Heights, MD, offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times.

Competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value, while quick results provide peace of mind for companies seeking efficient testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Berwyn Heights, MD, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in detecting substance use surpasses traditional methods, offering high accuracy in outcomes.

With rapid turnaround times, these tests ensure prompt detection, making them the preferred choice for accurate and timely drug screenings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Berwyn Heights, MD, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks.

These tests provide peace of mind, contributing to a safer work environment, which is crucial in upholding corporate responsibility.

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