Hair Follicle Drug Testing Leitch, MD
Accredited Drug Testing Inc provides Hair Follicle drug testing Leitch, MD for individuals and employers needing a drug test utilizing the hair follicle analysis process. To schedule a hair follicle drug test in Leitch, MD, Call (800) 221-4291. Most testing centers are within minutes of your home or office.
Hair follicle drug testing Leitch, MD is available for 5, 10, and 12 panel drug screenings.
To schedule a Hair Follicle Drug Test at one of our testing centers in the Grady county area, Call (800) 221-4291, Same Day Service Available. Testing centers do not require an appointment, but you must call and register for the test.
Hair follicle drug testing is becoming a more popular method by employers and individuals in need of a drug test due to the detection time frame being longer than a standard urine test.
Local Hair follicle drug testing Leitch, MD centers are available to assist our clients throughout the entire process and all of our hair follicle drug testing Leitch, MD facilities have certified drug testing technicians available to conduct a hair follicle drug test collection.
Hair Follicle Drug Test
In recent years the method to conduct drug testing has more frequently included a hair follicle drug test. Many employers, courts and Substance Abuse Professional are requiring a hair follicle drug test instead of a standard urine test. Hair follicle drug tests are used by employers who have zero tolerance drug use policies, courts and individuals on probation. The primary benefit of a hair follicle drug test include a much longer detection period for drug use which typically is up to 90 days. However, when screening drug use within the last 5 days the urine test continues to be the most accurate test.
Hair Follicle Drug Test Process
The procedure used to perform a hair follicle test is simple, the drug testing specialist will cut approximately 120 strands of hair (not really a lot) utilize a chain of custody procedure and send the hair to a certified laboratory for analysis. Drug testing centers require at least 1.5 inches of hair to perform this test and the hair generally needs to come from the head, however if the donor does not have head hair certain testing centers can use hair from chest, leg or arm pit.
If a donor has no hair on their body, than a hair test cannot be performed!
Hair Follicle Drug Test Results
Once the hair follicles have been analyzed by a certified laboratory they will then be reviewed and then verified by a Medical Review Officer (licensed Physician) who will than release the results. Generally a negative hair follicle drug test result is available in 2-3 days. A non-negative hair follicle drug test is available in approximately 5 days.
Urine cut-off levels are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or as a weight of drug per unit volume of urine. Hair cut-off levels are expressed in picograms per milligram (pg/mg) or as a weight of drug per unit weight of hair
5 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 5 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
5 Panel w/ Expanded Opiates Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 5 panel w/ expanded Opiates hair drug test screens for the standard 5 drugs but will also screen for Opiate class drugs such as pain killers, which may indicate abuse of prescription drugs
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Marijuana
- Morphine
- Phencyclidine
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- 6 AM- Heroine
10 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 10 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
12 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 12 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Opiates
- Oxycodone
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
- Tramadol
To schedule a Hair follicle Drug Testing Leitch, MD Call (800)221-4291.
Accredited Drug Testing Inc. is pleased to provide hair follicle drug testing, alcohol testing, occupational health and DNA testing services in Leitch, MD.
3169 BRAVERTON ST, STE 200 11.6 miles
EDGEWATER, MD 21037
75 MAYO RD 11.7 miles
EDGEWATER, MD 21037
3059 SOLOMONS ISLAND RD 12.2 miles
EDGEWATER, MD 21037
Onsite Only 13.7 miles
Largo, MD 20774
1430 SOLOMONS ISLAND RD STE 6 13.7 miles
HUNTINGTOWN, MD 20639
1419 FOREST DR STE 104 13.9 miles
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403
130 HOSPITAL RD 14.2 miles
PRINCE FREDERICK, MD 20678
110 HOSPITAL RD STE 310 14.3 miles
PRINCE FREDERICK, MD 20678
2661 RIVA RD BLDG 600 SUITE 610 14.4 miles
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
995 PRINCE FREDERICK BLVD #107 14.5 miles
PRINCE FREDERICK, MD 20678
3060 MITCHELLVILLE RD 14.7 miles
BOWIE, MD 20716
96 ARMORY RD STE 102 15.0 miles
PRINCE FREDERICK, MD 20678
4000 Mitchellville Rd Ste A112, 15.2 miles
Bowie, MD 20716
12555 CENTRAL AVE. STE A&F 15.4 miles
CHINO, CA 91710
11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT 15.8 miles
UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20774
11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT 15.8 miles
LARGO, MD 20774
820 Bestgate Rd, 15.9 miles
Annapolis, MD 21401
11947 WINGED FOOT CT 16.6 miles
WALDORF, MD 20602
9141 ALAKING CT STE 112 17.0 miles
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD 20743
4355 FORESTVILLE RD APT 302 17.5 miles
FORESTVILLE, MD 20747
1600A BRIGHTSEAT RD APT 301 17.9 miles
HYATTSVILLE, MD 20785
8700 CENTRAL AVE STE 204 18.0 miles
LANDOVER, MD 20785
7700 OLD BRANCH AVE E108 18.3 miles
CLINTON, MD 20735
12200 ANNAPOLIS RD, SUITE 120 18.6 miles
GLENN DALE, MD 20769
ONSITE ONLY 18.7 miles
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21409
1667 Homewood Landing Rd 18.7 miles
Annapolis, MD 21409
2170 OLD WASHINGTON RD STE 111 18.8 miles
WALDORF, MD 20601
3510 HEIDI LN 19.0 miles
SPRINGDALE, MD 20774
4451 PARLIAMENT PL STE G 19.5 miles
LANHAM, MD 20706
Onsite Only 19.6 miles
Hughesville, MD 20637
5 CHESTER PLZ 19.7 miles
CHESTER, MD 21619
12070 OLD LINE CTR STE 201 20.5 miles
WALDORF, MD 20602
3070 HEATHCOTE RD 20.8 miles
WALDORF, MD 20602
5606 HOLTON LN 20.9 miles
TEMPLE HILLS, MD 20748
10117 PALAMAR DR 21.0 miles
LANHAM, MD 20706
2112 DIDONATO DR, STE F 21.4 miles
CHESTER, MD 21619
3460 Old Washington Rd Ste 104, 21.6 miles
Waldorf, MD 20602
3500 OLD WASHINGTON RD STE 104 21.6 miles
WALDORF, MD 20602
537 RITCHIE HWY STE 2G 21.7 miles
SEVERNA PARK, MD 21146
4121 MINNESOTA AVE NE 22.6 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20019
408 HEADQUARTERS DR STE 3-B 23.4 miles
MILLERSVILLE, MD 21108
7933 BELLE POINT DR 23.8 miles
GREENBELT, MD 20770
6201 Greenbelt Rd, Suite M3 24.4 miles
College Park, MD 20740
3708 MOUNTAIN RD 24.9 miles
PASADENA, MD 21122
125 SHOREWAY DR 25.8 miles
QUEENSTOWN, MD 21658
8615 COMMERCE DR STE 4 25.8 miles
EASTON, MD 21601
219 S WASHINGTON ST 26.0 miles
EASTON, MD 21601
200 Hospital Dr Ste 103, 26.0 miles
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
920 VARNUM ST NE 26.3 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20017
10452 BALTIMORE AVE 26.3 miles
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
4729 SELLMAN RD 26.4 miles
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
On-site ONLY 26.6 miles
LAUREL, MD 20724
808 LANDMARK DR STE 116 26.8 miles
GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061
225 REINEKERS LN 26.9 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314
401 PURDY ST, STE 202 26.9 miles
EASTON, MD 21601
911 U ST NW 27.0 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20001
8163 OCEAN GTWY 27.1 miles
EASTON, MD 21601
815 CONNECTICUT AVE NW 27.2 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
P. O. BOX 376 27.2 miles
LAUREL, MD 20725
6020 RICHMOND HWY STE 100 27.2 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22303
3422 GEORGIA AVE NW 27.4 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20010
1145 19TH ST NW STE 601 27.6 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
1145 19th Street NW Suite 506 27.6 miles
Washington, DC 20036
1140 19TH ST NW STE 700 27.6 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
802 Cromwell Park Dr STE H-Cromwell Business Park 27.6 miles
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
2029 K ST NW STE 301 27.7 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
8101 HINSON FARM RD STE 314 27.8 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22306
201 CENTENNIAL ST B1 27.8 miles
LA PLATA, MD 20646
7609 RICHMOND HWY STE B 28.0 miles
Alexandria, VA 22306
2440 M St NW Ste 414, 28.1 miles
Washington, DC 20037
811 CROMWELL PARK DR STE 104 28.5 miles
GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061
403 CHARLES ST 3 28.9 miles
LA PLATA, MD 20646
3059 MARSHALL HALL RD 29.1 miles
BRYANS ROAD, MD 20616
3263 COLUMBIA PIKE 29.2 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22204
20 Creston Ln Ste F 29.4 miles
Solomons, MD 20688
8121 GEORGIA AVE STE 208 29.4 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
4320 SEMINARY RD 29.5 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
4527 DUKE ST 29.6 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
1401 BLAIR MILL RD APT 1222 29.7 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
3301 WILSON BLVD 30.0 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22201
503 BYRN ST, 2ND FL 30.1 miles
CAMBRIDGE, MD 21613
13823 OUTLET DR 30.1 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20904
8768 SUSINI DR 30.2 miles
LAUREL, MD 20723
5130 DUKE ST STE 10 30.3 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
14090 SOLOMONS ISLAND RD S STE 1400 30.4 miles
SOLOMONS, MD 20688
5550 COLUMBIA PIKE APT 551 30.6 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22204
7377 WASHINGTON BLVD STE 101-102 30.8 miles
ELKRIDGE, MD 21075
1005 N GLEBE RD STE 140 30.9 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22201
24035 THREE NOTCH RD 30.9 miles
HOLLYWOOD, MD 20636
6785 Business Pkwy 30.9 miles
Elkridge, MD 21075
3676 Alpen Greenway 31.0 miles
Burtonsville, MD 20866
9801 GEORGIA AVE STE 222 31.1 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20902
6144 EDSALL RD APT 303 31.2 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
6226 OLD FRANCONIA RD 31.8 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22310
6064 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church Medical Center 31.9 miles
Falls Church, VA 22044
701 DIGITAL DRIVE STE L 32.0 miles
LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD 21090
11002 VEIRS MILL RD STE 700 32.3 miles
WHEATON, MD 20902
6656 DOBBIN RD 32.3 miles
COLUMBIA, MD 21045
25500 POINT LOOKOUT RD 32.4 miles
LEONARDTOWN, MD 20650
5590 GENERAL WASHINGTON DR 32.7 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22312
8218 WISCONSIN AVE STE 208 32.7 miles
BETHESDA, MD 20814
5822 OAKLAND RD 33.1 miles
HALETHORPE, MD 21227
6715 Little River Turnpike Ste 300 33.2 miles
Annandale, VA 22003
22576 MACARTHUR BLVD 33.3 miles
CALIFORNIA, MD 20619
6120 BRANDON AVE STE 105 33.4 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22150
5501 BACKLICK RD 33.6 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151
5510 ALMA LN STE 200 33.6 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151
22196 THREE NOTCH RD ste 309 34.1 miles
LEXINGTON PARK, MD 20653
2701 W PATAPSCO AVE STE 225 34.1 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21230
920 W BROAD ST STE B 34.5 miles
FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046
4807 BENSON AVE 34.5 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21227
1730 Merritt Blvd Choice One UC Baltimore 34.7 miles
Baltimore, MD 21222
1419 KNECHT AVE 34.8 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21227
1833 PORTAL ST 35.0 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
7839 ROLLING RD STE A 35.0 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22153
1576 MERRITT BLVD STE 2 35.3 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21222
1576 MERRITT BLVD STE 3 35.3 miles
DUNDALK, MD 21222
1501 S CLINTON ST 11 FL 35.4 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
11055 Little Patuxent Pkwy, SUITE 202 35.6 miles
Columbia, MD 21044
3600 ODONNELL ST STE 170 35.6 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
726 LIGHT ST 35.7 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21230
20945 GREAT MILLS RD STE 202 36.2 miles
LEXINGTON PARK, MD 20653
100 S CHARLES ST STE 150 36.3 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21201
8316 ARLINGTON BLVD STE 206 36.6 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22031
3020 Hamaker Court, B-110 37.0 miles
Fairfax, VA 22031
8501 Arlington Blvd Ste 120, 37.0 miles
Fairfax, VA 22031
5411 Old Frederick Rd Ste 9, 37.1 miles
Baltimore, MD 21229
18111 PRINCE PHILIP DR, STE T12 37.7 miles
OLNEY, MD 20832
1812 BOLTON ST APT 3 37.8 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21217
9055 Chevrolet Dr Ste 101, 37.9 miles
Ellicott City, MD 21043
PO BOX 59815 38.1 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20859
216 Locust St 38.1 miles
Occaquan, VA 22125
9396D BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE 38.2 miles
ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21042
2300 Garrison Blvd Ste 206, 38.5 miles
Baltimore, MD 21216
8101 PULASKI HWY STE H 38.5 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
2901 SAINT PAUL ST 38.7 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21218
2 East Rolling Crossroads, Suite 51 38.7 miles
Catonsville, MD 21228
100 MAPLE AVE E 39.0 miles
VIENNA, VA 22180
14527 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY FEATHERSTONE SQUARE SHOPPING CTR 39.0 miles
WOODBRIDGE, VA 22191
1650 UNION AVE 39.4 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21211
2080 Daniel Stuart Square, 39.4 miles
Woodbridge, VA 22191
4419 FALLS RD STE D 40.1 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21211
9114 PHILADELPHIA RD STE 108 40.5 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
6820 HOSPITAL DR, STE 201 40.5 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
9110 Philadelphia Rd Ste 212, 40.6 miles
Baltimore, MD 21237
2401 W BELVEDERE AVE HOFFBERGER STE 54 40.6 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21215
10560 MAIN ST 40.7 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22030
14010 SMOKETOWN ROAD, STE 101 40.7 miles
WOODBRIDGE, VA 22192
10721 MAIN ST STE 3100 41.0 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22030
10721 Main Street, Suite 1400 41.0 miles
Fairfax, VA 22030
15005 SHADY GROVE RD Ste 450 41.0 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
15225 Shady Grove Road, Suite 207 41.1 miles
Rockville, MD 20850
9707 Medical Center Dr Ste 120, 41.1 miles
Rockville, MD 20850
514 WASHINGTON AVE, STE 4 41.2 miles
CHESTERTOWN, MD 21620
14800 PHYSICIANS LN STE 131 41.8 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
42010 VILLAGE CENTER PLZ 42.3 miles
STONE RIDGE, VA 20105
4158 DALE BLVD 42.5 miles
DALE CITY, VA 22193
8945 N WESTLAND DR 42.6 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
431 N FREDERICK AVE GAITHERSBURG 42.6 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
5400 Old Court Rd Ste 102, 42.7 miles
Randallstown, MD 21133
12731 Marblestone Dr, Suite 100 42.9 miles
Woodbridge, VA 22192
11848 Robertson Farm Circle 43.0 miles
Fairfax, VA 22030
7801 YORK RD STE 360 43.2 miles
TOWSON, MD 21204
17017 DUMFRIES RD 43.3 miles
DUMFRIES, VA 22025
14142 MINNIEVILLE RD MINNIEVILLE PLAZE SUITE 204 43.4 miles
WOODBRIDGE, VA 22193
12581 MILSTEAD WAY STE 103 43.4 miles
WOODBRIDGE, VA 22192
3990 FETTLER PARK DR 43.5 miles
DUMFRIES, VA 22025
17932 FRALEY BLVD STE 405 43.6 miles
DUMFRIES, VA 22026
3928 LANSING CT 43.6 miles
DUMFRIES, VA 22026
803 RUSSELL AVE 43.9 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20879
1860 REISTERSTOWN RD STE A 44.0 miles
PIKESVILLE, MD 21208
1220A E JOPPA RD STE 109 44.0 miles
TOWSON, MD 21286
1838 GREENE TREE RD STE 115 44.2 miles
PIKESVILLE, MD 21208
8600 LASALLE RD YORK BUILDING, STE 515 44.7 miles
TOWSON, MD 21286
3650 JOSEPH SIEWICK DR Ste 400 44.8 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22033
23 Crossroads Dr, Suite 120 44.9 miles
Owings Mills, MD 21117
12713 SHOPPES LN 44.9 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22033
1205 York Rd Ste 15a, 45.1 miles
Lutherville, MD 21093
1407 YORK RD STE 311 45.3 miles
LUTHERVILLE, MD 21093
106 Elden St Ste 18b, 45.4 miles
Herndon, VA 20170
208 ELDEN ST 45.6 miles
HERNDON, VA 20170
462 HERNDON PKWY STE 103 45.8 miles
HERNDON, VA 20170
1830 YORK RD STE F 46.2 miles
TIMONIUM, MD 21093
12321 MIDDLEBROOK RD 47.1 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
6201 CENTREVILLE RD STE 200 47.2 miles
CENTREVILLE, VA 20121
19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR 47.2 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR, STE 308 47.2 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
20528 Boland Farm Rd Ste 205, 47.3 miles
Germantown, MD 20876
4437 BROOKFIELD CORPORATE DR STE 108 47.9 miles
CHANTILLY, VA 20151
6370 SPRINGFIELD PLZ 48.0 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22150
46440 BENEDICT DR STE 108 48.1 miles
STERLING, VA 20164
8694 CENTREVILLE RD 48.2 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
8773 MATHIS AVE 48.3 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
1411 H SERVICE RD 48.3 miles
CHANTILLY, VA 20151
1532 Liberty Road, Suite 101 48.4 miles
Eldersburg, MD 21784
11722 REISTERSTOWN RD 48.8 miles
REISTERSTOWN, MD 21136
9003 CHURCH ST 48.9 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
21525 RIDGETOP CIR STE 260 48.9 miles
STERLING, VA 20166
21036 TRIPLESEVEN RD 49.1 miles
STERLING, VA 20165
1000 LIBERTY RD STE 102 49.1 miles
ELDERSBURG, MD 21784
45305 CATALINA CT STE 103 49.2 miles
STERLING, VA 20166
10 WARREN RD, STE 260 49.2 miles
COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030
2120 EMMORTON PARK RD Ste E 49.4 miles
EDGEWOOD, MD 21040
2 Pidgeon Hill Dr Suite 120, 49.5 miles
Sterling, VA 20165
8714 SUDLEY RD 49.6 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
8685 Sudley Rd, 49.7 miles
Manassas, VA 20110
8640 SUDLEY RD STE 203 49.8 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
8609 SUDLEY RD STE 104 49.8 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
2 LYNDHURST CT 49.9 miles
STERLING, VA 20165
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Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Hair Follicle Drug Testing: An Overview
Hair follicle drug testing is a method used to detect the use of illicit drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs over an extended period. Unlike urine tests, which can detect recent drug use, hair follicle testing provides a longer window of detection, typically up to 90 days. This overview explores how hair follicle drug testing works, its applications, and its benefits.
How Hair Follicle Drug Testing Works
The process involves taking a small sample of hair, usually from the head but sometimes from the body if scalp hair is insufficient. The hair is tested to identify drugs and their metabolites, which are deposited in the hair from the bloodstream. This method is sensitive to a wide range of substances, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine, and phencyclidine (PCP).
Applications of Hair Follicle Drug Testing
- Employment Screening: Many employers use hair follicle testing as part of their pre-employment screening processes and in regular checks to ensure a drug-free workplace.
- Legal and Forensic Cases: This testing is used in legal settings to provide evidence in custody disputes, DUI cases, and other legal matters requiring proof of drug use.
- Rehabilitation Monitoring: Health care providers and rehab centers use hair tests to monitor individuals recovering from drug addiction.
Advantages of Hair Follicle Drug Testing
- Long Detection Period: Can detect drug use for up to 90 days, making it more effective for identifying long-term drug use than other testing methods.
- Tamper Resistance: The nature of hair sample collection makes it difficult to tamper with or substitute samples, providing more accurate results.
- Non-invasive: The process is simple and does not require the handling of bodily fluids, making it less invasive and safer to administer.
Considerations and Limitations
While hair follicle drug testing is highly effective, there are considerations to keep in mind:
- Growth Rate Variability: Hair growth rates can vary from person to person, potentially affecting the detection window.
- Potential for External Contamination: Drugs can sometimes be absorbed from the environment, leading to potential false positives, though washing the hair sample prior to testing can mitigate this risk.
- Cultural and Personal Concerns: The requirement of hair samples can raise concerns among those with hair loss or individuals whose cultural practices affect hair grooming or styling.
Hair follicle drug testing is a reliable and comprehensive method for detecting drug use over an extended period. It is widely used across various sectors for its accuracy and tamper-resistant methodology, making it a valuable tool in maintaining drug-free environments and supporting legal and medical interventions.
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