Hair testing is one of the most accurate and effective methods of finding drug abusers in the workplace.  With a much longer window of detection than urinalysis, and nearly impossible to substitute or adulterate, hair testing has quickly become a necessity for employers to incorporate into their drug and alcohol testing programs, particularly for pre-employment.

Compared to the more traditional forms drug testing, such as urinalysis, with a 2-3 day window of detection, a hair sample can detect a much longer period of drug use.  Each ½ inch of head hair provides a 30 day history of detection.  The standard test length (1.5 inches) allows for a 90 day window.  If no head hair is available, body hair from the chest, under arms and legs may be used.

By using a small sample cut at the scalp, the laboratory test measures the drug molecules embedded inside the hair shaft, eliminating external contamination as a source of a positive test result.  Any sample screened as potentially positive is confirmed using state of the art technology.  The collection process is quick and safe (no handling of body fluids), and the test results are legally defensible and admissible in court cases.

Hair follicle testing detects the following drugs of abuse:  Amphetamine/Methamphetamine/Ecstasy, Cocaine/Cocaine metabolites, Opiates (Codeine, Morphine, Heroin metabolite, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, and Oxycodone), Phencyclidine (PCP) and Marijuana.

Recent studies have revealed hair testing is the most effective method for pre-employment “safety sensitive” positions

♦ DOT Transportation:  Over 2 times higher positive rate combined with significantly lower post accident and random positive rates
♦ Manufacturing:  Over 5 times higher positive rate
♦ Drilling / Energy:  Over 6 times higher positive rate

Let MedDirect show you how to lower costs by reducing turnover, absenteeism, worker’s compensation, injuries, thefts, and increasing productivity!

Call us at 1-877-866-2161

 

MedDirect pursues relationships with only the highest quality drug testing laboratories in the industry. Those laboratories which are certified by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) / Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are required to maintain the “gold standards” within the drug testing industry.

Additionally, the laboratory must meet the exacting service expectations of MedDirect, on behalf of our customers.

At the laboratory the urine specimen and the Custody and Control Form (CCF) are immediately reviewed for completeness and adherence to chain-of-custody procedures. If any errors or omissions are discovered during the urine specimen collection process, if appropriate, they will be corrected by affidavit or Memorandum For Record (MFR) prior to testing and/or the release of any test result.

The specimen is then screened by state-of-the-art instrumentation, typically by the EMIT methodology. Those specimens revealing a “negative” result will immediately be transmitted to the MedDirect Medical Review Officer (MRO) at our MRO Center, and reviewed again by qualified staff. The test result(s) is then sent to your company Designated Employer Representative (DER).

Those specimens which initially screen “positive” are automatically analyzed by Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) to confirm the presence of abused or illegal drugs. Upon completion of the confirmation process, the result is sent to the MedDirect MRO Center where it will be completed through the MRO verification process.

All urine specimens are analyzed at the laboratory with numerous quality control measures and released only after being reviewed by an experienced “certifying scientist” prior to being forwarded to the MedDirect MRO Center.

MedDirect administers Random Drug Testing Programs for both DOT and Non-DOT clientele.

All DOT random drug testing will be conducted according to the Federal Regulations. Non-DOT random drug testing will adhere to your company policy.

MedDirect will computer-generate selections by employee population each quarter.

We will fulfill the DOT requirements at the 50% rate for controlled substance and 10% for alcohol testing annually for FMCSA. PHMSA drug testing is currently at 25%.

MedDirect provides professional services from its MRO Center in conjunction with a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.) for receiving laboratory test results. A MRO is one knowledgeable in substance abuse disorders and has appropriate medical training to interpret and evaluate an individual’s positive test result with his or her medical history or other relevant biomedical information. MedDirect MROs have been certified through the Medical Review Officer Training. The MedDirect MRO of record is Aaron White, M.D.

The primary responsibility of the MRO is to review, evaluate and interpret drug test results from the laboratory. Positive test results must be carefully evaluated to determine any alternative medical explanation. Proper research is conducted before producing conclusions. Federal guidelines are strictly followed. We provide immediate MRO response on positive test results.

The MedDirect / MRO Center follows the guidelines established in Part 40 – Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs; Subpart G Medical Review Officers and the Verification Process.

We have two staff MROs, Aaron White, M.D. and Lance Barton, M.D. Each MRO is currently credentialed in their medical discipline and have been certified by the American Association of Medical Review Officers (AAMRO).

The MRO Administrator is Amanda Espy, who is a qualified liaison for MRO matters. She has received her MRO training and education from AAMRO and completes various related continuing education programs annually.

The MRO Staff is trained in Substance Abuse Professional Administration.

Laboratory test results come to the MRO Center via computer-to-computer communications. All new data downloads to the MRO Center are in custom format to adapt to our information management system. The system is fully automated with quality assurance review by designated MedDirect staff. Upon quality assurance completion, results are immediately reported to your company Designated Employee Representative (DER).

Negative test results will be compared against its respective Custody and Control Form (CCF), of which, the collection site faxes to our office once the collection is complete. Upon completion, typically before 10:00 a.m., the negative test results are immediately released to your company’s DER.

Positive test results will be handled by a qualified staff member for the MRO in regards to review of the CCF, locating the donor for the MRO interview, verification of any medicines and prescriptions revealed by the employee, DER contact as needed, and other MRO interaction as required.

Positive test reports may be the result of identified drug(s) of abuse, metabolite or the result of validity testing. In either case, the protocol for handling a positive result is the same – to include the employee’s right to split specimen testing under federally regulated programs.

The MRO may determine from interviewing the employee that additional testing of the same specimen may be required before verification is conclusive, such as a D & L Isomer test for amphetamine or methamphetamine.

Once the MRO’s verification is complete and documented, the result is immediately transmitted to your DER.

Split Specimen requests from employees of federally regulated programs will be honored. The employee, or prospective employee, must submit the request in writing with his/her signature. The employee will have 72 hours to submit the request after the MRO interview.

Reporting may be provided to your company DER via fax or internet. Internet retrieval is available around the clock at this website.

At the MedDirect website, your drug testing information is in a secured location, accessible only with the combination of two different login codes. Additionally, MRO verified statistical information stays up to date and is immediately available for a printed hard copy.

Third Party Administrators or TPAs, such as MedDirect, administer and coordinate every key area of your drug-free workplace program. We provide comprehensive, seamless services that provide the most proficient and cost-effective means for developing and maintaining a well run program.

We have been doing our homework for almost two decades and have packaged turn-key drug testing for DOT compliance that is a well-established leader in the industry.

MedDirect pioneered and created one of the very first national TPA service groups in the nation. As the originator of the AuditReady system, we have one of the most customer accessible and friendly programs anywhere in the country.

We provide services anywhere in the U.S. — just for you!

These include:

• Specimen Collection
• Drug Testing Laboratory
• Medical Review Officer
• Federal Guidelines

Call one of our friendly customer service representatives today for your no-obligation proposal.

1-877-866-2161