Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle testing services in Desert Hills, Arizona. Whether you need drug or alcohol testing using hair samples, we specialize in hair analysis, with facilities across the nation equipped to conduct these tests. A hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches on your head or body is typically required. Hair tests can examine drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other tailored testing solutions.
Recently, the use of hair follicle testing for drug screening has increased. Many businesses, judicial systems, and substance abuse specialists now favor hair tests over traditional urine tests. Employers with zero-tolerance drug policies, courts, and probation programs often use these tests. Key advantages include a longer detection timeframe (up to 90 days), supervised collection process, and a reduced chance of tampering. For detecting recent usage within the last 5 days, urine tests remain the most precise.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by sequestering biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When hair samples are taken from close to the scalp, it offers a detection window of roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
An ideal sample for screening and confirmation, consisting of about 100mg of hair, can be obtained from a 1.5-inch segment of hair approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil, close to the scalp, which includes roughly 200 strands. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's recommended to collect 150mg of the specimen. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement of the specimen. If scalp hair can't be accessed, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically imply scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test results involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory's system, including the verification of proper sealing and shipping, assigning of a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any missing data entry outside an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a rapid initial assessment for the presence of abused substances. While it's a cost-effective approach for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed before it is court-admissible. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
For any sample with a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), presenting a challenge that makes hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples assumed to be positive are washed as a preparatory step to confirmation, if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the standards of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the focus is on analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Desert Hills, AZ, hair follicle testing excels over urine testing due to its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests provide a longer window of detection, making them more reliable for employers and institutions requiring accurate substance use history. The precision and resistance to tampering also set hair testing apart from traditional urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Desert Hills, AZ, offers an extended detection window, capturing drug use over a 90-day period. This long duration provides employers a thorough view of a candidate’s or employee’s drug history, making it invaluable for informed decision-making regarding substance use.
In Desert Hills, AZ, hair follicle tests are celebrated for their tamper-resistant nature. The methodology reduces the risk of adulteration, ensuring test results remain trustworthy and unassailable. This reliability is crucial for maintaining the integrity of drug test outcomes.
Desert Hills, AZ, enjoys the convenience of multiple testing centers across the nation. These facilities allow for easy and hassle-free access to testing services, ensuring that drug testing needs are met quickly and efficiently, no matter where individuals are located.
In Desert Hills, AZ, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, every step respects privacy and simplifies the experience, addressing any concerns about ease of use.
Desert Hills, AZ, benefits from competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This affordability, paired with fast results, ensures excellent value for businesses of all sizes, supporting their drug-testing needs economically and effectively.
In Desert Hills, AZ, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy. These tests efficiently detect substance use, ensuring that results are both quick and precise. Hair testing surpasses other methods, capturing a comprehensive view of drug use, making it the preferred choice for fast, reliable outcomes.
Employers in Desert Hills, AZ, can find assurance in hair follicle testing, as it supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Utilizing this method reduces legal liabilities and promotes a safer working environment, providing peace of mind for all parties involved.