If you're in Santa Cruz, Arizona, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing. Whether it's for drugs or alcohol, we are experts in this field and have numerous centers across the country to assist with your needs. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp is required, though body hair can also be used. Our hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for specific requirements.
In recent years, hair follicle drug testing has gained popularity as a method for analyzing drug use. This type of testing is increasingly mandated by employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts instead of the traditional urine tests. It’s favored by those with strict no-drug policies due to its extended detection span of up to 90 days and its resistance to tampering. However, urine tests remain optimal for detecting recent drug use within a 5-day window.
* 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.
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as an enduring record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for substances like alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of hair (approximately 200 strands, similar to a #2 pencil in thickness) from near the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or beyond 10-panel, 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair specifically indicates scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of the sample into the laboratory's system, which encompasses checking that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and completing any requisite data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for substance abuse. Although screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up in a legal setting. Any samples marked presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.
The confirmation of any positive screen result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that test presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing provides superior detection over urine testing in Santa Cruz, AZ. Employers and legal entities often prefer it, thanks to its long detection window and consistency in accuracy. Unlike urine testing, hair tests can detect drug use over a much longer period. The robust reliability of hair testing makes it indispensable for maintaining drug-free environments.
Employers in Santa Cruz, AZ, benefit from hair follicle testing’s extended detection window—up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe provides a thorough overview of an individual's drug consumption history, making it an invaluable tool for evaluating candidates and monitoring employees. The comprehensive insights it offers enhance informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Santa Cruz, AZ, is largely tamper-resistant. The nature of the test significantly decreases the likelihood of sample tampering, despite attempts. This makes hair testing a trustworthy option for those who need unquestionable results. It provides confidence in the integrity of the testing process.
With convenient nationwide and local testing centers, including in Santa Cruz, AZ, access to hair follicle testing is hassle-free. Our network ensures that individuals and employers can quickly meet their testing needs. The ease of locating a center contributes to a smooth process, aligning with busy schedules and immediate requirements.
The process for hair follicle testing in Santa Cruz, AZ, is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results maintains a high level of privacy and simplicity. This ensures that users feel secure in their interactions, while also guaranteeing the confidentiality of their information and results.
Competitive pricing and speedy turnaround define hair follicle testing in Santa Cruz, AZ. Companies of various sizes find value in our affordable services, which also provide rapid results. Offering excellent economic and practical benefits, the testing services deliver peace of mind and facilitate efficient drug testing.
In Santa Cruz, AZ, hair follicle drug tests are fast, precise, and reliable. Their high degree of accuracy ensures that substance use is detected effectively. The streamlined process offers quick turnaround times, allowing concerned parties to receive results without unnecessary delays. This efficiency makes it a preferred choice in drug detection.
Employers in Santa Cruz, AZ, experience peace of mind and compliance with workplace policies through hair follicle testing. It upholds drug-free workplace initiatives, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. By choosing hair testing, companies ensure adherence to regulations, fostering a secure and liability-free environment.
