Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Walnut Creek, Arizona. If you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol test, Accredited Drug Testing has expertise in hair analysis and boasts testing sites nationwide, including all cities. You typically require 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your scalp or body, which can be tested for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored hair assessments.
Recently, hair follicle drug testing is increasingly being preferred in drug testing protocols. Employers, courts, and substance abuse counselors often now request a hair-based test rather than a conventional urine test. Companies with strict no-drug use policies, judicial systems, and probation programs favor hair follicle tests for their extended detection capability, generally up to 90 days, collected under supervision and hard to tamper with. Nonetheless, urine tests remain reliable for detecting recent drug use within the prior 5 days.
* 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 screening is increasingly recognized as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended historical record of substance use. When clipped near the scalp, hair can indicate up to a three-month period of drug and alcohol usage. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and facilitates easy transportation.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil's thickness) from near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for testing and verification. For tests like EtG, additional markers, and those surpassing 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. We recommend using a jeweler's scale for precise measurement. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a matching amount of body hair is acceptable. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair, while body hair includes other types (such as hair from the face or underarms).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test samples consists of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's framework. This phase ensures the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data that was not added via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the preliminary test to identify drug use. Although it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive screenings require confirmation to be legally valid. Samples deemed presumptively positive must go through a confirmation stage.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. This involves extracting drugs from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug tests.
Positive screening outcomes are confirmed using methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair accreditation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle test" is a misnomer, as the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Walnut Creek, AZ Hair follicle tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability when compared to traditional urine tests. Their capacity to uncover long-term drug use offers substantial advantages for employers and judiciary systems looking to ensure a drug-free environment. While urine tests are often limited to detecting recent usage, hair analysis can reveal a much broader usage history, which enhances the scrutiny of an individual's substance habits.
Extended Detection Window in Walnut Creek, AZ Hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection time frame, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers with a detailed overview of an applicant's or employee’s drug history. Such a comprehensive approach is invaluable in making informed decisions and ensuring drug-free workplaces. With hair testing, organizations can better evaluate potential risks and protect workplace integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Walnut Creek, AZ Hair follicle tests remarkably minimize the risk of sample tampering, resulting in trustworthy and undisputable outcomes. The process is designed to ensure integrity, making it extremely difficult for individuals to alter or contaminate their sample. This high level of reliability builds confidence among employers and legal institutions, assuring them of authentic results that reflect true drug use patterns.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Walnut Creek, AZ Our network of nationwide testing centers allows individuals and organizations to access hair follicle drug testing quickly and conveniently. In Walnut Creek and beyond, our testing facilities are strategically placed for ease of access, making the testing process effortless. Clients receive prompt service without the hassle, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Walnut Creek, AZ Ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is straightforward and shielded with confidentiality. Addressing privacy concerns, the structure of the process ensures ease and discretion at every step. This user-friendly approach caters to individual and organizational needs, reinforcing trust while protecting sensitive information throughout the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Walnut Creek, AZ We offer competitive pricing alongside swift turnaround times, delivering great value and peace of mind. Companies of all sizes benefit from affordable yet reliable testing solutions. Our efficient process ensures results are delivered promptly, allowing for timely responses and actions. This blend of cost-effectiveness and speed makes hair follicle testing an appealing option.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Walnut Creek, AZ The precision and timeliness of hair follicle drug tests make them stand out. Known for their exceptional accuracy, these tests quickly detect the presence of substances, offering a comprehensive and reliable way to measure substance use. By choosing hair follicle testing, individuals and organizations benefit from prompt and precise results, enhancing decision-making processes and reducing anxiety about possible substance abuse.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Walnut Creek, AZ Utilizing hair follicle testing enables businesses to adhere to drug-free policies effectively, reducing legal implications and bolstering workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their workforce complies with substance policies. By choosing this method, organizations demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, thus fostering trust and stability.
