Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Albany, CA

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Personal
Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

30 Hair Drug Testing Centers in Albany

Minutes Away, Test Today

2505 Bataan St Ste O1.04 miles

2505 Bataan St Ste O
Oakland, CA 94607

2850 7th St Ste 1002.50 miles

2850 7th St Ste 100
Berkeley, CA 94710

2450 Ashby Ave3.26 miles

2450 Ashby Ave
Berkeley, CA 94705

6001 Shellmound St Ste 8503.50 miles

6001 Shellmound St Ste 850
Emeryville, CA 94608

3726 Barrett Ave3.68 miles

3726 Barrett Ave
Richmond, CA 94805

120 Broadway Ste 233.87 miles

120 Broadway Ste 23
Richmond, CA 94804

901 Nevin Ave Bldg B Floor 14.64 miles

901 Nevin Ave Bldg B Floor 1
Richmond, CA 94801

2000 Vale Rd4.83 miles

2000 Vale Rd
San Pablo, CA 94806

3701 Broadway Fl 55.04 miles

3701 Broadway Fl 5
Oakland, CA 94611

4069 Piedmont Ave Ste 9105.09 miles

4069 Piedmont Ave Ste 910
Oakland, CA 94611

350 Hawthorne Ave5.19 miles

350 Hawthorne Ave
Oakland, CA 94609

3300 Webster St, Ste 11105.20 miles

3300 Webster St, Ste 1110
Oakland, CA 94609

2425 Church Ln5.29 miles

2425 Church Ln
San Pablo, CA 94806

1517 Grand Ave5.53 miles

1517 Grand Ave
Piedmont, CA 94611

4749 Surrey Ln5.81 miles

4749 Surrey Ln
El Sobrante, CA 94803

1700 Broadway Ste 3105.99 miles

1700 Broadway Ste 310
Oakland, CA 94612

2970 Hilltop Mall Rd Ste 2036.31 miles

2970 Hilltop Mall Rd Ste 203
Richmond, CA 94806

384 Embarcadero W6.71 miles

384 Embarcadero W
Oakland, CA 94607

49 Drumm St8.46 miles

49 Drumm St
San Francisco, CA 94111

26 California St8.48 miles

26 California St
San Francisco, CA 94111

845 Jackson St8.83 miles

845 Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94133

580 Market St Ste 1008.90 miles

580 Market St Ste 100
San Francisco, CA 94104

500 Alfred Nobel Drive, Suite 1158.92 miles

500 Alfred Nobel Drive, Suite 115
Hercules, CA 94547

24 Willie Mays Plz9.09 miles

24 Willie Mays Plz
San Francisco, CA 94107

2421 Encinal Ave Ste A9.35 miles

2421 Encinal Ave Ste A
Alameda, CA 94501

2111 Whitehall Place, Suite D9.35 miles

2111 Whitehall Place, Suite D
Alameda, CA 94501

900 Hyde St9.45 miles

900 Hyde St
San Francisco, CA 94109

520 6th St9.80 miles

520 6th St
Rodeo, CA 94572

601 Van Ness Ave Ste 20089.99 miles

601 Van Ness Ave Ste 2008
San Francisco, CA 94102

2 Connecticut St Ste 110.08 miles

2 Connecticut St Ste 1
San Francisco, CA 94107

Employment, Court Ordered, Probation, Family

At Accredited Drug Testing, we offer thorough hair follicle drug testing services in Albany, California. Whether you're in need of hair drug or alcohol testing, Accredited Drug Testing has you covered nationwide with our expert hair testing facilities. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body suffices for testing. We can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and tailor custom hair testing solutions.

In recent times, the preference for drug testing methods has shifted towards hair follicle testing. Employers, legal systems, and substance abuse experts are increasingly choosing hair drug tests over traditional urine tests. These hair follicle tests are advantageous for strict no-drug-use environments, judicial settings, and probation requirements. Their prominent advantage lies in a 90-day detection span, ensuring observed sample collection and making tampering nearly impossible. However, urine tests remain unmatched for detecting drug use in the prior 5 days.

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments have emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a chronic record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer up to an estimated 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary steps involved in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial handling of a specimen into a laboratory’s framework. This involves validating that the sample was sealed and shipped adequately, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial cursory evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do necessitate a secondary confirmation.

If a specimen is deemed presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methodologies to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are rinsed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

  • Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, compared to urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
  • Resistant to tampering: It is extremely challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing the accuracy of results.
  • Offers historical data: It can reveal a pattern of substance use over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

  • Cannot identify recent usage: It requires about 5-7 days for substances to become detectable in hair.
  • Expense: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than other drug testing approaches.
  • Variations in results: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites present in the hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination itself assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Tests? In Albany, CA, hair testing proves superior with its extended detection window, offering up to 90 days of drug use history. Unlike urine tests, which focus on recent usage, hair tests capture a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance habits.

Hair follicle tests present numerous benefits over conventional urine tests. Due to their non-intrusive collection process and nearly impossible tampering chances, the results are more reliable. Plus, the broader detection range ensures employers make informed decisions.

Extended Detection Window

When it comes to drug detection over extended periods, hair follicle tests take the lead. The ability to trace drug use up to 90 days back provides employers in Albany, CA, with a detailed substance usage record.

Extended Detection Window is a crucial factor in hair follicle testing's growing popularity. It offers employers a more thorough understanding of an individual's drug history, fostering more informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair Follicle Tests: Reducing Sample Tampering Emphasizing reliability, hair follicle tests stand out in Albany, CA, with their tamper-resistant nature. The collection process is straightforward yet secure, minimizing the risk of adulterated samples.

With hair follicle testing, accuracy is priority. The method resists tampering efforts, ensuring the results remain valid and dependable. This reliability is pivotal for legal and organizational operations demanding unquestionable integrity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Locations Across Albany, CA Accessing drug testing services is hassle-free with nationwide facilities, including in Albany. Accredited Drug Testing’s extensive network ensures fast and convenient testing for everyone.

Testing doesn’t have to be a burden. With numerous locations, including local centers in Albany, CA, accessing hair follicle drug tests is both quick and easy, eliminating unnecessary stress and saving valuable time.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simplified, Confidential Testing Process Conducting hair follicle drug tests in Albany, CA, involves a discreet and user-friendly process. Privacy is paramount, ensuring individuals feel secure when ordering, undertaking, and receiving their results.

The process is both straightforward and confidential, addressing common concerns about privacy. From scheduling to receiving results, every step is designed to maintain a seamless experience that prioritizes security and confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing Meets Quick Outcomes In Albany, CA, competitive pricing paired with rapid result delivery sets hair follicle tests apart. Organizations opting for this method enjoy excellent value, regardless of their size.

Offering fast turnaround times without compromising affordability showcases why hair follicle tests are preferred. Companies in Albany benefit from cost-effective solutions that deliver timely, reliable results, ensuring optimal resource management.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug tests conducted in Albany, CA, offer not just speed but incredible accuracy. Leveraging advanced methodologies, these tests are adept at pinpointing substance use efficiently. Precision and promptness are defining characteristics, making them a preferred choice for those seeking quick yet reliable results.

With hair follicle tests, accuracy doesn't have to be compromised. Their ability to detect a wide range of substances quickly ensures that the results are dependable, offering immense peace of mind for individuals and organizations alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair Testing: Compliance Booster for Employers For businesses in Albany, CA, maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies is critical. Hair follicle testing aids in this by offering a robust method to ensure employees adhere to zero-tolerance policies.

Peace of mind is invaluable for employers, and hair testing delivers just that. By upholding policy compliance and reducing legal risks, this method enhances overall workplace safety and integrity, safeguarding company values.

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.


Albany Drug Testing

Quickly find trusted local drug testing centers in Albany, CA — fast, convenient, and reliable every time!

Albany DOT Drug Testing

Quickly find a local DOT drug testing center in Albany, CA — fast, reliable, convenient nationwide service!

Albany DNA Testing

DNA testing for legal and non-legal purposes including child support, and child custody around Albany, CA.

Albany Industry Training

Including specimen collector training, DER training, reasonable suspicion training and much more in Albany, CA.v

Albany Hair Drug Testing

Get fast, accurate hair drug testing at our convenient Albany, CA locations—results you can trust, every time!

Albany Alcohol Testing

Fast, reliable alcohol testing to keep your workplace safe and compliant every single day in Albany, CA.

Albany Drug Testing Services

Reliable nationwide drug testing services ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quick results for businesses and individuals in Albany, CA.

Albany 5 Panel Drug Test

Accurate 5 panel drug testing with fast, confidential results—trusted by Albany, CA employers and individuals nationwide.

Albany 10 Panel Drug Test

Comprehensive 10 panel drug testing with fast, reliable results—trusted for Albany, CA workplace and personal testing needs.

Albany On Site Drug Testing

Convenient on-site mobile drug testing with fast, reliable results—saving time while keeping your Albany, CA workplace compliant.

Albany DOT Physicals

Certified DOT physicals with quick, reliable exams to keep Albany, CA drivers compliant and on the road with confidence.

DOT Consortium

Join our DOT consortium for hassle-free compliance, random testing management, and reliable driver safety solutions.


Frequently Asked Questions

A hair follicle drug test analyzes a small sample of hair to detect a history of drug use over time. Because drug metabolites are incorporated into hair as it grows, this method can show patterns of use instead of just recent exposure. It is frequently used for legal and court requirements, long-term monitoring, and high-trust workforce screening.
Standard hair drug testing typically reflects drug use over approximately a 90-day period, based on the length of hair collected at the time of testing. Longer hair can sometimes reflect a longer time frame, and extremely short hair can reduce that window.
Hair drug testing commonly screens for marijuana/THC, cocaine, opiates/opioids, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and PCP. In many cases, additional expanded panels may be requested to include other substances.
Yes. If the donor's head hair is too short or unavailable, body hair may be collected as an alternative. The collector will document the source of the sample. This allows testing even for individuals with recently cut or shaved head hair.
Yes. Hair drug testing is commonly used in court, probation, custody, and compliance matters because the collection process follows a documented chain of custody and the analysis is performed by a certified laboratory. Results are provided in a form that can be reviewed by legal and administrative authorities.
Yes. Individuals, parents, attorneys, employers, and probation programs can all request hair drug testing. A doctor's order is not required. Results are confidential and released only to the authorized requesting party.
Hair testing provides a longer look-back period than urine testing, making it useful when you need to demonstrate ongoing abstinence or identify repeated/recent substance use patterns over time rather than just recent exposure. It is frequently selected for legal, compliance, and custody-related documentation.
A small section of hair is cut by a trained collector in a discreet, controlled manner. The sample is sealed, documented, and sent to the laboratory under established chain-of-custody procedures so that the results can be defended if they are ever challenged.

Customer Reviews

Sweet and helpful

Trish was amazing and got me through the sytem very fast and swift. I had a hard time hearing her a couple of times, but she was super sweet and helpful throughout the process. Highly recommend her!

Sophia Schutze - 6/19/2024

Quick, knowledgeable and courteous

Quick, knowledgeable and courteous Janelle worked diligently to support me. I am recommending their services to anyone looking.

Greensboro Joseph - 11/19/2024

Very Fun and Easy

Trish last week and Tatiana this week, very fun and easy folks to deal with. Well be using them more and more in the future.

Tom O - 12/19/2024


(800) 221-4291