Located in Avocado Heights, California, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments. Our expertise in hair-based testing allows us to serve clients Nationwide with multiple testing facilities. Typically, hair from the crown—ranging from 1.5 to 2 inches in length—can be used, though body hair can be an alternative for drug, alcohol/ETG, or other custom tests.
The use of hair follicle drug testing has become increasingly prevalent in recent years as a preferred alternative to traditional urine testing. Employers, court systems, and substance abuse professionals favor hair tests over urine due to their zero-tolerance stance on drugs. Hair tests are advantageous with their extended 90-day detection window, observed collection method, and reduced susceptibility to tampering. However, urine testing remains the most precise for identifying drug use within a short, 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.
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a long-standing record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection range for alcohol and other drugs. Easy to collect, challenging to adulterate, and straightforward to ship, hair serves as a beneficial specimen.
A 1.5-inch sample of nearly 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, it is recommended to use 150mg of the specimen. Employ a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen accurately. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it exclusively means scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four core stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary handling of a specimen into a lab’s framework. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any necessary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be validated to be considered admissible in court. Any samples demonstrating presumed positive results in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumed positive result during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are separated from hair at considerably lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is among the most complex methodologies to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumptively positive are washed before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Avocado Heights, CA, hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage over traditional urine tests when it comes to evaluating drug use. Unlike urine tests, which offer a narrow detection window, hair testing provides a longer overview of an individual’s drug history. This detailed insight makes hair tests superior in accuracy and reliability.
The ability of hair follicle tests to capture drug consumption over a longer period surpasses the limitations of urine tests. This thoroughness makes hair testing the preferred choice for employers and others seeking dependable detection solutions.
Employers in Avocado Heights, CA, benefit greatly from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle drug testing. Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history.
This extensive detection period is useful for employers who require an in-depth analysis of an applicant or employee’s potential substance use. The long-range detection of hair testing provides an unmatched level of insight.
The risk of test sample tampering is significantly reduced with hair follicle testing in Avocado Heights, CA. Because the samples are collected in a controlled process, this testing method eliminates the potential for adulteration or substitution, ensuring the validity of results.
Ensuring the trustworthiness of substance testing is paramount, and hair follicle tests offer this assurance with their robust methodology. This method provides organizations and individuals with confidence in the integrity of their results.
Offering convenient access to drug testing services, our nationwide centers, including those in Avocado Heights, CA, make it simple to obtain a test. With a wide network, our testing centers facilitate testing without hassle and ensure a smooth testing experience for all.
The extensive availability of our testing locations means you can access reliable drug testing services, no matter where you reside. This network ensures that accurate and quick results are never far from reach.
Accredited Drug Testing in Avocado Heights, CA, offers a simple and confidential process that prioritizes user privacy and ease of use. With a streamlined order and testing system, we ensure that you can access results without concerns over confidentiality.
Protecting user information is paramount in our testing processes. The straightforward method we employ guarantees that all steps are secure, giving you peace of mind throughout the testing journey.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround, Accredited Drug Testing ensures excellent value in Avocado Heights, CA. Our cost-effective pricing structures mean companies of all sizes can benefit from high-quality drug testing without breaking the bank.
The quick turnaround on results allows organizations to promptly make informed decisions. Our affordability and efficiency provide a significant advantage, reinforcing our commitment to superior customer service.
When considering precise and swift drug testing methods, hair follicle tests in Avocado Heights, CA stand out. These tests reveal whether an individual has used substances efficiently yet dependably. With a high level of accuracy, hair tests thoroughly scrutinize drug use, allowing for quick and thorough detection.
Rapid, reliable drug detection is crucial in maintaining a safe environment, and hair follicle tests are at the forefront. The speed and precision of these tests ascertain a clear picture of substance use, making them an invaluable tool for any organization.
In Avocado Heights, CA, hair follicle testing is a vital component in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By incorporating this testing method, employers can reduce legal risks and promote workplace safety, providing peace of mind that their environment is secure.
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with strict compliance standards, ensuring all employees adhere to company policies. The reliability of these tests allows companies to establish a safer and more effective working environment.