Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug screening in Bakersfield, California. For those in need of hair-based drug or alcohol tests, our company excels in hair analysis, with facilities across all cities nationwide ready to conduct such tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your head or other body parts are needed. Hair testing can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or can be tailored for other specific needs.
In recent times, hair follicle drug tests have become a more common approach in substance screening. Many employers, legal systems, and addiction specialists now opt for hair tests over traditional urine tests. Zero-tolerance policy employers, court systems, and probation services often use hair follicle tests. The main advantage is its extended detection window for drug use, reaching up to 90 days, collected under supervision, making it very hard to tamper with. However, for recent drug use detection within 5 days, urine testing remains the gold standard.
* 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 recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended overview of alcohol and drug use history by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can show a detection period of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, hair is resistant to tampering, and it's simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields about 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, the advised amount is 150mg. It's advised to measure the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, it specifies scalp hair only. Body hair includes any other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's initial processing into the lab's system. This process involves checking that the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data input not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for illegal substances. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be recognized in court. Any samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
If a sample is presumed positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower density than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to conduct.
All positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bakersfield, CA
Hair testing surpasses the more traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. It provides a broader detection window and is less prone to tampering, ensuring that results remain consistent and trustworthy.
Extended Detection Window in Bakersfield, CA
With the ability to detect substance use for up to 90 days, hair follicle testing provides a detailed overview of an applicant or employee's drug history. This extended detection period allows employers to make informed hiring decisions based on an individual's long-term substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bakersfield, CA
The methodology of hair follicle testing significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering, delivering results that are reliable and beyond dispute. This intrinsic resistance to adulteration makes it an essential tool for ensuring integrity in drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bakersfield, CA
With a broad network of testing centers nationwide, gaining access to hair follicle testing services is simple and convenient. Bakersfield residents benefit from quick and straightforward testing processes, enhancing accessibility for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bakersfield, CA
Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, ensuring that from ordering to results reception, privacy is upheld. This user-friendly approach addresses privacy concerns while maintaining a streamlined operation for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bakersfield, CA
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times provide exceptional value. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our efficient services without compromising on security, ensuring a favorable balance of cost and benefit.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bakersfield, CA
Hair follicle drug tests promise precision and speed, offering an exceptional level of accuracy in detecting substance use. The structured analysis assures employers of credible results, helping maintain a drug-free environment. Hair testing can swiftly reveal comprehensive substance use patterns, providing assurance in results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bakersfield, CA
Utilizing hair follicle tests aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace mandates and diminishes legal risks. This promotes a safer, more productive work environment, granting peace of mind regarding workforce integrity.
