Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug testing services in Big Valley, California. Should you require a hair drug or alcohol assessment, Accredited Drug Testing is proficient in hair testing, with various centers across all cities Nationwide prepared to conduct such tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on the crown or body can be utilized. Hair examinations can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored hair analysis options.
Over the past few years, the application of drug testing methods has increasingly favored hair follicle drug tests. Many employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse specialists demand hair drug tests rather than conventional urine specimens. Employers adhering to zero-tolerance drug policies, courts, and individuals under probation commonly use these tests. The key advantage of hair follicle drug testing is its extended detection period, typically up to 90 days, conducted with observation, making it nearly cheat-proof. However, when testing for drug usage within the last five days, the urine test remains the most precise choice.
* 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.
Recognized as an effective measure, hair testing aids in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The growth of hair traps biomarkers, which can provide an extended timeline of drug and alcohol presence, spanning up to three months when taken from near the scalp. This method of collection is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and easy for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from the scalp, containing about 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil's thickness), constitutes 100mg, fitting for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
Drug test results undergo four major steps in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails introducing a sample into the lab's system, ensuring the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening constitutes an initial assessment for drug abuse indications. Though cost-effective, if a screening returns a positive result, confirmation is necessary for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives in screening require further confirmation.
For samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the initial collection for Extraction. Here, hair undergoes drug extraction which requires a lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid). This complexity makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples deemed presumptive positive are thoroughly washed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", testing actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
When considering drug testing methods in Big Valley, CA, hair follicle tests provide superior advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair testing goes beyond the typical detection window of urine analysis, capturing a history of up to 90 days. This extended period is beneficial for employers seeking a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use over time.
Moreover, hair tests are less invasive and eliminate the embarrassment of direct observation required in urine tests. They reduce the likelihood of tampering, ensuring more reliable outcomes. This non-intrusive method respects personal space while offering greater security and accuracy in the results obtained.
Extended Detection Window
In Big Valley, CA, hair follicle testing provides the advantage of a much longer detection window, extending up to 90 days. This ongoing surveillance is invaluable for employers who need a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history. By analyzing hair samples, businesses can effectively monitor ongoing substance use patterns and make informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle testing, in contrast to urine tests, captures cumulative drug use, reflecting long-term behavior rather than isolated incidents. This comprehensive overview gives employers insight into consistent patterns, aiding in promoting a safe and compliant workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Big Valley, CA, the robustness of hair follicle drug tests is evident in their resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, hair testing minimizes the risk of adulteration or substitution. This reliability stems from the observed sample collection method, making it nearly impossible to alter the initial sample without detection.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing delivers consistent and reliable results, critical for employers requiring dependable analysis. As a result, businesses can trust the integrity of the findings, ensuring that they make well-informed decisions based on factual data.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
With testing centers spread throughout Big Valley, CA, and nationwide, hair testing services offer unparalleled convenience. Our collection sites are easily accessible, providing quick and efficient service without unnecessary travel or hassle. This broad network ensures that individuals and companies can access drug testing services when needed without delay.
The extensive reach of our testing facilities simplifies the process for both applicants and companies. The ease of access to testing sites allows organizations to integrate hair follicle testing into their drug-free workplace programs seamlessly, maintaining efficiency across the board.
Simple, Confidential Process
The hair follicle drug testing process in Big Valley, CA is designed to be straightforward and discreet, ensuring confidentiality throughout. Ordering a test is simple, with results delivered promptly and securely. This seamless operation maintains privacy, addressing personal concerns and bolstering user confidence in handling sensitive information.
The procedure respects client confidentiality, ensuring peace of mind during each stage, from sample collection to results delivery. This focus on privacy and ease of use makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for individuals and organizations requiring reliable and confidential drug testing solutions.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Big Valley, CA, hair follicle drug testing offers competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround times, providing exceptional value. Our cost-effective structure caters to businesses of all sizes, enabling them to implement drug testing policies without substantial financial burden.
Moreover, the fast processing times ensure prompt results, allowing employers to make timely decisions based on accurate data. This efficiency reinforces the flexibility and accessibility of hair follicle testing, making it a smart investment for any company prioritizing workplace safety and compliance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Big Valley, CA, hair follicle drug tests are valued for their speed and precision. The tests deliver quick results while maintaining high accuracy by detecting substance use over a wide range of substances. Their reliable nature comes from an unbroken chain of custody and a standardized collection method, ensuring trustworthy outcomes every time.
With hair follicle tests, results are obtained efficiently without sacrificing accuracy. This efficiency is critical for situations demanding immediate insights into a subject's illicit substance consumption history. The rapid processing of samples allows for swift action by employers and other stakeholders in Big Valley, CA.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Big Valley, CA find reassurance in hair follicle testing’s role in maintaining a drug-free workplace. This method aligns well with drug-free policies, reducing legal and safety risks. By opting for hair testing, employers ensure compliance with various standards, solidifying their commitment to employee health and safety.
Hair follicle testing not only provides peace of mind but also reinforces the organization’s dedication to maintaining a secure and drug-free environment. It acts as a deterrent for drug use, which promotes a safer, more productive workplace for all employees.
