Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle substance screening services in Carlsbad, California. If you require drug or alcohol testing using hair samples, we specialize in this method and have facilities nationwide ready to conduct these tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of head or body hair are needed. Hair analysis can identify drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other customized testing needs.
Recently, hair follicle drug testing has become a more prevalent option in substance testing. Many employers, courts, and substance abuse counselors now favor this over traditional urine analysis. Employers with zero-tolerance policies, courts, and probation officers often opt for hair testing due to its extended detection period of up to 90 days, its observed collection process, and its resilience to tampering. However, urine tests remain more reliable for recent drug use within the past five 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 testing has emerged as a robust instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a period of detection for drugs and alcohol extending up to about three months. It is easy to collect, challenging to adulterate, and convenient to ship.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, the ideal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding ten panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other hair types (face, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring the sample has been properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Though economically efficient for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that test positive initially are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Carlsbad, CA, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Hair analysis captures a longer usage history, providing a more comprehensive reflection of an individual's substance usage. Its reliability comes from the reduced likelihood of test tampering, making it a trusted method for many employers.
Extended Detection Window
The hair follicle testing method available in Carlsbad, CA provides an extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This duration gives employers a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's history of substance use, offering insights that are not possible with short-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Carlsbad, CA, utilizing hair follicle testing significantly curtails the odds of sample adulteration. The process of collecting hair samples for drug testing is secure and observed, reducing potential tampering. This ensures the delivery of reliable and unquestionable results for all involved parties.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our network of testing centers spans nationwide, offering residents in Carlsbad, CA convenient access to hair follicle testing. This ensures that individuals have quick, easy, and hassle-free testing services, thanks to numerous strategically located facilities.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process for undertaking hair follicle testing in Carlsbad, CA is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is managed to uphold privacy and ease, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality and simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Carlsbad, CA, our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times ensure that businesses of all sizes can benefit from using hair follicle testing. This method offers excellent value, delivering peace of mind swiftly and efficiently at an affordable cost.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Carlsbad, CA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and swiftness. Its ability to deliver highly accurate results in detecting substance use makes it a preferred choice for many. The test’s speed in processing and delivering outcomes ensures efficiency, providing stakeholders with the information they need without unnecessary delays.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Carlsbad, CA can experience better compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances safety through stringent testing procedures, assuring peace of mind and maintaining workplace integrity.
