Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Costa Mesa, California. If you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol assessment, our specialty is hair testing, with centers available in all cities across the nation capable of conducting this test. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on your head or body is required. Hair tests can be utilized to screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailored testing needs.
In recent times, drug testing approaches have increasingly incorporated hair follicle tests. Many employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts are opting for hair drug tests over standard urine tests. Those enforcing strict drug use policies, such as employers, courts, and those on probation, often favor hair follicle tests. Their major advantage is an extended detection window for drug consumption, up to 90 days, gathered through an observed process, making cheating nearly impossible. Still, for recent drug use detection within five days, urine tests remain the most precise.
* 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.
Utilizing hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and substance use by imprisoning biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected proximal to the scalp, hair offers an approximate detection window of up to three months for both alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transported.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, suitable for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, a sample of 150mg is advised. It’s preferable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a specimen into a laboratory’s processes. This step ensures the sample’s seal and shipment integrity, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
During Screening, an initial swift examination for drug abuse is conducted. While it’s a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in numerous cases, positive screens require further confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a specimen shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drug compounds are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which highlights the complexity of conducting hair drug screenings.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity are washed prior to necessary confirmations. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Costa Mesa, CA, presents distinct advantages over urine tests. Notably, superior detection spans a longer period, enhancing accuracy. Hair tests effectively pick up substances that might be missed by traditional methods.
Urine tests, while common, often lack the reliability of hair testing. By using hair tests, businesses in Costa Mesa benefit from greater consistency in results, helping to maintain drug-free workplaces.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Costa Mesa, CA, is its extended detection window. Capable of tracing drug use up to 90 days back, this method offers a detailed overview of an individual's substance history.
This far-reaching window is invaluable for employers, offering insights into an applicant's or employee's behavior beyond the short-term detection offered by other tests. This advantage allows businesses to make informed decisions about potential hires.
In Costa Mesa, CA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests offers a significant advantage. Unlike other methods that can be manipulated, hair testing is resilient against sample adulteration.
This robustness provides unquestionable results, fostering confidence in those who rely on the accuracy of drug tests. By choosing hair testing, organizations can effectively minimize the risks of dishonest testing practices, ensuring integrity.
Our locations, including Costa Mesa, CA, as part of a nationwide network, offer unmatched convenience. With numerous testing sites, individuals and employers alike can access drug testing services easily and efficiently.
Local and national access means fast, hassle-free services. This expansive reach ensures that no matter where you are in the United States, a testing center won't be far, easing the drug testing process for everyone involved.
The process for hair follicle testing in Costa Mesa, CA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we ensure every step is straightforward and maintains user privacy.
Employers and individuals can rest assured knowing that confidentiality is a top priority. We make sure the procedure is stress-free, addressing any concerns about privacy and promoting a user-friendly experience.
In Costa Mesa, CA, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing without sacrificing quality. We provide competitive rates to businesses of all sizes, ensuring great value.
Combined with fast turnaround times, our services ensure that companies receive quick and reliable results. This efficiency helps businesses make prompt decisions, balancing cost-effectiveness with thorough and accurate testing services.
In Costa Mesa, CA, the speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests stand out. The precision with which they identify substance use is exceptional, offering fast results. This makes them an ideal choice for those requiring rapid and reliable testing.
Employers benefit from the quick turnaround times, ensuring they can make informed decisions without delays. Hair follicle tests provide not just speed, but unmatched dependability in revealing drug use.
For employers in Costa Mesa, CA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free policies. This commitment reduces potential legal risks and fosters a more secure workplace environment.
By regularly utilizing hair tests, businesses not only stay aligned with regulations but also promote peace of mind. When safety and policy adherence are at stake, the benefits of hair testing are clear, offering confidence and security.