Accredited Drug Testing provides thorough hair follicle drug assessments in Kensington, California. Whether for drugs or alcohol, our specialty is hair testing, with centers across all cities nationwide to conduct these tests. A minimum of 1.5 to 2 inches of hair is required either from the scalp or body in most scenarios. Hair samples can be scrutinized for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other personalized hair testing options.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become a more prevalent choice for drug screenings. Employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals are opting for this over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle tests are preferred by employers enforcing strict no-drug policies, courts, and individuals under probation. Their key advantage is the extended detection window, up to 90 days, along with being collected in a supervised process, making them hard to manipulate. However, for detecting drug use within the past five days, urine tests remain the most precise option.
* 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 analysis is regarded as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can encompass roughly a 3-month detection timeline for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands, similar in size to a #2 pencil and nearest the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. By head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other varieties of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug testing result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This phase involves verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system hasn't provided.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample returns a presumptive positive result in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at considerably reduced concentrations than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing as the most challenging method to implement.
Positive screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo pre-confirmation washing if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand itself and not the hair follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kensington, CA
The advantages of hair testing over urine tests are significant. Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, particularly in identifying longer-term substance use. While urine tests only detect recent drug use, hair samples reveal a 90-day history, providing employers with better clarity on an individual's drug use patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Kensington, CA
Notably, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days, surpassing what traditional tests can offer. This longer timeframe allows businesses and organizations to build a comprehensive profile regarding a test subject's history with substance use, which is invaluable for making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kensington, CA
Hair follicle tests stand out with their tamper-resistant nature. The method of collecting and testing hair samples significantly lowers the likelihood of sample tampering, providing results that are reliable and unquestionably trustworthy. Healthcare professionals and employers alike can rely on this method for its authenticity and accuracy in drug detection.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kensington, CA
Accessibility is key with numerous testing centers available nationwide, including local sites in Kensington, CA. This ensures that individuals have quick and hassle-free access to testing services. Convenience is central to our service, facilitating easy access without compromising on thoroughness or accuracy.
Simple, Confidential Process in Kensington, CA
The process for hair follicle drug testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to collection and result retrieval, each step ensures privacy and ease, addressing common concerns about confidentiality and simplicity. Companies and individuals can confidently utilize these services without worries about privacy breaches.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kensington, CA
Providing competitive pricing, hair follicle drug tests are a cost-effective choice for businesses of any size. The quick turnaround time guarantees that employers receive rapid feedback, ensuring greater operational efficiency and excellent value, cementing the test's position as a preferred choice for drug screening.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kensington, CA
For fast and precise substance use detection, hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. Providing high accuracy, these tests offer confidence in detecting a variety of substances. The speed of delivery ensures that results meet the demands of today's fast-paced work environments, offering employers quick and dependable insights into an individual's drug use history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kensington, CA
Implementing hair follicle testing ensures that companies adhere to drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, employers maintain peace of mind and foster a productive environment. The choice of hair follicle tests can become a cornerstone of a company's compliance strategy.
