Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Lakeshore, California. If you require a hair-based drug or alcohol assessment, our expertise lies in hair testing with centers across all U.S. cities capable of conducting these tests. A minimum length of 1.5 to 2 inches of scalp or body hair is usually needed. Our hair tests can check for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other tailor-made testing alternatives.
More and more often, drug testing methods employed today include hair follicle analysis. Hair drug testing is becoming a requirement for many employers, judicial entities, and substance abuse counselors, as a replacement for the standard urine tests. Employers with zero-tolerance drug policies, probation officials, and courts rely on it. Hair tests offer an extended drug detection window of up to 90 days and are collected under supervision, making tampering almost impossible. Nonetheless, to detect drug use in the last five days, the urine test remains the most reliable.
* 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 alcohol and drug use. Hair strands offer a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in their growing fibers. When taken from near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate three-month window for detecting alcohol and drug usage. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is suggested to use 150mg of the sample. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable volume of body hair can be collected. By "head hair," we specifically mean scalp hair; "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and incorporates any supplementary data entry that's missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While this cost-effective method can rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples testing presumptive positive in Screening warrant further confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair is derived from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine, oral fluid), highlighting hair drug screening as a challenging procedure.
Confirming a positive screening result employs methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples go through washing as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is carried out on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lakeshore, CA
Hair follicle testing clearly outshines urine tests through superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair analysis offers a more comprehensive substance use history, crucial for informed decision-making. Its technology prevents tampering and false negatives, ensuring that results remain untouched by external influences.
Extended Detection Window in Lakeshore, CA
The lengthened detection period offered by hair follicle tests captures a thorough substance use history of up to 90 days. This extensive window provides employers with a more detailed perspective on drug habits, aiding in making informed decisions about potential or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lakeshore, CA
Hair follicle testing techniques significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration. The robust methodology involved in gathering and analyzing samples ensures that results are trustworthy and unquestionable, safeguarding against tampering attempts that might otherwise compromise the integrity of other testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lakeshore, CA
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including those in Lakeshore, CA, provides convenient access to testing services. This ensures a quick, easy, and efficient testing experience, eliminating logistical hassles for individuals and companies alike seeking reliable testing solutions anywhere in the U.S.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lakeshore, CA
The process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to testing to receiving results, we prioritize privacy and ease of use, addressing any potential concerns about confidentiality and offering reassurance that sensitive information is handled with the utmost care.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lakeshore, CA
Our competitive pricing coupled with a swift turnaround time makes us a top choice for companies of any size. We provide valuable and timely results, allowing businesses to make informed decisions without burdening their budgets, ensuring satisfaction with both cost-efficiency and performance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lakeshore, CA
Hair follicle testing stands out for its precision, consistently delivering quick and accurate results. Compared to other methods, hair testing's reliability in detecting substance use ensures peace of mind for all stakeholders. The process is streamlined to provide results without the prolonged waiting periods associated with some traditional tests.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lakeshore, CA
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace promotes compliance with drug-free policies, creating a safer and more productive environment. For employers, it not only reduces potential legal issues but also enhances workplace safety, ensuring clear workspace conduct standards and reinforcing trust with stakeholders.
