In Lakewood, California, Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing. Whether you need a test for drugs or alcohol, our specialization in hair testing is supported by a network of testing centers nationwide. Generally, hair from the crown or body may be used as long as it's 1.5 to 2 inches. Our hair tests accommodate drugs, alcohol/ETG, and custom testing needs.
Recently, drug testing practices have shifted to include the hair follicle test more often. Employers, courts, and professionals in Substance Abuse are favoring this method over standard urine tests. With a zero-tolerance approach, employers, courts, and probation officers value the longer drug use detection period of up to 90 days provided by hair follicle tests. Despite this, urine tests remain most accurate for detecting recent drug use within 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 is now acknowledged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by trapping biomarkers inside the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can deliver up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch strand sample of approximately 200 hairs (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is ideal. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial handling phase of a sample into a laboratory's network. It entails verifying that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. While cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples presuming positivity in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
When a sample indicates a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are sourced from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid). This makes hair drug screening a notably challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is undertaken through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and pursuant to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests scrutinize the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lakewood, CA, hair follicle testing outperforms urine testing in multiple aspects. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy for drugs and alcohol, surpassing traditional urine tests. The reliability of hair testing is witnessed in its ability to detect substances over a longer period, providing a comprehensive substance history.
This advanced testing method provides a near foolproof solution to ensuring accurate results, enhancing trust and confidence among employers and legal authorities.
Employers in Lakewood, CA, can benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. With the ability to trace substance use for up to 90 days, this method offers a detailed view of an individual's drug history.
This extensive detection period is instrumental in ensuring a thorough examination of potential employees, ultimately aiding in maintaining a drug-free work environment and promoting workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing in Lakewood, CA, is recognized for its tamper-resistant qualities, drastically minimizing sample adulteration risks. This testing method ensures the results are reliable and unquestionable.
Employers and testing authorities capitalize on the robust integrity of hair tests, finding peace of mind in the accuracy and credibility of outcomes, ultimately safeguarding the testing process against fraudulent practices.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing sites nationwide, including Lakewood, CA. This extensive network ensures easy access to testing services, making the process hassle-free for individuals and employers alike.
The availability of local and nationwide locations underscores the commitment to providing timely and efficient services, facilitating seamless testing experiences irrespective of geographical boundaries.
Residents of Lakewood, CA, can experience a straightforward and confidential drug testing process. Requesting, conducting, and obtaining results from hair tests is simple and private, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Our streamlined procedure ensures that users are reassured of their confidentiality throughout the testing journey, promoting ease and reliability while respecting personal privacy.
Hair follicle drug testing in Lakewood, CA, is characterized by affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing, making this high-value service accessible to companies of all sizes.
Along with cost-effectiveness, the quick result delivery ensures peace of mind, allowing companies to swiftly address and manage substance-related issues within the workforce.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results in Lakewood, CA. The precision of this method is unmatched, ensuring the high accuracy of substance use detection. Results are generated quickly, allowing for prompt decision-making and action.
The speed and precision of hair analysis make it a preferred choice over traditional methods. Its reliability in identifying substances helps create a safe and compliant environment, providing assurance to employers and individuals.
For employers in Lakewood, CA, hair follicle testing provides compliance and peace of mind. It supports adherence to drug-free policies, minimizing legal issues and enhancing workplace safety.
By integrating hair testing, companies strengthen their commitment to a safe work environment. The confidence that this testing method delivers ensures employers meet regulatory standards and foster employee well-being.