Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug tests in Lemon Heights, California. For those seeking hair-based drug or alcohol tests, Accredited Drug Testing is a leader in this field with centers across the nation. Typically, a hair sample of 1.5 to 2 inches from the scalp or body is required, which can be tested for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specific substances.
Recently, hair follicle drug testing has become more prevalent. Employers, legal systems, and addiction specialists increasingly choose hair tests over standard urine tests to detect drug use. Zero-tolerance employers, judges, and probation officers prefer this method due to its longer detection window, usually up to 90 days, and its strict collection process. However, urine tests are still preferred if screening for very recent 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.
The process of hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting the usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When clipped near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug use over a period of about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
Securing a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (resembling the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a matching quantity of body hair may be gathered. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method for ruling out drug usage for most samples, any positive screen requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Samples indicated as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
In the instance of a presumptively positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), presenting hair drug testing as the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of all positive screening outcomes is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes a washing step as required before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests in Lemon Heights, CA, hair testing emerges superior in terms of accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may be disrupted or manipulated, hair tests offer robustness and precision. The longer window of detection provides a comprehensive picture of substance use, crucial for employers enforcing strict drug policies. This method ensures more confidence in the results obtained, truly differentiating it from urine tests.
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing in Lemon Heights, CA, is its extended detection window. While urine tests can only detect recent drug use, generally up to a few days, hair tests provide a historical record of up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe is invaluable to employers looking to evaluate an individual's long-term substance use history, making it an essential tool for maintaining workplace integrity and safety.
In Lemon Heights, CA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests significantly reduces the risk of sample manipulation. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples are much harder to adulterate, ensuring that the results are both dependable and undeniable. This reliability gives businesses and legal entities confidence in their drug screening processes, supporting better decision-making and reducing the chance of erroneous interpretations.
With numerous locations nationwide, including convenient options in Lemon Heights, CA, we provide accessible testing centers for hassle-free drug testing. Our widespread network ensures that companies and individuals can find a nearby center quickly and efficiently. This commitment to accessibility supports seamless testing experiences, maintaining ease and efficiency at each step of the process.
In Lemon Heights, CA, we prioritize a simple, confidential process for hair follicle drug testing. From easy online ordering to discreet sample collection and rapid result delivery, our system is designed to be user-friendly while respecting privacy. Our streamlined approach ensures peace of mind for those undergoing tests, making the entire procedure as unobtrusive as possible for all parties involved.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround distinguish our hair follicle testing services in Lemon Heights, CA. We offer cost-effective solutions that cater to businesses of various sizes, ensuring high-quality results without breaking the bank. With our efficient processing times, companies can rely on quick, reliable results to maintain compliance and safeguard their workplaces.
Hair follicle drug testing is known for providing fast, accurate, and reliable results in Lemon Heights, CA. This method's precision and speed in identifying substance use make it highly effective compared to other testing options. Employers can depend on these tests to quickly ascertain an employee's substance usage, ensuring workplace safety and compliance with drug policies. The efficiency of hair testing ensures timely results and confident decision-making.
Hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind for employers in Lemon Heights, CA. By utilizing this method, companies can adhere more effectively to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and reinforcing safety protocols. This proactive approach to drug testing not only ensures regulatory compliance but also fosters a secure and productive work environment, beneficial to both employers and employees alike.
