Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug tests in Livingston, California. Specialized in hair-based assessments, we operate testing centers across the country, ready to perform your hair or alcohol tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of head or body hair is needed. Our hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, and more, customized to suit your needs.
Hair follicle drug testing has gained traction as a preferred method in recent years. Many organizations, legal systems, and substance abuse experts now favor hair tests over urine tests. Hair tests serve those with strict no-drug policies, probation conditions, or court mandates. The main advantage is the extended detection period, up to 90 days, with secure observation, ensuring almost foolproof results. Urine tests still lead in reliability for recent drug use detection of up to 5 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 analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a record of alcohol and drug use over an extended period by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When a sample is taken near the scalp, it can reveal a 3-month window of alcohol and drug usage. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and transport is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG assessments, additional tests, or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for accuracy is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, equivalent body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug test lab analysis involves four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with incorporating the sample into the lab's system, ensuring that it is sealed and sent correctly, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any required data entry not already covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result from screening necessitates confirmation for legal proceedings. Thus, any samples testing positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
For samples showing positive indications in Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging processes to implement.
Confirmation of any positive screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as requisite. The full lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the guidance of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Livingston, CA, the choice of hair follicle testing over urine tests offers significant advantages. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy with a broader window for finding drugs in the system. Urine tests often miss prolonged usage, while hair analysis ensures better reliability. This capability allows for a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's drug history, crucial for maintaining safe environments.
Employers in Livingston, CA, gain access to a thorough understanding of substance use through hair follicle testing, which spans up to 90 days. This extended detection window offers a broader view of an individual's substance history. The capability to monitor such durations is invaluable, ensuring employers can make informed decisions about an employee's or applicant's drug usage background.
In the quest for reliability, Livingston, CA, relies on hair follicle testing's tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly diminish the chance of sample alteration, which is a common concern with other testing methods. By embracing this approach, the integrity of the test results remains intact, delivering unquestionable and trustworthy results each time.
Convenience is key in Livingston, CA, with our extensive network of nationwide testing centers. This accessibility offers quick and hassle-free service for hair follicle testing. Whether local or across the country, individuals can easily find a testing location that meets their needs, simplifying the entire process for both employers and employees alike.
In Livingston, CA, ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is a simple and confidential process. We prioritize privacy while ensuring ease of access and user-friendly procedures. This approach addresses concerns related to privacy, making it seamless for individuals to participate without compromising their confidentiality.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Livingston, CA, provides tremendous value for businesses of all sizes. The combination of affordability and swift feedback makes it an attractive option for companies looking for exceptional service without breaking their budget, thereby ensuring peace of mind.
In Livingston, CA, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled speed and accuracy, delivering fast, reliable results. Precision is a hallmark of hair testing, as it effectively identifies substance use with greater assurance. In comparison to traditional methods, these tests provide immediate and precise outcomes, ensuring that individuals and employers receive the most trustworthy data possible.
For employers in Livingston, CA, hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This robust testing method offers peace of mind by reducing legal exposure and boosting workplace safety. Implementation of such testing policies enhances the overall security of the working environment, ensuring a safe and secure workforce.