Accredited Drug Testing provides thorough hair follicle drug testing services in Long Beach, CA. If you're in need of a drug or alcohol examination through hair analysis, Accredited Drug Testing is your go-to expert. We have locations across various cities nationwide capable of conducting these tests. Typically, you need 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp, but body hair can be used too. Hair analysis can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or even offer special testing options.
Recently, hair follicle drug testing has seen increased usage. More employers, legal systems, and substance abuse specialists now prefer it over the old urine test. It's favored by employers with strict anti-drug policies, legal bodies, and for probation cases. The main plus of a hair test is it offers a detection period lasting up to 90 days and is nearly foolproof. Conversely, for recent drug use within the past 5 days, urine tests remain the gold standard.
* 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 use of hair testing has been recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substance use through biomarkers embedded within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 90-day period for substances like alcohol or drugs. This method is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In situations where scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair pertain strictly to scalp hair, whereas body hair pertains to any other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four central phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample entry into a laboratory’s system. It includes verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a confirmatory test is essential for any positive findings to be valid in legal contexts. Thus, any sample with a positive indication in Screening must undergo further Confirmation.
Should a sample show a positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. This involves removing drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than seen in other testing methods such as those using urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening a particularly intricate process.
Any confirmed positive result from screening is verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that presumptively test positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Long Beach, CA. Hair tests provide undeniable accuracy over traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window is a key feature of hair follicle drug tests in Long Beach, CA. This method captures substance use over an extended period of up to 90 days.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method is critical for reliable results in Long Beach, CA. Hair follicle tests notably minimize sample adulteration risks.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations make drug testing hassle-free in Long Beach, CA. Our broad network of testing centers ensures localized access to services.
Simple, Confidential Process offered in Long Beach, CA, ensures ease and privacy. Our streamlined approach to testing accommodates participants’ need for discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround highlight our competitive advantages in Long Beach, CA. Businesses can enjoy swift service without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are essential in Long Beach, CA, for effective substance testing. Hair follicle tests are not only precise but also deliver speedier results compared to other methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers is vital in Long Beach, CA. Haar follicle testing aligns seamlessly with workplace drug-free mandates.