Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug screening services in North Lakeport, California. If you're in need of such a test for drugs or alcohol, we specialize in hair analysis and offer facilities in all U.S. cities capable of conducting these tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is required. These tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or can be tailored for other substances.
Over recent years, drug testing has increasingly incorporated hair follicle tests. Many employers, judicial systems, and specialists in Substance Abuse are opting for hair analysis instead of the traditional urine test. Hair follicle testing is favored by those enforcing drug-free workplace policies, legal systems, and those monitoring probation compliance. Its primary advantage lies in its extended detection window, which can reach up to 90 days, using a monitored collection method that's very hard to bypass. However, for drug use detected within the last 5 days, urine testing remains the most precise.
* 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 increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. Gathering hair samples is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. When we mention head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step includes checking that the sample remains sealed and is properly shipped, assigning a specific LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While a cost-effective way to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples that show presumptive positives in Screening demand additional confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening stage, more hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at noticeably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample is washed before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standing and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle under the scalp
When compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle tests in North Lakeport, CA provide unparalleled detection accuracy. Hair analysis offers a broader detection window, capturing substance use over months rather than days. This broader window makes it an ideal choice for employers aiming for comprehensive screening.
Moreover, hair follicle tests are harder to manipulate than urine samples, thereby assuring more reliable outcomes which are critical for maintaining drug-free environments.
In North Lakeport, CA, one of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. These tests can identify drug use for a period up to 90 days, far surpassing the limits of urine testing, which typically detects recent use only.
This extended timeframe offers organizations a comprehensive view into the substance history of their employees or applicants, helping them make informed decisions regarding drug policy compliance.
Hair follicle testing in North Lakeport, CA stands out due to its tamper-resistant nature, making it extremely challenging for individuals to alter test results. Unlike urine tests that can be easily manipulated with adulterants, hair samples provide an unquestionable source for analysis.
This level of reliability is crucial for businesses and judicial systems that require definitive evidence of substance use to uphold safety and compliance standards.
The convenience of nationwide testing centers in North Lakeport, CA offers easy accessibility for all clients, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Our local sites are equipped to swiftly and efficiently conduct hair follicle tests, minimizing any disruption to your schedule.
With centers across various cities, accessing our services becomes straightforward and convenient, aligning with the need for rapid and comprehensive test results.
In North Lakeport, CA, the process of ordering and undergoing hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. Our procedures ensure that all clients can frame their testing experience with ease and privacy.
From the moment of ordering to receiving results, our streamlined process addresses any privacy concerns, making the user experience both efficient and user-friendly.
With a focus on delivering value, our hair follicle testing services in North Lakeport, CA, offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. We strive to ensure affordability without sacrificing accuracy, providing excellent service for businesses irrespective of size.
Our clients benefit from fast processing and results, reinforcing our commitment to providing peace of mind at a reasonable cost, all while maintaining the highest standards of testing accuracy and reliability.
The precision and speed of hair follicle testing in North Lakeport, CA, set it apart as a robust method for drug screening. With high accuracy, these tests efficiently identify substance use, offering reliable results that can be trusted by employers and legal systems alike.
Immediate processing ensures that results are available quickly, making hair tests not only accurate but also expedient. This aspect makes them highly suitable for urgent screening needs where time is of the essence.
For employers in North Lakeport, CA, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks and enhances safety by providing consistent monitoring of employee drug use.
By integrating hair testing into standard practices, companies can enjoy peace of mind, knowing they are maintaining a safe, substance-free work environment. This proactive approach aids in reducing potential liabilities and fosters a secure workplace.
