Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Palo Alto, CA. For those in need of alcohol or hair drug tests, Accredited Drug Testing is a leader in hair analysis with facilities across Nationwide cities. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp or body is needed. Hair evaluations can identify drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored to other specific hair testing requirements.
Recently, hair follicle drug testing has increasingly been utilized in drug assessments. Numerous businesses, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse experts now demand hair testing over typical urine analyses. This testing method is favored by organizations with zero-tolerance policies, legal courts, and individuals under probation. A key advantage is the extensive drug detectability period, lasting up to 90 days, with collection under supervision, making it nearly non-tamperable. Despite this, for identifying recent drug intake within 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.
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair captures and holds biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows, offering a timeline for other drugs and alcohol usage. When taken near the scalp, hair affords about a 3-month detection period for such substances. Its collection is straightforward, it’s difficult to tamper with, and it’s simple to send.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, opt-in tests, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We advocate for measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, the equivalent in body hair might be used. By head hair, we mean solely scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result mainly involves four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial sample processing within the laboratory’s system. This phase ensures the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any supplemental data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a budget-friendly way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in a court setting. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection and readied for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thereby making hair drug screening a complex method to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are utilized for confirming any positive screening outcomes. Each presumptive positive specimen undergoes washing if necessary before Confirmation. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Palo Alto, CA
In comparison to conventional urine testing, hair follicle evaluations offer several superior benefits in Palo Alto, CA. Primarily, hair tests provide a longer detection window, making them more effective at revealing past drug use. Additionally, they eliminate many of the common pitfalls of urine tests, such as sample adulteration, thus ensuring a higher accuracy rate and greater reliability in results.
Extended Detection Window in Palo Alto, CA
Hair follicle testing in Palo Alto, CA, offers an outstanding detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This vast timeframe allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance use history. Such in-depth insight is invaluable for maintaining workplace safety and ensuring informed hiring decisions, providing a clear perspective on habitual drug use beyond recent consumption.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Palo Alto, CA
In Palo Alto, CA, the hair follicle drug test stands as a robust solution against sample tampering. Unlike other methods, hair testing significantly curbs the potential for adulteration. This integrity ensures results that are both trustworthy and conclusive, essential for maintaining the legitimacy of drug testing procedures and offering peace of mind to those reliant on unbiased results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Palo Alto, CA
With numerous facilities located both nationwide and in Palo Alto, CA, our testing services provide unparalleled convenience. This extensive network ensures that individuals can access hair follicle testing quickly and easily, without unnecessary complications. Our local presence and nationwide reach assure hassle-free service and startup procedures for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Palo Alto, CA
The hair follicle testing process in Palo Alto, CA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step ensures privacy and simplicity, addressing common privacy concerns. This streamlined approach guarantees ease of use while maintaining the confidentiality of individuals undergoing testing, providing assurance and trust in the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Palo Alto, CA
In Palo Alto, CA, hair follicle testing is not only fast but also economically priced, offering excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structure is paired with rapid turnaround times, ensuring that results are delivered promptly without breaking the bank. This combination of affordability and efficiency is advantageous for companies committed to maintaining stringent drug-free policies.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Palo Alto, CA
In Palo Alto, CA, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their exceptional precision and swiftness. The accuracy of these tests in identifying substance use provides peace of mind to both employers and individuals. With advanced testing techniques, this method ensures rapid results while maintaining high levels of reliability, making it a preferred choice in drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Palo Alto, CA
Implementing hair follicle testing in Palo Alto, CA, aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. This method not only ensures compliance but also mitigates legal liabilities, consequently enhancing overall workplace safety. Employers can trust that this testing not only maintains compliance but also promotes a safer, drug-free working environment.
