Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug screening services in Port Costa, CA. If you are in need of hair-based drug or alcohol testing, Accredited Drug Testing has expertise in hair analysis. We offer testing centers across various cities nationwide capable of performing such tests. Typically, having 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on the head or body suffices. Hair analysis can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored testing options.
In recent years, the use of hair follicle drug tests has become more prevalent in drug testing methodologies. These tests are increasingly required by employers, the judiciary, and Substance Abuse professionals instead of traditional urine-based tests. Hair tests are favored by employers with strict no-drug-use policies, judicial bodies, and individuals under probation. The main advantage of this test includes an extended drug detection window—up to 90 days, observed under secure conditions, and remains highly resistant to tampering. Nonetheless, for detecting drug use within the past 5 days, urine tests are still considered more 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 analysis is widely regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By ensnaring biomarkers within its strands, hair reveals a comprehensive timeline of drug and alcohol use. With a sample taken near the scalp, it's possible to detect substances within a roughly 3-month period. Hair acquisition is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
For optimal screening and confirmation, a sample consisting of a 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp is recommended. This provides 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, it's advised to collect 150mg of hair. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample weight. Should scalp hair be inadequate, an analogous quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair is specifically scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug tests involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is entered into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary check for substances of abuse. It offers a cost-efficient means to rule out drug consumption in most samples; however, for legal admissibility, a positive screen requires confirmation. Any samples flagged as presumptive positive during Screening need subsequent confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive Screen, additional hair is taken from the main sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted from hair in much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring hair drug screening as the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screens utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity are washed if required before confirmation. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Port Costa, CA, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. These tests are trusted for their ability to provide a more comprehensive analysis of drug use, making them a preferred choice over the traditional urine tests.
Employers in Port Costa, CA benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window that spans up to 90 days. This timeline offers a thorough view of an individual's drug use history, allowing for an informed assessment of potential hires or current employees.
Hair follicle testing in Port Costa, CA, is a tamper-resistant method that reduces the risk of sample adulteration significantly. This ensures the authenticity of the test results, providing reliable and unquestionable findings for those requiring them.
With convenient nationwide testing centers and easily accessible local facilities in Port Costa, CA, hair follicle testing services are designed for quick and hassle-free access, enhancing the user experience.
Port Costa, CA offers a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing, addressing privacy concerns effectively. The seamless ordering, testing, and result-receiving procedures ensure user convenience at every stage.
In Port Costa, CA, affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times underscore the value of hair follicle testing. Companies, regardless of their size, can gain peace of mind through competitive pricing and efficient service delivery.
Port Costa, CA utilizes hair follicle drug tests known for their speed and high accuracy in detecting substance use. These tests provide fast, reliable results, ensuring precision in confirming substance use, which benefits both employers and individuals alike.
Hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Port Costa, CA, offering employers peace of mind. By reducing legal risks and improving safety, these tests play a crucial role in maintaining a secure work environment.