Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug examinations within San Diego, California. For those requiring hair drug or alcohol assessments, our expertise lies in hair testing. Nationwide centers are equipped for these evaluations. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of head or body hair is required. Hair analysis can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for specific needs.
Recently, hair follicle testing has gained traction as the preferred method over urine exams for detecting substance use. Its adoption by employers, judicial entities, and Substance Abuse specialists underscores a shifting preference. Employers with strict no-drug mandates, courts, and probationers favor hair tests for their prolonged detection timeframe—up to 90 days—and near impossibility of manipulation. However, urine tests remain superior for identifying recent drug use within a five-day window.
* 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 recognized as an effective method for uncovering substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extended timeline of such usage, securing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use history for up to around a three-month period. It is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the ideal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (for example, facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four central steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, involving the integration of the sample into the lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplemental data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial quick assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient means of ruling out drug presence in most cases, a positive indication requires confirmation to be legally viable. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases where a sample appears presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations considerably lower than those in other processes (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation via techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Wins in San Diego, CA
Hair follicle testing offers superior benefits over traditional urine tests, with its ability to detect drugs over a longer duration. While urine tests detect recent usage, hair tests unveil a comprehensive history, ensuring more accurate results. This broadened detection capability makes it ideal for situations demanding a thorough approach.
Besides the extensive detection window, hair testing is renowned for unmatched reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can be tampered with, hair samples provide an uncontestable record of substance use, giving peace of mind to employers and individuals seeking trustworthy results.
One major advantage of hair follicle testing in San Diego, CA, is its extended detection period. While urine tests offer insights into recent drug use, hair testing can track substance intake up to 90 days prior, presenting a longer glimpse into an individual's history.
This increased timeframe provides employers with an expansive understanding of an individual's patterns. Thus, businesses can make more informed hiring decisions, safeguarding their workplace environment by relying on comprehensive drug use data.
In San Diego, CA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing offers unmatched security. The test's structure makes it nearly impossible to alter, thereby providing reliable results that accurately reflect an individual's drug use history.
Unlike urine tests, which can be easily manipulated, hair samples are collected through an observed process, ensuring authenticity. With this method, the integrity of the sample remains intact, granting confidence in the outcomes produced.
With numerous convenient testing locations throughout San Diego, CA, and nationwide, accessing hair follicle drug testing services has never been easier. Our widespread centers ensure individuals can undergo testing in a hassle-free and expedient manner.
Local and nationwide access isn't just about convenience; it's about providing a seamless testing experience. Clients can quickly complete the required tests without unnecessary travel or delays, aiding in efficient time management for busy schedules.
Our hair follicle testing process in San Diego, CA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to collection to receiving results, each step is crafted for ease of use while safeguarding privacy.
Understanding the importance of confidentiality, our process ensures that clients’ sensitive information remains secure. This transparent approach allows individuals to confidently engage in testing, knowing their privacy is respected and protected throughout.
Our hair follicle testing services in San Diego, CA offer affordable pricing paired with fast turnaround times, making them accessible to companies of all sizes. By providing testing at competitive rates, businesses can ensure comprehensive substance use evaluations without inflating costs.
The swift processing of results means that companies can quickly receive the necessary data for decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency. This combination of value and speed translates to excellence for our diverse clientele.
In San Diego, CA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed, accuracy, and reliability. These tests deliver fast results, making them an essential tool in detecting substance use. Their usability across various settings ensures that individuals receive quick and precise information about their drug use history.
The precision of hair follicle testing is unmatched, as it provides highly accurate readings of drug use over an extended period. This accuracy is crucial for employers and individuals seeking to verify substance use with certainty and reliability.
Incorporating hair follicle testing in San Diego, CA helps employers ensure compliance with their drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only enhances legal compliance but also mitigates the risks associated with substance use in the workplace.
The ability to detect past drug use over an extended period promotes peace of mind among employers. By utilizing this reliable testing method, companies can reinforce their dedication to maintaining a safe, productive, and compliant workforce.