In San Marcos, California, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug tests. If hair or alcohol drug testing is needed, this specialized facility has centers in all cities Nationwide capable of performing hair tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is sufficient for testing. These hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for other options.
Recently, drug testing methods have increasingly favored hair follicle tests. Employers, courts, and substance abuse experts often opt for hair tests over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle tests are preferred by organizations with strict drug use policies, legal entities, and for those on probation. The main advantage is a longer detection window, typically up to 90 days, observed during collection, and nearly cheat-proof. However, urine tests remain more precise for recent drug use within 5 days.
* 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 identifying substance and alcohol usage. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the hair strands. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece consisting of roughly 200 hairs (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) from the area nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, the same quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test includes four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to stand up in court. Any screenings that return as presumptively positive require a subsequent confirmation step.
If a sample is marked presumptively positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than through alternative methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair analysis is the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that test positive presumptively are washed before confirmation as necessary. The overall laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In San Marcos, CA, hair follicle testing provides distinct advantages over urine testing, such as superior detection accuracy and reliability. As traditional urine tests can sometimes be susceptible to tampering, hair tests offer a more robust approach to detecting and tracking substance use.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in San Marcos, CA, allows for the detection of drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days. This extended window provides a more comprehensive overview of a person's substance history, useful for both employers and legal situations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In San Marcos, CA, hair follicle tests underscore a significant reduction in the risk of sample adulteration. This method offers results that are reliable and hard to dispute, making them a preferred choice for many organizations worried about test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing in San Marcos, CA, provides nationwide testing center access, making drug testing straightforward and accessible. This extensive network ensures easy access to necessary testing services, both locally and across the country.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process of hair follicle testing in San Marcos, CA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the privacy and ease of use are consistent priorities, addressing any user concerns efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In San Marcos, CA, hair follicle drug testing is offered at competitive prices with rapid results. This balance of affordability and promptness provides excellent value, ensuring businesses of all sizes receive the best service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In San Marcos, CA, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their precision and expediency. Their ability to precisely identify substance use ensures a high level of accuracy, making them an excellent choice for individuals and employers requiring timely and dependable drug testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in San Marcos, CA, find compliance with drug-free policies more manageable with hair follicle testing. This testing method reduces legal risks and boosts workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers maintaining stringent policies.
