Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Santa Cruz, CA. If you require a drug or alcohol hair test, our specialty lies in hair testing with centers nationwide ready for service. Typically, hair length should be 1.5 to 2 inches for sampling, and body hair is also viable. Hair analysis can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and various tailored tests.
In recent years, drug testing methods have increasingly adopted hair follicle tests. Many employers, legal institutions, and Substance Abuse experts now opt for hair drug tests over traditional urine assessments. These tests are favored by organizations with stringent policies and individuals on probation for their prolonged detection window of up to 90 days, strict collection supervision, and difficulty to cheat. However, for drug usage within 5 days, urine tests remain superior.
* 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 recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, hair offers an approximately 3-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair specimens are easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg, which is ideal for screening and verifying results. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. When scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test result in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening cost-effectively eliminates drug use for most samples, a positive result must undergo confirmation to be admissible in legal proceedings. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Presumptive positives in Screening prompt additional hair extraction from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screenings.
The Confirmation process for any positive Screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. Every stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is meticulously reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often misconceived as "hair follicle tests", the focus of the test is on analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
In Santa Cruz, CA, hair follicle testing presents a more efficient alternative to urine tests. The benefits of hair testing include a much longer detection window and less susceptibility to tampering, providing a clearer depiction of an individual's drug history than urine tests.
The superior reliability of hair testing stems from its method, which can reveal drug use over several months, compared to the limited window of urine testing, ensuring that accuracy and dependability are maintained.
Hair follicle testing excels with its extended detection period in Santa Cruz, CA. Unlike urine tests which offer a short-term view, hair testing covers drug use over 90 days. This prolonged window provides employers with a well-rounded perspective into the substance habits of applicants or employees.
The additional coverage period furnishes organizations with comprehensive data on substance exposure, enhancing their screening capabilities significantly beyond what urine tests can offer.
The integrity of hair follicle tests makes them a tamper-resistant option in Santa Cruz, CA. Hair tests significantly minimize the risk of sample manipulation, providing results that are both trustworthy and conclusive.
Employers can rely on the dependability of these tests, reducing concerns over adulteration and ensuring their results uphold the highest standards of trust and verifiability.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience in Santa Cruz, CA, and nationwide through multiple testing locations. Our widespread centers allow for quick and easy access to hair drug testing services, eliminating hassles in the process.
Whether local or national, our sites ensure that scheduling and conducting tests is a seamless experience, enabling employers to focus on their core business tasks without interruption.
The hair follicle testing process in Santa Cruz, CA is simple and confidential. Our method ensures privacy from ordering to result delivery, addressing any concerns around the readiness and security of individual data.
Employees can trust in the ease of use of this testing service, knowing their information is handled with the utmost confidentiality and attention to detail.
In Santa Cruz, CA, we offer hair follicle testing with competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. Our commitment to affordability doesn't compromise quality, providing businesses with excellent value.
Cost-effective pricing, combined with the speedy delivery of results, ensures that companies of all sizes can efficiently manage their budgets while benefiting from reliable drug testing services.
Hair follicle testing offers fast, precise results in Santa Cruz, CA, making it a reliable option for detecting substance use. The accuracy of hair drug tests ensures they swiftly identify drug use, providing businesses with the confidence they need in their results.
The methodological precision of hair tests means results are not only accurate but also delivered promptly, supporting organizations in making timely decisions regarding employee wellness and policy compliance.
Santa Cruz, CA employers find peace of mind in using hair follicle testing to maintain drug-free workplaces. These tests help ensure compliance with company policies and reduce legal liabilities, reinforcing employee safety.
Hair tests support businesses in achieving compliance by offering dependable results, thereby helping to shield companies from potential challenges while fostering a safer work environment.
