Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Walnut Creek, California. Specializing in hair drug and alcohol tests, we have numerous testing centers nationwide that facilitate these tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp is needed, but body hair can also be used. Hair testing options can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored testing solutions.
Hair follicle drug testing has increasingly become a standard method for drug screening. More employers, judicial systems, and addiction specialists are opting for hair tests over conventional urine tests. Hair follicle tests are favored by employers with strict no-drug policies, legal entities, and individuals under probation due to their extended detection capability, spanning up to 90 days, and an observed collection process that makes it nearly impossible to tamper with. Despite this, urine tests are still the most dependable for detecting recent drug use within the last 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 now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers in its fibers as it grows. When cut close to the scalp, it offers a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to alter, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, deemed the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing into a laboratory’s framework. This process includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Screening is an economical means to rule out drug presence in the majority of samples; however, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be credible in legal settings. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample is found presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. At this step, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive undergo a wash before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used; however, the test actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine: Hair testing in Walnut Creek, CA, offers superior accuracy compared to urine tests. With an extended detection window, hair tests can trace substances over a longer period, providing a more comprehensive substance use history.
Unlike urine tests, which may only capture recent drug use, hair testing's extended window offers better insights for employers and legal systems, ultimately enhancing reliability and decision-making.
Extended Detection Window: One of the main advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to uncover drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This feature is particularly useful for employers in Walnut Creek, CA, seeking a thorough review of an individual’s substance history.
This elongated detection window provides a complete portrayal of ongoing substance use patterns, proving indispensable information for making well-informed employment and legal decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: Hair follicle tests significantly lower the possibility of tampering. By providing a method that is difficult to adulterate, the testing ensures reliable and credible results.
In compare with other testing methods, hair follicle tests offer an extra layer of security, helping Walnut Creek, CA organizations maintain integrity in their drug testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees easy access to hair follicle testing, providing hassle-free experiences for individuals and businesses in Walnut Creek, CA.
With multiple nationwide locations, testing becomes both convenient and efficient, ensuring that access to necessary services is streamlined and straightforward.
Simple, Confidential Process: The process for hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering to specimen collection to receiving results, every step is handled with confidentiality in mind.
This careful approach ensures convenience and respects privacy concerns, making the testing process a reassuring experience for all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: Our competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing offer excellent value in Walnut Creek, CA. Coupled with quick turnaround times, our services provide exceptional benefits for businesses of all sizes.
In doing so, we support companies in gaining peace of mind and maintaining budget-friendly approaches for their drug testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: Hair follicle testing provides quick and precise results, making it an appealing choice for substance detection. The method is known for its high level of accuracy in identifying drug use, providing dependable results that are essential for effective assessment.
The efficiency of hair testing ensures rapid turnaround times, facilitating swift action when necessary. This advantage is crucial for both employers and individuals seeking prompt and reliable testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Implementing hair follicle testing supports employer commitments to drug-free workplaces in Walnut Creek, CA. It reduces legal liabilities and strengthens workplace safety.
Using this reliable testing method fosters assurance among employers, ensuring policy adherence and minimizing risk factors associated with drug use in professional environments.
