Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing in California, Maryland. If a hair drug or alcohol test is required, our specialty in hair testing ensures that facilities are available nationwide to administer these tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of scalp or body hair is sufficient for testing. Hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or offer other customized options.
Hair follicle drug testing has become an increasingly prevalent method in recent years. Employers, courts, and Substance Abuse experts often favor hair tests over standard urine tests. This method is essential for employers enforcing strict no-drug policies, courts, and probationary programs. Its foremost advantage is the extensive detection window, up to 90 days, with a monitored collection process that virtually eliminates tampering. However, urine tests remain most effective for detecting very 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 increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month window for the detection of alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to gather, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to verify specimen weight. If scalp hair isn't accessible, body hair providing an equivalent amount may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system, confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening offers an economical approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In the event of a presumptively positive result in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is notably challenging to execute.
Confirmation of positive results from Screening is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to necessary confirmations. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing:
In California, MD, hair follicle testing offers superior detection and reliability over urine tests. While traditional urine tests might miss long-term substance use, hair testing unveils a more complete history, making it crucial for stringent workplace and legal requirements.
Hair testing boasts higher accuracy, detecting a broader range of drugs and metabolites that urine tests may overlook. This comprehensive detection ensures no recent drug activity goes unnoticed, supporting stringent drug policies effectively.
Extended Detection Window:
Hair follicle testing in California, MD can identify drug use spanning up to 90 days. This extensive period provides an overview of a person’s substance history, assisting employers in evaluating long-term drug tendencies.
The long detection window of hair testing ensures that patterns of drug use are captured, not just recent incidents. This reliability is essential for maintaining safe and drug-free environments in the workplace and beyond.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method:
The robustness of hair follicle testing in California, MD lies in its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine tests, which can be diluted or substituted, hair tests offer a nearly foolproof method to detect substance use.
Employers and legal entities value the integrity of hair testing as it significantly reduces chances of sample adulteration. The process ensures confidence in the accuracy of results, providing peace of mind and security.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations:
Testing centers are conveniently located nationwide, including in California, MD, ensuring accessibility. With numerous locations, individuals can easily access testing services without hassle or delay, supporting timely compliance.
The strategic positioning of testing facilities guarantees quick and efficient service. This network facilitates effortless testing, making drug screening an uncomplicated process for individuals and companies alike.
Simple, Confidential Process:
Ordering and undergoing hair follicle testing in California, MD is designed to be straightforward and private. The confidentiality of the process preserves the privacy of individuals, emphasizing ease of use.
From the moment of appointment scheduling to receiving results, simplicity governs the process. Individuals can be assured of their information’s security, highlighting the test’s commitment to user privacy and comfort.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround:
In California, MD, hair follicle testing is not only accurate but also cost-effective, offering competitive pricing structures. Businesses of all sizes value the affordability without compromising on quality.
Quick turnaround times ensure that results are delivered promptly, providing essential information swiftly and supporting timely decision-making processes. This cost-efficient service caters to both large corporations and small businesses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in California, MD
Hair follicle testing provides rapid and precise results, making it a favored choice in the region. With advanced technology, the accuracy in detecting substances is unmatched, ensuring that any drug use is reliably identified, providing results that stakeholders can trust.
The speed at which testing results are delivered is impressive, leaving minimal waiting time for concerned parties. This timely information assists employers and authorities in making informed decisions quickly, supporting a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers:
Hair follicle testing enables California, MD employers to enforce drug-free policies efficiently, reducing legal risks and enhancing the safety of the workplace. This compliance aids in maintaining a productive and safe work environment.
Employers benefit from peace of mind knowing their drug testing procedures are stringent and reliable. This assurance boosts confidence in adhering to regulations and workplace safety standards, promoting an overall healthier work setting.
