Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Walnut Creek, North Carolina. For those requiring drug or alcohol testing via hair samples, we excel in this area and have facilities across the nation to conduct such tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp or body are suitable. Hair samples can be evaluated for substances, alcohol/ETG, or tailored testing options.
Recently, the adoption of hair follicle testing for drug detection has increased. Employers, judicial bodies, and Substance Abuse specialists now often request this method over traditional urine tests. Hair tests are employed by firms with strict no-drug policies, legal courts, and individuals under supervision. A key advantage is the extended detection window, generally up to 90 days, with an observed collection process that's hard to tamper with. Yet, for identifying recent drug use within the past 5 days, urine tests remain more precise.
* 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 has emerged as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands provide a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as hair grows. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it offers up to nearly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and screenings exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. The term head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for hair drug testing encompasses four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves incorporating the sample into the lab’s tracking system. This procedure includes ensuring the sample has been properly sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing supplementary data entry not provided electronically by the chain of custody protocol.
Screening serves as a rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While cost-efficient for dismissing drug usage in most cases, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require further validation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive outcomes are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subjected to scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual examination focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Walnut Creek, NC
For those comparing testing methods, hair follicle testing stands out due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. This method provides an extended observation period, making it the preferred choice in identifying long-term substance use. In Walnut Creek, NC, hair tests offer better detection scope, capturing drug use that urine tests might miss.
Employers and legal entities often choose hair tests for their enhanced detection capabilities. While urine tests may detect recent usage, hair tests encompass a broader timeframe, offering a thorough view of an individual's substance use history. The robust detection accuracy of hair tests solidifies their position as an advanced solution in drug testing.
Extended Detection Window in Walnut Creek, NC
Hair follicle testing extends the detection window for drug use, capturing substance history for up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe offers employers a comprehensive insight into an individual’s drug use patterns. In Walnut Creek, NC, hair tests provide an unparalleled overview, ensuring a detailed understanding of substance use over months rather than days.
The longer window is a valuable feature for employers evaluating potential hires or monitoring current employees. By utilizing hair tests, organizations can be confident they are receiving a complete picture of an individual's drug use, setting higher standards for workplace safety and compliance in Walnut Creek, NC.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Walnut Creek, NC
The hair follicle test is recognized for its robust resistance to tampering, offering reliable and unquestionable results. In Walnut Creek, NC, this method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring authentic outcomes for sensitive evaluations. The process of obtaining hair samples is direct and supervised, leaving little room for manipulation.
Among its advantages, the integrity of hair testing is vital for employers and legal entities requiring certainty in results. Its tamper-proof nature ensures that findings are trustworthy, providing peace of mind to those relying on accurate and secure drug testing methods. This security enhances the reliability of tests conducted in Walnut Creek, NC.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Walnut Creek, NC
Our testing centers are strategically located nationwide, ensuring quick and easy access to drug testing services across the country. In Walnut Creek, NC, local facilities further enhance accessibility, providing a hassle-free experience for individuals and companies alike. Our centers are committed to offering seamless service for all testing needs.
The convenience of multiple locations allows for prompt testing and rapid results. Whether in Walnut Creek, NC, or elsewhere in the nation, our centers aim to make drug testing as straightforward as possible, prioritizing accessibility and customer satisfaction at every step of the process.
Simple, Confidential Process in Walnut Creek, NC
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle drug test results is designed to be straightforward and confidential. In Walnut Creek, NC, clients are assured of their privacy and ease of use. Each step is streamlined to ensure a smooth experience while maintaining discretion throughout the testing procedure.
Understanding client concerns about confidentiality, we prioritize secure handling of all information related to testing. The simple approach simplifies the complexities of drug testing, allowing individuals to undergo necessary procedures without privacy compromises, boosting confidence in Walnut Creek, NC.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Walnut Creek, NC
Our hair follicle drug testing services offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value for companies of all sizes. In Walnut Creek, NC, businesses benefit from our commitment to affordability without sacrificing quality or speed, bolstering their confidence in using our services.
Cost efficiency, paired with quick results, ensures businesses can make informed decisions without unnecessary delay. Our strategic pricing structures cater to various needs, helping organizations manage their resources wisely while achieving reliable, prompt outcomes in Walnut Creek, NC.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Walnut Creek, NC
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed in delivering results, ensuring high accuracy in substance detection. This testing method efficiently identifies drug use, making it an ideal choice for those seeking dependable testing outcomes. Fast turnaround times further enhance the experience, emphasizing reliability in Walnut Creek, NC.
The accuracy of hair analysis is unmatched, making it a cornerstone in drug testing protocols. Individuals seeking assurance of test results can rely on hair testing's effectiveness. With minimal delays, testing centers offer swift results, meeting the urgent needs of employers, courts, and individuals seeking clarity in their testing requirements.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Walnut Creek, NC
Employers gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, enhancing compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method reduces legal risks and improves safety standards, which is crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment. In Walnut Creek, NC, hair testing contributes to a secure and law-abiding workplace, minimizing potential liabilities.
Adopting hair testing practices aligns organizations with industry compliance standards. The extended detection period and tamper-resistant methods fortify employers' efforts in creating safer, more responsible work environments, ensuring that workplace policies are consistently enforced in Walnut Creek, NC.
