Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug screening services in Oak Bay, WA. If a hair test for drugs or alcohol is required, Accredited Drug Testing is a specialist in hair analysis, with test centers in cities nationwide that can carry out such tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head's crown or body is sufficient. Hair analyses can test for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specialized options.
Recently, drug testing methods more frequently include hair follicle tests. Numerous employers, judicial bodies, and Substance Abuse experts now prefer hair tests over standard urine tests. Employers with zero-tolerance drug policies, courts, and probationers often use hair testing. A hair follicle test's primary advantage is detecting drugs over a lengthy period, often up to 90 days, under observed conditions and it is virtually foolproof. However, urine testing remains the most reliable for detecting 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 testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. If collected near the scalp, it delivers up to a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, involving roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and analysis. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is executed in four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning describes the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary analysis for drugs of abuse. While Screening efficiently eliminates drug use for many samples, a positive result demands confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this process, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any screened positive result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Tests in Oak Bay, WA
In Oak Bay, hair testing for drug use offers substantial benefits compared to traditional urine tests. With its extensive detection window and higher accuracy, it provides a clearer and more reliable path to identify substance use. Employers and legal institutions value hair testing for its ability to detect drug use, which remains undetected in other methods.
Extended Detection Window in Oak Bay, WA
The superiority of hair follicle testing in Oak Bay lies in its extended detection window. Capable of identifying substance use over a 90-day period, it gives employers comprehensive insights into an individual's substance history. This long-range detection makes it invaluable for thorough background checks and employee assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Oak Bay, WA
Hair follicle tests in Oak Bay significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering. The nature of the test makes adulteration nearly impossible, thus ensuring the reliability of results. Organizations and individuals alike trust this method for its unassailable accuracy and integrity.
Convenient Testing Locations in Oak Bay, WA
Oak Bay residents benefit from the convenience of testing centers located both locally and nationwide. Access to these centers ensures quick and hassle-free drug testing services, making the process easy and convenient for individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oak Bay, WA
Oak Bay's drug testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed to ensure privacy and ease of use. This simplicity helps alleviate concerns about privacy while providing results securely and efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Oak Bay, WA
Our testing services in Oak Bay boast competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. These factors offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Fast processing combined with affordability helps companies manage their drug testing needs effectively and efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in Oak Bay, WA
In Oak Bay, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing stand out. Known for its high accuracy in detecting substances, it provides results that employers and authorities can trust. The method ensures quick insights into an individual's substance use, delivering on both speed and reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oak Bay, WA
Adopting hair follicle testing allows Oak Bay employers to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies effortlessly. It reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by ensuring that substance use is monitored accurately, providing peace of mind to businesses and their staff.
