Hair Follicle Drug Testing - San Mateo, CA

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Personal
Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

39 Hair Drug Testing Centers in San Mateo

Minutes Away, Test Today

60 N El Camino Real1.07 miles

60 N El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA 94401

222 W 39th Ave2.69 miles

222 W 39th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403

1860 El Camino Real Ste 4003.46 miles

1860 El Camino Real Ste 400
Burlingame, CA 94010

1098 Foster City Blvd, Ste 1023.81 miles

1098 Foster City Blvd, Ste 102
Foster City, CA 94404

1501 Trousdale Dr3.84 miles

1501 Trousdale Dr
Burlingame, CA 94010

1663 Rollins Rd3.95 miles

1663 Rollins Rd
Burlingame, CA 94010

125 Shoreway Rd Ste A4.55 miles

125 Shoreway Rd Ste A
San Carlos, CA 94070

1100 Laurel Street, Suite F5.89 miles

1100 Laurel Street, Suite F
San Carlos, CA 94070

170 Alameda De Las Pulgas6.86 miles

170 Alameda De Las Pulgas
Redwood City, CA 94062

801 Traeger Ave Ste 2126.96 miles

801 Traeger Ave Ste 212
San Bruno, CA 94066

3 S Linden Ave7.73 miles

3 S Linden Ave
South San Francisco, CA 94080

1400 Veterans Blvd Fl 17.74 miles

1400 Veterans Blvd Fl 1
Redwood City, CA 94063

International Terminal Level 3 A Side8.56 miles

International Terminal Level 3 A Side
San Francisco, CA 94128

1900 Sullivan Ave11.54 miles

1900 Sullivan Ave
Daly City, CA 94015

On-site Only11.88 miles

On-site Only
San Francisco, CA 94124

Sfia Terminal 211.91 miles

Sfia Terminal 2
San Francisco, CA 94125

300 Pasteur Dr12.03 miles

300 Pasteur Dr
Palo Alto, CA 94304

795 El Camino Real12.25 miles

795 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94301

26250 Industrial Blvd Ste 3212.74 miles

26250 Industrial Blvd Ste 32
Hayward, CA 94545

1555 Doolittle Dr Ste 18012.82 miles

1555 Doolittle Dr Ste 180
San Leandro, CA 94577

2587 Merced St13.00 miles

2587 Merced St
San Leandro, CA 94577

29000 Hesperian Blvd13.54 miles

29000 Hesperian Blvd
Hayward, CA 94545

3555 Whipple Rd13.60 miles

3555 Whipple Rd
Union City, CA 94587

27200 Calaroga Ave13.79 miles

27200 Calaroga Ave
Hayward, CA 94545

3555 Cesar Chavez13.82 miles

3555 Cesar Chavez
San Francisco, CA 94110

401 Roland Way Ste 20513.95 miles

401 Roland Way Ste 205
Oakland, CA 94621

2111 Whitehall Place, Suite D14.13 miles

2111 Whitehall Place, Suite D
Alameda, CA 94501

7901 Oakport St Ste 4950 2nd Floor14.23 miles

7901 Oakport St Ste 4950 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA 94621

7817 Oakport St14.26 miles

7817 Oakport St
Oakland, CA 94621

2421 Encinal Ave Ste A14.48 miles

2421 Encinal Ave Ste A
Alameda, CA 94501

13939 E 14th St14.51 miles

13939 E 14th St
San Leandro, CA 94578

2 Connecticut St Ste 114.59 miles

2 Connecticut St Ste 1
San Francisco, CA 94107

35500 Dumbarton Ct15.02 miles

35500 Dumbarton Ct
Newark, CA 94560

2198 15th St,15.21 miles

2198 15th St,
San Francisco, CA 94114

Castro & Duboce St, South Tower Ste 160a15.27 miles

Castro & Duboce St, South Tower Ste 160a
San Francisco, CA 94114

24326 Mission Blvd Ste 315.30 miles

24326 Mission Blvd Ste 3
Hayward, CA 94544

24 Willie Mays Plz15.33 miles

24 Willie Mays Plz
San Francisco, CA 94107

33077 Alvarado Niles Rd15.62 miles

33077 Alvarado Niles Rd
Union City, CA 94587

505 Parnassus Ave Ste 89615.63 miles

505 Parnassus Ave Ste 896
San Francisco, CA 94143

Employment, Court Ordered, Probation, Family

Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive hair follicle drug examinations throughout San Mateo, California. Whenever a hair-based alcohol or drug analysis is needed, Accredited Drug Testing provides specialized hair assessments, with facilities available across cities nationwide for administering these tests. A length of 1.5 to 2 inches on your scalp or body is generally necessary to conduct these tests. Hair analyses can identify drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specific requirements.

Over recent years, reliance on hair follicle drug analyses has surged in drug testing procedures. Numerous employers, judicial bodies, and professionals in Substance Abuse are opting for hair drug assessments over normal urine analyses. Organizations with zero-tolerance drug guidelines, courts, and probationary instances utilize hair follicle tests. The key advantage is the prolonged detection window for drug use, lasting up to 90 days, performed under observation, and nearly tamper-proof. However, for detecting use within the past 5 days, urine tests remain the benchmark.

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments have gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the strands, hair offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to 90 days for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to obtain, reasonably tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches , consisting of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp, yields approximately 100mg, which is ideal for evaluation and validation. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale for precision is suggested. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The quartet of critical steps in lab processing of a drug test result includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the lab's framework. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing entries not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary examination for abuse substances. Though cost-effective in excluding drug presence in most samples, a positive screen must be corroborated for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

When a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), presenting challenges in hair drug testing execution.

Confirmation of positive Screening results employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is subjected to scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

  • Extended detection span: Hair drug assessments detect drug presence for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests with shorter periods.
  • Challenge to deceive: Hair drug tests are hard to manipulate, thus enhancing accuracy.
  • Offers historical insight: They reveal patterns of substance use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

  • Inability to track recent use: Substance presence takes roughly 5-7 days to manifest in hair.
  • Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are more costly compared to other testing techniques.
  • Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual growth differences can impact metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in San Mateo, CA offers advantages that make it superior to urine testing.

Enhanced detection capability is a standout feature.

  • Detects substance use up to 90 days prior, unlike urine.
  • It reduces concerns involving recent abstinence.
  • Employers favor it for maintaining stringent drug policies.

Extended Detection Window

San Mateo, CA sees hair testing surpass others due to its extended detection window.

Long-term insights into drug use patterns are invaluable.

  • Offers a view of the last three months of substance activity.
  • Employers gain comprehensive drug history of personnel.
  • Assists in making informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In San Mateo, CA, the integrity of hair follicle tests sets them apart.

Anti-tampering features prevent manipulation.

  • Collection is directly observed, minimizing substitution risks.
  • The follicles hold the proof, unaffected by short-term abstinence.
  • Thus, ensuring results are unwaveringly accurate.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Access to testing in San Mateo, CA is made seamless with numerous venues.

National network supports easy testing.

  • Ensures accessibility for all required parties.
  • Convenience with both national and local centers available.
  • Minimizes obstacles in reaching a testing site.

Simple, Confidential Process

Processes in San Mateo, CA are built around simplicity and confidentiality.

Easy and discreet testing is our hallmark.

  • Scheduling and undertaking tests remain straightforward.
  • Results are positioned securely, respecting privacy.
  • Fosters confidence among users regarding data handling.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing in San Mateo, CA makes hair testing accessible.

Economical solutions for reliable testing.

  • Affordable rates without compromising quality.
  • Quick turnarounds help businesses operate efficiently.
  • Delivers value to firms, big and small.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In San Mateo, CA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and precision.

Efficient processing ensures swift results delivery, aiding timely decision-making.

  • It cuts waiting time significantly, crucial for urgent workplace assessments.
  • These tests detect a range of substances with heightened accuracy.
  • Reliability in results strengthens trust in testing protocols.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance is a critical component of workplace safety in San Mateo, CA.

Hair follicle tests aid adherence to drug-free policies.

  • Helps in aligning with legal and safety requirements.
  • Reducing the liability linked with negligent hiring.
  • Employers achieve peace of mind with rigorous testing.

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.


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Frequently Asked Questions

A hair follicle drug test analyzes a small sample of hair to detect a history of drug use over time. Because drug metabolites are incorporated into hair as it grows, this method can show patterns of use instead of just recent exposure. It is frequently used for legal and court requirements, long-term monitoring, and high-trust workforce screening.
Standard hair drug testing typically reflects drug use over approximately a 90-day period, based on the length of hair collected at the time of testing. Longer hair can sometimes reflect a longer time frame, and extremely short hair can reduce that window.
Hair drug testing commonly screens for marijuana/THC, cocaine, opiates/opioids, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and PCP. In many cases, additional expanded panels may be requested to include other substances.
Yes. If the donor's head hair is too short or unavailable, body hair may be collected as an alternative. The collector will document the source of the sample. This allows testing even for individuals with recently cut or shaved head hair.
Yes. Hair drug testing is commonly used in court, probation, custody, and compliance matters because the collection process follows a documented chain of custody and the analysis is performed by a certified laboratory. Results are provided in a form that can be reviewed by legal and administrative authorities.
Yes. Individuals, parents, attorneys, employers, and probation programs can all request hair drug testing. A doctor's order is not required. Results are confidential and released only to the authorized requesting party.
Hair testing provides a longer look-back period than urine testing, making it useful when you need to demonstrate ongoing abstinence or identify repeated/recent substance use patterns over time rather than just recent exposure. It is frequently selected for legal, compliance, and custody-related documentation.
A small section of hair is cut by a trained collector in a discreet, controlled manner. The sample is sealed, documented, and sent to the laboratory under established chain-of-custody procedures so that the results can be defended if they are ever challenged.

Customer Reviews

Thank You!!

I needed a quick drug test for visitation with my children. I called at 6am they answered and set me up with a place a couple miles from my house to go get the test done, that was on Wednesday, I had the results on Friday afternoon and was able to see my kids on Saturday. Thank you for the help!

Mark Broadhead - 2/12/2025

Very Fun and Easy

Trish last week and Tatiana this week, very fun and easy folks to deal with. Well be using them more and more in the future.

Tom O - 12/19/2024

Very professional and very quick

Very professional and very quick service to schedule appointments! I am pleased with the services and would definitely recommend using them for any drug testing needs!

Carrie Feerick - 4/19/2025


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