In Alta Vista, Iowa, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services. Whether you require a hair or alcohol test, our expertise lies in hair testing, with facilities across all cities Nationwide to conduct these tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is necessary. Hair tests can examine drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored testing options.
Recently, hair follicle drug testing has become a more preferred method for drug testing. Employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse experts often choose hair tests instead of traditional urine tests. Employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies, the courts, and probationary programs use hair testing due to its extended detection period of up to 90 days and its almost cheat-proof nature. However, urine tests remain the most effective 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 analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected close to the head, hair can provide a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. The collection process is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 strands, similar in size to a #2 pencil, taken from near the scalp, will yield 100mg, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to verify the weight with a jeweler’s scale. If head hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair may be collected. References to head hair concern scalp hair specifically, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (face, underarms, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the laboratory processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary inputting of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data entry unavailable through electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening conducts an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although this provides a cost-effective approach to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive screening result must be verified for court admissibility. Presumptively positive samples in screening require confirmation through secondary testing.
In cases of presumptive positives from screening, more hair is sourced from the original sample for the Extraction phase. This process isolates drugs from the hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is notably challenging to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation when needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently labeled "hair follicle tests," the assessment actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Alta Vista, IA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing demonstrates superior detection and reliability. This method extends the drug detection window, offering a clearer view of an individual's long-term substance use. Employers benefit from enhanced assurance in workplace safety by choosing hair testing over urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Alta Vista, IA
Hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection window, capable of identifying drug use over a substantial 90-day period. For employers, this translates to a thorough overview of an applicant's or employee's substance history, helping them make informed decisions for maintaining a safe work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alta Vista, IA
Hair follicle testing significantly mitigates the risks of sample adulteration. Its robust and tamper-proof nature ensures that the results are both reliable and unquestionable, offering peace of mind to those relying on accurate data for decision-making processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Alta Vista, IA
With a network of testing centers nationwide, along with our presence in Alta Vista, accessing testing services has never been easier. This ensures a quick and hassle-free process, allowing individuals and companies to avail of high-quality testing with minimal inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Alta Vista, IA
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Addressing concerns of privacy, the process ensures ease of use, making it a user-friendly option for individuals seeking reliable testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alta Vista, IA
Our competitive pricing structures combined with swift turnaround times provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This ensures that companies receive timely results without compromising on cost, offering peace of mind and efficiency in testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alta Vista, IA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched speed and precision. Known for their high accuracy, they swiftly identify substance use, providing reliable results. The method not only ensures thoroughness but also minimizes the chances of errors, making it a preferred choice for comprehensive substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alta Vista, IA
Employers can ensure compliance with drug-free work policies through hair follicle testing. This method not only minimizes legal risks but also fosters a safer workplace. By adopting this approach, businesses adhere to standards while safeguarding their work environments.
