Based in Altoona, Iowa, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing. Our expertise in hair-based drug and alcohol testing allows us to provide specialized services nationwide. If you're considering a hair test, please note that 1.5 to 2 inches of hair growth is often necessary for effective testing. The analysis can include drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other personalized testing options.
Hair follicle drug tests have become a more common method for conducting drug analysis in recent years. These tests are favored by employers, legal systems, and substance abuse professionals as an alternative to the traditional urine test. This preference stems from the extended detection window, which can highlight drug usage for up to 90 days and is difficult to tamper with. Nevertheless, urine tests still maintain accuracy in detecting drug use within a recent five-day period.
* 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 is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a comprehensive log of alcohol and other drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the lab involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated to be admissible in legal settings. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to the necessary confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing methods, hair follicle testing in Altoona, IA stands out against traditional urine tests. The most notable advantage is the superior detection accuracy.
This method offers reliable results that reveal drug usage over an extensive period, providing a clearer picture of an individual's substance history.
In contrast to urine tests, hair testing is less prone to contamination and tampering, ensuring authentic samples every time.
This reliability makes hair testing an invaluable resource for maintaining drug-free environments.
Hair follicle testing is a valuable tool in Altoona, IA, due to its extended drug detection window.
This method offers up to 90 days of drug use insight, providing comprehensive substance use history compared to other tests.
Employers can benefit significantly, as hair testing picks up on long-term drug usage patterns.
This extended detection window supports informed hiring decisions and continuous workplace monitoring.
In Altoona, IA, hair follicle tests present a robust solution for reducing tampering in drug testing.
Unlike urine samples, which can be adulterated, hair tests provide a secure and reliable method of analysis.
The likelihood of sample adulteration is drastically minimized with hair testing.
This offers unquestionable results and enhances the integrity and trustworthiness of the testing process.
The convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's services extends throughout Altoona, IA, and nationwide.
With numerous testing centers, accessing professional drug testing services is both quick and straightforward.
Our local presence ensures minimal travel for test takers, promoting a hassle-free experience.
Local and extensive testing locations provide the accessibility necessary for effective, convenient scheduling.
In Altoona, IA, the process of ordering and undergoing a hair follicle drug test with Accredited Drug Testing is simple and confidential.
This ensures a seamless experience from order to results delivery, safeguarding privacy throughout.
Our streamlined approach enables individuals to focus on what matters without concerns over privacy.
Easily navigate the drug testing process with confidentiality and simplicity at every step.
Accredited Drug Testing in Altoona, IA, offers competitive pricing and quick result turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests.
Our pricing structures are designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent value.
The affordability of our services does not compromise the quality of results or speed.
This commitment allows companies to maintain their budgets while receiving top-tier testing services swiftly.
In Altoona, IA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their accuracy and swift results.
These tests provide precise detection due to their scientific methodology, ensuring confidence in the outcomes.
With technology advancements, results are delivered rapidly, enabling quicker decision-making.
The high precision of hair follicle tests ensures that substance use is accurately identified.
This level of detail is vital for employers and legal entities, allowing actions based on concrete evidence.
For employers in Altoona, IA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with strict workplace drug policies.
This method supports a drug-free environment, mitigating legal risks and boosting overall safety.
The peace of mind provided by hair testing comes from its reliability and thoroughness.
Employers can trust that their efforts in maintaining a compliant and safe workplace are fully supported by definitive test results.
