Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Alvord, Iowa. Whether you require a hair drug or alcohol examination, we specialize in hair testing and maintain centers nationwide capable of conducting these tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or other body parts can be used. Our hair tests cover drugs, alcohol/ETG, and can be tailored to specific needs.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become a more common choice for drug testing methods. Employers, legal systems, and Substance Abuse professionals favor hair tests over traditional urine tests. These tests are ideal for institutions with strict drug-use policies because they have a longer detection window, up to 90 days, and involve an observed collection, making them difficult to tamper with. However, urine tests are still preferred for detecting recent usage within the past five 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 is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of approximately three months. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to mail.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will provide about 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, add-ons, or tests beyond ten panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. It's recommended to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair should be gathered. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" pertains to all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing to obtain a drug test result involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the beginning of integrating a sample within a laboratory’s network. This encompasses ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipment, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary data not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it’s a cost-efficient method to clear drug usage in most samples, a screen showing positive needs confirmation for legal validity. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a Screening phase reveals a sample as potentially positive, additional hair from the initial collection is allocated for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Required presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
A major advantage of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Alvord, IA, is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history. Compared to traditional methods, they offer a longer detection window, helping employers enforce strict drug-free policies.
In Alvord, IA, hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection period. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days back, it offers comprehensive insight into an individual's history. With this critical advantage, businesses gain a clearer picture of potential hires and current employees, aiding in informed decision-making.
When it comes to reducing sample tampering, hair follicle tests offer significant advantages in Alvord, IA. Their tamper-resistant nature ensures reliable results, free from adulteration risks. As these tests are far more immune to interference compared to other testing methods, they provide definitive and credible results.
Our testing services in Alvord, IA, are easily accessible due to our extensive network of nationwide testing centers. This ensures that your test is quick, convenient, and hassle-free. With local locations available, accessing testing services is straightforward, saving time and providing flexibility for businesses and individuals alike.
In Alvord, IA, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the procedure safeguards privacy while being user-friendly. This customer-centric approach addresses any concerns regarding confidentiality, ensuring a seamless experience.
In Alvord, IA, our hair follicle testing services are renowned for their affordable pricing and quick turnaround times. These factors deliver exceptional value to companies irrespective of size, offering both peace of mind and financial efficiency, without compromising on the speed of obtaining results.
In Alvord, IA, hair follicle drug tests offer swift and reliable outcomes, making them the go-to choice for employers seeking precision. Due to their inherent accuracy, these tests effectively uncover any instances of drug use, surpassing other methods. The efficiency and trustworthiness of hair tests ensure they provide accurate detection that businesses can rely on.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Alvord, IA, can offer employers peace of mind by ensuring their drug-free workplace policies are met. These tests enhance safety, lower legal risks, and promote a compliant work environment, making them essential for modern businesses concentrated on maintaining policy adherence.