Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Andover, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations have grown in acceptance as an effective method for identifying the consumption of narcotics and alcohol. Hair captures a lengthy timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When clipped near the scalp, it can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and substance use. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp produces 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both preliminary checks and verification. For EtG, supplementations, and/or assessments beyond a 10-panel level, it is advised to have 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s balance to weigh the specimen is encouraged. Should scalp hair not be accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory assessment of a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory's database. This procedure ensures that the sample was sealed and delivered accurately, provides a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any further data input not available through an electronic chain of custody mechanism.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid analysis for substances of abuse. While it is financially efficient to eliminate drug use in most samples through Screening, a positive result necessitates verification for acceptance in legal proceedings. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening mandate additional confirmation.

Should a sample test positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluids), explaining why hair drug analysis is the most complex to execute.

Verification of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Every presumptive positive specimen undergoes washing as required prior to confirmation. The full laboratory operation from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair drug evaluations can uncover drug consumption for up to 3 months, unlike urine examinations which have a briefer detection span.
• Challenging to falsify: It is notably challenging to deceive a hair drug assessment, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insights: It can deliver a timeline of drug consumption over an interval, not solely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent consumption: It generally takes 5-7 days for substances to be detectable within hair.
• Expenses: Hair drug evaluations tend to be pricier compared to other drug test methodologies.
• Result variation: Elements like hair pigmentation and personal variations in hair development can impact drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the assessment evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Andover, IA eclipses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability.

While urine tests are limited by a narrow detection window, hair tests provide a broader view, identifying drug use more effectively across time.

Extended Detection Window

Offering an extended detection window of up to 90 days in Andover, IA, hair follicle testing allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history.

Compared to short-term detection with urine tests, this approach gives a more robust picture of drug use behavior over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The method of hair follicle testing in Andover, IA significantly mitigates the potential for sample tampering.

Unlike urine tests, hair samples are collected under observation, ensuring the integrity and reliability of results, making it nearly impossible to alter.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With a widespread network of testing facilities, Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient access in Andover, IA and nationwide.

The accessible locations ensure a hassle-free process for screening, offering services that are quick, efficient, and user-friendly.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Andover, IA is both simple and confidential.

Ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results are structured to prioritize privacy, allowing individuals and organizations to focus on clarity and convenience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our services in Andover, IA are not only fast but also come with affordable pricing.

The competitive rates and expedited turnaround times provide superior value for companies, ensuring quality results without straining budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Andover, IA, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method offers high precision in detecting substance use over others.

The quick turnaround and precise detection make hair follicle tests a favored choice for organizations prioritizing swift and dependable drug screening solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Andover, IA can find peace of mind with hair follicle testing as it aligns with workplace drug-free policies.

This method enhances safety, reduces legal risks, and enforces consistent policy compliance, ensuring a secure working environment.

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