Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle testing in Ankeny, Iowa. If you're in need of a drug or alcohol hair test, we specialize in hair analysis and have centers across the nation capable of conducting these tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is needed. Hair testing can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized to your testing needs.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become more common in drug testing methods. Employers, courts, and substance abuse specialists increasingly prefer hair tests over urine tests. These tests serve zero-tolerance employers, legal systems, and probationary individuals, boasting a detection period up to 90 days with an observed collection process, reducing cheating possibilities. However, urine tests remain more accurate for detecting very recent 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 testing is recognized as a formidable means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of drug and alcohol usage by capturing biomarkers within the hair’s growing strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use history for up to 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (akin to the girth of a #2 pencil) proximate to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For tests exceeding 10 panels, EtG, or add-ons, 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types like axillary, facial, etc.
Process Overview
The drug test result in a lab is processed through four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase involves the initial sample integration into the lab system. It includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any data entry not completed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drugs. Though Screening is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court admissible. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptively positive result at Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower levels than other techniques (e.g., oral fluid or urine), which makes hair drug analysis particularly challenging.
Final Confirmation of any positive screening is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples are thoroughly cleaned before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outranks Urine Testing in Ankeny, IA - Hair follicle testing offers several advantages over urine tests. It provides a longer detection window, capturing up to 90 days of substance history compared to the shorter urine test period. This offers a more thorough evaluation of an individual’s past substance use patterns, ensuring a comprehensive screening process.
Hair tests also minimize chances of tampering, as the observed collection process is straightforward compared to urine tests, which can be altered. Hair testing is less invasive and delivers more accurate, reliable results, reassuring employers.
Prolonged Detection Window in Ankeny, IA - One of the primary benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which spans up to 90 days. This surpasses traditional tests, giving employers an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance use history. Such an extensive period permits evaluation beyond recent consumption, offering clarity on long-term habits.
Employers gain a substantial advantage through hair testing, ensuring they have a complete view of potential hires or current employees’ behavioral history, ultimately facilitating informed decision-making processes.
Reliable and Tamper-Proof Testing Method in Ankeny, IA - Hair follicle tests provide a method that is significantly less prone to tampering, enhancing the integrity of the results. Unlike urine samples which can be altered or substituted, hair tests are observed and collected in a secure manner, minimizing the risk of manipulation.
By employing hair testing, stakeholders can trust the outcomes to be accurate and reliable, making it a preferred option for entities requiring unquestionable results in drug screening.
Accessible Testing Locations Nationwide and Locally in Ankeny, IA - The ease of accessing testing services is ensured through our widespread network of centers nationwide, including local branches in Ankeny. Employers and individuals find the process quick and efficient with minimal hassle.
This comprehensive network ensures that no matter where you are, quality testing services are available nearby, eliminating travel burdens and facilitating convenient testing processes for all involved.
Streamlined and Confidential Testing in Ankeny, IA - The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and meticulously designed to respect confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, each step safeguards privacy, ensuring a smooth experience for individuals and employers alike.
By maintaining strict protocols, the process assures all users of discretion and ease of access, making hair follicle tests an appealing choice for secure drug screening.
Competitive Pricing with Swift Results in Ankeny, IA - Hair follicle tests offer affordability matched with rapid result turnaround, providing value for businesses of all sizes. These economically priced services grant peace of mind through accurate, timely outcomes.
Companies benefit from pricing models designed to accommodate various budgets without sacrificing the quality of results, ensuring cost-effective solutions for comprehensive employee screening.
Fast and Precise Outcomes in Ankeny, IA - Hair follicle testing provides rapid and dependable drug-screening results. These tests are lauded for their high levels of accuracy in identifying substance use, delivering reliable outcomes. Conducted with precision, they ensure that employers and legal entities receive results they can trust.
Due to advanced technology and established protocols, hair tests in Ankeny are not only fast but also ensure digital access to results for convenience. This process minimizes errors and speeds up the decision-making process for stakeholders.
Assured Compliance and Employer Confidence in Ankeny, IA - Implementing hair follicle testing empowers employers to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method substantiates adherence to safety regulations, mitigating legal risks while ensuring operational safety and efficiency.
The use of hair testing assures employers that their workforce meets required safety standards, fostering peace of mind and contributing to a healthier, more productive work environment.
