Located in Boone, Iowa, Accredited Drug Testing specializes in comprehensive hair follicle drug testing. If you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol test, we are experts in this type of testing, with locations across all U.S. cities. Typically requiring 1.5 to 2 inches of hair, either from the head or body, these tests can check for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for specific needs.
Recently, drug testing more frequently includes hair follicle tests. Many employers, legal entities, and Substance Abuse experts now prefer them to standard urine tests. These tests are favored by zero-tolerance policy employers, courts, and probation services. Their main advantage is an extended detection window for drug use, often up to 90 days, with a supervised collection process, making cheating almost impossible. However, for drug use within the last 5 days, urine tests remain the gold standard.
* 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 increasingly acknowledged as an effective means for the identification of substance use. By encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers, hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug consumption. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers a detection range of up to 90 days for substances. It is easy to collect, not readily adulterated, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) from the scalp area, provides 100mg—the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG evaluations, enhancements, or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advocated. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for precision. If scalp hair is missing, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. The term "head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory evaluation of drug tests consists of four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s framework. This step includes confirming the secure sealing and shipment of the sample, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplemental data input absent from an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drug presence. Although Screening is an economical method to preclude drug consumption in the bulk of samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thereby making hair drug screening the most complex method to administer.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result are cleaned as needed before confirmation. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these assessments focus on the hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Boone, IA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy and reliability. It detects a wider range of substances over a longer period, making it ideal for employers who need a deeper insight into an individual's drug use. The process is more difficult to circumvent, ensuring results that reflect true substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Boone, IA
Hair follicle testing offers a window of detection that can extend up to 90 days. This long-term view is valuable for employers who want a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's past substance use. Unlike other methods, this test provides insight into patterns of behavior over an extended timeline.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Boone, IA
One of the key strengths of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. By collecting samples directly from the hair, the risk of adulteration is minimized, thus providing results that are both reliable and trustworthy. This ensures confidence in the testing process and the outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Boone, IA
With testing centers dispersed nationwide, including locations in Boone, IA, access to hair follicle testing is both convenient and hassle-free. This expansive network supports quick and easy scheduling, ensuring that testing services are readily available wherever needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Boone, IA
The process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects privacy. From ordering the test to sample collection and receiving results, every step is designed to be clear and confidential. This approach mitigates concerns, ensuring clients feel secure in their testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Boone, IA
We offer competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing, which provides outstanding value for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with fast turnaround times, this approach ensures companies receive timely insights without straining their budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Boone, IA
When it comes to drug testing, speed and precision are paramount. Hair follicle testing stands out because it offers rapid, reliable results, making it ideal for organizations that need quick clarity on substance use. The testing is highly accurate, ensuring positive identifications that can be trusted for critical decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Boone, IA
Employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method aids in reducing legal risks while enhancing the safety of work environments. By relying on this robust testing, employers gain peace of mind about maintaining compliance standards.
