Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Council Bluffs, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has been recognized as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended retrospective history by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. If collected near the scalp, it can reflect drug or alcohol use over roughly a 90-day period. The collection process is straightforward, resists manipulation, and allows for easy transfer.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing about 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp typically yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation testing. For EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10 tests, a 150mg quantity is ideal. A jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair should be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab's system, checking that the sample remains intact and properly shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from a digital chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary check for controlled substances. Although a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive outcome from Screening must be verified for court validity. Any Screening-determined positive samples require further confirmation.

If a sample indicates a potential positive result in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at a reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair analysis the most complex methodology.

Confirmation of a positive screening result is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the complete lab process is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair tests reflect drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have shorter detection spans.
• Enhanced accuracy: Hair drug tests are notably tough to falsify, ensuring more reliable results.
• Historical insight: It can illustrate a trend of substance use over time, not just recent activities.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It takes about 5-7 days for substances to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair tests generally incur higher costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Differences such as hair color and personal growth rates can influence metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Often misnamed as "hair follicle tests," the procedures focus on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why does hair follicle testing outperform urine testing in Council Bluffs, IA? Simply put, its superior detection accuracy and reliability render hair tests a more effective method. Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers an extensive detection period, ensuring unmatched accuracy in identifying substance use history, which contributes to its growing preference.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days in Council Bluffs, IA. By utilizing this method, employers attain a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's drug history, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment. Such an extended window surpasses that of traditional drug testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Implementing hair follicle tests in Council Bluffs, IA, minimizes risks of tampering or sample adulteration. The robust nature of hair sampling provides authentic and indisputable results, entrusting stakeholders with the assurance of reliable detection devoid of any manipulation or inaccuracies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Navigating drug testing has never been easier with our convenient, nationwide testing locations including those in Council Bluffs, IA. Our widespread centers guarantee swift and hassle-free access to services, offering unrivaled ease and accessibility for individuals and businesses needing timely testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair follicle testing in Council Bluffs, IA, is simple and maintained with utmost confidentiality. From ordering to obtaining results, the procedure ensures privacy, addressing concerns about ease of use, and reinforcing the approach's integrity and discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Council Bluffs, IA, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times. These competitive rates, alongside efficient service delivery, present exceptional value for companies of all sizes, ensuring optimal decision-making and resource utilization.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Council Bluffs, IA, hair follicle drug testing ensures fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method excels in precision due to its meticulous sample analysis, yielding highly accurate outcomes in substance detection. Combining speed with accuracy, hair testing provides dependable results for both individuals and organizations.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Council Bluffs, IA, gain substantial peace of mind and compliance by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace policies advocating drug-free environments, effectively reducing legal risks while promoting enhanced safety within various workspaces, thus securing organizational integrity.

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