Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug screening services in Dows, Iowa. Whether you require a hair drug or alcohol test, we have a national network of testing centers that can conduct hair tests. Typically, at least 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your head or body is necessary. These tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other tailored testing options.
Recently, the preference for hair follicle drug testing has increased. This method is often requested by employers, legal systems, and Substance Abuse professionals instead of the common urine test. Hair drug tests are favored by organizations with zero-tolerance drug policies, courts, and for probation cases. Its key advantage is the extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days, obtained through closely monitored procedures, minimizing the chance of manipulation. However, for detecting drug use within the past few days, urine tests remain most effective.
* 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 perceived as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands store a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of approximately 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp can yield 100mg, the optimal sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and evaluations exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. Note that when addressing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is first processed into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective method for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive screen needs confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations than in other testing methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a more complex process.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dows, IA
In comparing hair testing to the more traditional urine tests, the former stands out due to its superior forensic capability and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a wider detection window and is far less susceptible to sample tampering. This makes hair testing an invaluable tool for employer confidence and policy compliance in Dows, IA.
Extended Detection Window in Dows, IA
Hair follicle drug testing offers an extensive detection period that can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior. This capability empowers employers in Dows, IA, to acquire an insightful and comprehensive assessment of an individual’s substance use history, making it a critical component in hiring and monitoring processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dows, IA
Employing a hair follicle test significantly decreases the likelihood of sample adulteration, presenting results that are both credible and tamper-proof. This enhancement in testing reliability aids in delivering unquestionable outcomes, further establishing trust in the process employed across Dows, IA.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dows, IA
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that individuals in Dows, IA have easy and rapid access to drug testing services. This widespread availability simplifies the testing process, making it convenient and hassle-free for everyone who relies on these essential services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dows, IA
The ordering, conducting, and receiving phases of hair follicle testing are designed to be straightforward and private. Ensuring confidentiality and simplicity addresses privacy concerns and promotes ease of use, which is vital for all processing and handling in Dows, IA.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dows, IA
We offer competitive pricing structures complemented by rapid turnaround times, guaranteeing excellent value for companies of every size in Dows, IA. This affordability, coupled with swift results, provides significant benefits and assurance to businesses seeking efficient screening processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dows, IA
Hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled in their ability to rapidly and precisely detect substance use. These tests offer a high degree of accuracy, making them a trusted resource in Dows, IA, for anyone requiring quick, dependable outcomes. The comprehensive nature of these tests ensures that recent and past substance use is consistently and reliably identified.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dows, IA
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal challenges, and fostering a culture of safety. This method not only ensures regulatory compliance but also provides peace of mind for employers in Dows, IA, given its ability to maintain an ethical working environment.
