Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services to Eldon, Iowa. For those in need of a hair-based drug or alcohol screening, our expertise lies in hair testing, and our testing centers are spread across all major cities nationwide, including those that conduct hair tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body may be sufficient. These tests can be programmed to detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored options.
In recent times, the prevalence of hair follicle drug testing over urine testing has surged. An increasing number of employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse professionals are opting for hair tests over traditional urine methods. These tests are favored by employers with strict no-drug use policies, courts, and those on probation. The key advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a longer period—up to 90 days—under a supervised collection process, making it almost impossible to deceive. Yet, for recent drug use within five days, urine tests remain the preferred choice for accuracy.
* 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.
Seen as a robust method, hair testing proves effective in detecting substance use. By embedding biomarkers within its fibers, hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug usage. When samples are taken close to the scalp, they offer an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for these substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section, consisting of around 200 hair strands (resembling the girth of a #2 pencil), provides 100mg, which is the preferred sample weight for analysis and confirmation. For tests like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not attainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" pertains to all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The lab processing for a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample within the laboratory's database. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any additional data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during screening require a secondary verification.
Should a sample show presumptive positives at the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the main specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug screening the most complex method to conduct.
Confirmation for any presumptive positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. If necessary, all samples testing positive presumptively are washed prior to confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Eldon, IA
Hair follicle tests significantly outpace traditional urine tests in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a much broader timeframe for detecting substance use—up to 90 days—making it the preferred choice for those seeking detailed insight into a subject's drug history. This level of accuracy delivers peace of mind to employers.
Extended Detection Window in Eldon, IA
The appeal of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection window. It's capable of identifying drug use over an extensive period—up to 90 days—providing employers with a thorough look at an employee or job applicant's drug use history. This comprehensive insight is crucial for making informed hiring and retention decisions, fostering a safer work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Eldon, IA
Hair follicle tests are designed to drastically minimize the risk of sample adulteration. Because they require direct sample collection under observation, it's nearly impossible to tamper with the results. This ensures the integrity of the test, delivering results that can be trusted without question in any professional or legal setting.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Eldon, IA
Our testing centers are conveniently located nationwide, ensuring that access to necessary testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. This ease of access extends to local facilities in Eldon, IA, where clients can expect quick and responsive service, underscoring the commitment to customer satisfaction and reliability.
Simple, Confidential Process in Eldon, IA
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize client privacy, ensuring that the procedure is not only easy to navigate but also secure. Our commitment to confidentiality addresses any concerns individuals or companies may have about privacy, ensuring a seamless experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Eldon, IA
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services are designed to provide both value and peace of mind. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from cost-effective options that do not compromise on quality or speed, ensuring they receive the results needed to make informed decisions swiftly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Eldon, IA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and swiftness in detecting substance use. These tests offer high accuracy rates, which make them invaluable in providing dependable results. The method ensures that results are not only rapidly delivered but are also consistent and reliable, supporting the needs of employers and other decision-makers in various settings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Eldon, IA
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. These tests provide precise records of drug use, supporting a zero-tolerance approach that ultimately brings peace of mind to employers committed to maintaining a secure workplace.