Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Elgin, Iowa. Specializing in this type of testing, our Nationwide centers, including those in every city, can facilitate such assessments. A minimum of 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is generally required. Hair samples can be checked for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specific testing needs.
Over recent years, hair follicle drug tests have become more prevalent. Many employers, courts, and substance abuse specialists now prefer hair tests over the standard urine method. This test is favored by employers with strict anti-drug policies, by the judicial system, and for those on probation. Its main advantage is a detection period that extends up to 90 days, collected in a manner that is highly difficult to tamper with. However, for the most precise results when assessing recent drug use within the last 5 days, urine tests remain the best option.
* 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 recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair gives a lasting account of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the evolving hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection range for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, quite challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is perfect for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those above 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, equivalent body hair may be gathered. Head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four stages in laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing in a lab’s system. This step is about ensuring the sample was sealed and sent properly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a quick initial assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical means to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal proceedings. Samples with presumed positive results in Screening do need further confirmation.
For samples presumed positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a notably lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.
Confirming any positive screen result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation of ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Often labeled "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Hair follicle tests in Elgin, IA, excel over urine tests by offering a superior detection window and accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which cover only recent usage, hair tests provide a glimpse into a longer history of substance use. The precision of hair analysis means less room for error compared to traditional methods, making it the preferred choice for many professionals.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing provides Elgin, IA, employers a detailed substance use history of applicants or employees. Hair tests can trace drug use for up to 90 days, allowing for a comprehensive analysis that standard tests fail to offer. This method ensures that employers can make informed hiring decisions based on a thorough understanding of potential hires.
In Elgin, IA, hair follicle testing is notably tamper-resistant, making it a highly dependable drug testing method. The risk of sample adulteration present in other testing types is significantly reduced, providing reliable and unquestionable results. This ensures the integrity of the testing process and enhances trust in the results.
With nationwide and local testing centers, including in Elgin, IA, convenience is a top feature of our hair follicle testing services. Our extensive network ensures that accessing these services is quick, easy, and hassle-free. We are committed to providing accessible and efficient testing options to meet diverse needs across the country.
In Elgin, IA, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering and taking the test to receiving results, the process is designed to protect privacy while ensuring ease of use. By addressing privacy concerns, we offer a testing experience that is both respectful and straightforward.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Elgin, IA, provide excellent value for companies of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structures are paired with efficiency, ensuring that businesses receive the benefits of cost-effective and rapid testing solutions without sacrificing quality.
In Elgin, IA, hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and accuracy. The ability of these tests to rapidly detect substance use ensures reliable results. The quick turnaround time of hair tests makes them particularly useful for employers and individuals seeking efficient drug testing solutions.
For employers in Elgin, IA, hair follicle testing facilitates compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing option ensures adherence to legal and safety guidelines, reducing the potential for legal issues and creating a safer work environment. By implementing hair tests, employers can maintain peace of mind regarding their workforce's compliance.
