Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug tests in George, Iowa. Serving your needs for hair drug or alcohol evaluations, we are experts in hair testing with centers across all U.S. cities to conduct these tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your head or body can be used. Hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored for other assessments.
Hair follicle drug testing has grown in prevalence over recent years as a drug testing method. Many employers, legal authorities, and substance abuse counselors now prefer hair tests over urine tests. Hair tests are favored by employers with strict drug policies, legal systems, and probation officers due to their longer detection capability, lasting up to 90 days, and are considered nearly impossible to manipulate. However, for drug use in the past 5 days, urine tests remain more precise.
* 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 recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive history of substance use by retaining biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hairs (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional requirements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a corresponding amount of body hair can be used instead. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within the lab's system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach for excluding drug use in the majority of samples, any positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with a preliminary positive result from Screening require secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned before confirmation, as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in George, IA, the advantages are clear. Hair testing offers enhanced detection and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair samples can detect drug use over an extended period, making them superior for chronic use assessment. The accuracy and consistency of hair tests far exceed traditional methods, providing a better overview of substance use.
Employers in George, IA, benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. This method can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, offering a historical perspective on an individual’s substance habits. This extended timeframe ensures employers are informed about longer-term behaviors rather than just recent activity.
Hair follicle tests in George, IA, are highly resistant to tampering. This testing method greatly minimizes the chance of adulteration, ensuring samples remain authentic and results unquestionable. Employers can trust the integrity of the test, which is crucial when making important decisions based on drug testing results.
George, IA, benefits from the convenience of nationwide testing centers, ensuring easy access to hair follicle tests. These locations make it simple to engage in testing with minimal disruption. Our centers are strategically placed to provide fast and hassle-free service, supporting individuals and businesses alike.
In George, IA, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering a test to collecting a sample and receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and simplicity. Concerns about confidentiality and ease of access are addressed, fostering trust and comfort in the testing procedure.
In George, IA, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing coupled with quick result turnaround. This service delivers excellent value for businesses of all sizes by ensuring affordability without compromising quality. Employers can experience the benefits of timely results and peace of mind at a cost-effective rate.
In George, IA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and precision. With the ability to provide accurate results quickly, these tests are a reliable choice for detecting substance use. The robust testing methods employed ensure that the findings are not only fast but also consistently reliable, giving stakeholders confidence in the results.
In George, IA, utilizing hair follicle testing can significantly enhance compliance with workplace drug policies. This testing method not only reduces potential legal risks but also contributes to a safer working environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are implementing a comprehensive and reliable solution for maintaining workplace standards.
