Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Guthrie Center, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair tests have become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drugs due to the entrapment of biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When extracted near the scalp, hair can allow for a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transportation.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is considered the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The processing of a drug test result in a laboratory consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's database. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and delivered, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a precursor assessment for drug misuse. While Screening serves as an economical means to exclude drug utilization for most samples, a confirmed positive screen is essential for legal recognition. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening need additional confirmation.

Upon a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, further hair is taken from the existing sample to be prepared for Extraction. During this step, drug compounds are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to perform.

Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed following the regulations of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Unlike urine tests, hair drug analyses can register drug usage for up to 90 days.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insight: It provides a timeline of drug intake across a span of time, beyond just immediate use.

Drawbacks:

• Not suitable for recent intake: Drugs become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs than alternate testing methods.
• Result inconsistencies: Variables like hair color and individual hair growth can influence the drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often cited as "hair follicle tests," these tests evaluate the hair strand itself and not the follicle situated under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing is increasingly chosen over urine testing in Guthrie Center, IA, due to its superior detection accuracy. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests can trace substances used over a longer timeframe.

Employers and professionals preferring the comprehensive results of hair tests benefit from longer drug detection periods, thus gaining a clearer understanding of an individual's substance history than urine tests provide.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle drug testing offers an extended detection window, often covering up to 90 days, a significant advantage for employers and authorities in Guthrie Center, IA. This allows a detailed view of an individual's drug use history.

Unlike other testing methods, hair testing captures a broader spectrum of substance use, equipping employers with extensive insight into potential hires or current employees, contributing significantly to a safer workplace.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the significant advantages of hair follicle tests in Guthrie Center, IA, is their resistance to tampering. These tests minimize the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring legitimate and dependable outcomes.

The design and procedure of hair testing make altering results very difficult, providing a robust method that organizations and individuals can trust for drug testing needs, ensuring authenticity in findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides convenience with a network of testing centers nationwide, including local options in Guthrie Center, IA. These centers ensure rapid and straightforward access to necessary testing services.

Our nationwide reach simplifies the process for individuals and companies, offering the flexibility to obtain reliable testing services without unnecessary hassles, facilitating swift and accessible drug testing solutions for all.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our hair follicle testing process in Guthrie Center, IA, is straightforward and respects confidentiality. It is easy to order, conduct, and obtain results, prioritizing user privacy and comfort.

We recognize the importance of discretion, ensuring all testing steps are simple and private, providing reassurance and ease for those requiring reliable hair follicle drug testing services without compromising personal privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

For businesses in Guthrie Center, IA, our hair follicle drug testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, ensuring excellent value. Our competitive pricing aligns with the needs of companies of all sizes.

Whether it’s for small businesses or large corporations, the cost-effectiveness and quick result delivery of our hair tests support prudent budget management while upholding quality and reliability in drug testing results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests make them a reliable choice in Guthrie Center, IA. These tests provide significant accuracy when detecting substance use, excelling in speed and reliability.

Compared to traditional drug tests, hair follicle testing delivers fast results while maintaining high levels of accuracy, making it an essential tool for employers and other organizations seeking trustworthy drug screening solutions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Guthrie Center, IA, hair follicle drug testing offers peace of mind for employers by assuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method helps mitigate legal risks and fosters a safer work environment.

Employers can confidently maintain compliance with safety regulations and workplace standards, benefitting from the peace of mind that comes with using an effective drug testing method that supports a healthy, productive workforce.

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