Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Houghton, Iowa. Our specialty lies in conducting hair tests, and we have numerous testing centers across the nation, including in Houghton. Typically, a length of 1.5 to 2 inches of hair is needed, sourced from the head or body, for proper analysis. We are equipped to test for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other bespoke testing options as per requirement.
The past few years have seen a rise in the use of hair follicle drug tests for drug screenings. More employers, legal authorities, and substance abuse experts are opting for hair tests over traditional urine tests. This method is favored by organizations with zero-tolerance drug policies and is used for probation checks. The key advantage is the extended detection period of up to 90 days, and it's nearly impossible to tamper with. However, for recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests are still the most 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 assessments are recognized as an effective methodology for discerning drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains enduring evidence of alcohol and drug use by containing biomarkers within the evolving hair strands. When gathered proximal to the scalp, hair is capable of revealing up to a roughly three-month period of alcohol and drug detection. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advocated. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In instances where scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test outcome encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the beginning processing of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This comprises ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data input not supplied via an electronic chain of custody arrangement.
Screening entails an initial brief assessment for substances of abuse. This approach is an economical means to dismiss drug utilization in the majority of samples, though any positive screen necessitates confirmation to be permissible in legal contexts. Any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening demand further confirmation.
In instances where a sample is considered presumptively positive during Screening, more hair gets extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed adhering to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Houghton, IA, offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. First, hair tests provide a much broader detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. Additionally, the process involves collecting hair samples, which are hard to adulterate compared to urine. This gives employers and court systems in Houghton an edge in identifying consistent substance use, enhancing their drug testing strategies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Houghton, IA, is a remarkable feature. It allows employers to gain insights into an individual's drug use over a long period—up to 90 days. This extended timeframe provides a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's substance history, aiding in making well-informed hiring or employment decisions and enhancing workplace safety protocols.
One of the most compelling aspects of hair follicle drug tests in Houghton, IA, is their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are much harder to alter or adulterate, ensuring more reliable results. This feature significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, providing organizations and individuals with trustworthy and unquestionable data, thereby strengthening the integrity of drug testing practices.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including in Houghton, IA, accessing hair follicle testing services is simple and straightforward. Our robust network ensures quick and hassle-free testing, making it easier for individuals and organizations to maintain drug-free policies. Whether in Houghton or elsewhere, our facilities provide a seamless experience for all testing needs.
The process of hair follicle testing in Houghton, IA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step ensures privacy and ease. This straightforward approach addresses privacy concerns while ensuring a smooth experience for individuals, making the testing process as convenient and stress-free as possible in today's fast-paced environment.
In Houghton, IA, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced to suit businesses of all sizes. Coupled with quick turnaround times, our services offer excellent value, allowing companies to obtain accurate results without stretching their budgets. This affordability and efficiency ensure that businesses can confidently maintain their drug-free workplace policies without financial strain.
Hair follicle drug tests in Houghton, IA, deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. With high precision, they efficiently detect substance use, making them the preferred choice among employers seeking trustworthy data. This testing method ensures timely results, allowing organizations to make informed decisions quickly. Overall, the speed and reliability of hair testing significantly boost Houghton's drug testing capabilities.
Employers in Houghton, IA, looking to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies will find peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method reinforces legal and safety standards by offering precise and consistent results. By minimizing legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace, businesses can maintain a safe and efficient working environment, promoting overall organizational well-being.
