Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Keokuk, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows, reflecting a long-term history of substance use. When cut close to the head, hair can offer a detection period for alcohol and other drugs lasting up to around three months. This method is easy to administer, tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) when taken close to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s balance. If hair from the scalp is not accessible, equivalent body hair may be collected. References to head hair imply specifically scalp hair. Body hair denotes other types such as facial or axillary hair, among others.

Process Overview

The process of laboratory analysis for a drug testing result consists of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning incorporates the initial introduction of a sample into a lab's workflow. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and transport, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by a digital chain of custody protocol.

Screening provides a quick preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for negating drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be corroborated to be court-admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require confirmation through an additional method.

Should a sample be marked presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further testing. During this extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair in significantly finer concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation for any positive results from the screen is done utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples flagged as presumptively positive must be cleaned. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 certification benchmarks.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that cover a shorter timeframe.
• High resistance to falsification: Due to the complexity of cheating, hair drug test results are highly reliable.
• Historical usage patterns: This method reveals a timeline of drug use rather than just indicating recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapability to identify recent use: Detection of drugs in hair requires about 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: In general, hair drug tests tend to incur higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as the natural color of hair and individual differences in hair growth can influence the level of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: While termed as "hair follicle tests", the focus is on the analysis of hair strands instead of examining the root underneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Keokuk, IA

• In Keokuk, many are turning to hair testing over traditional methods due to its extended detection period and superior accuracy.
• The reliability of hair tests ensures that employers and legal entities get an accurate reflection of drug use history, making them a dependable choice compared to urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Keokuk, IA

• Hair follicle testing offers an impressive detection window of up to 90 days, unlike other testing methods. This extended period allows employers in Keokuk to gain thorough insights into an individual’s substance use past.
• This extended window provides assurance for employers concerned about longer-term substance abuse patterns among employees or potential hires.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Keokuk, IA

• Hair follicle drug tests are inherently resistant to tampering, reducing risks of sample adulteration.
• Employers and organizations in Keokuk benefit from the reliability and integrity of hair tests, ensuring results are credible and trustworthy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Keokuk, IA

• Accredited Drug Testing offers numerous convenient centers across the nation and locally in Keokuk, IA, ensuring swift and easy access to testing protocols.
• Our broad network reduces waiting times, allowing individuals and employers to seamlessly fulfill their testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Keokuk, IA

• Our testing process is straightforward and ensures confidentiality, providing ease and privacy for those undergoing a test in Keokuk.
• From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize user experience, delineating a smooth path from start to finish to alleviate any privacy concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Keokuk, IA

• Competitive pricing alongside swift turnaround times defines our service in Keokuk, delivering excellent value to companies of varying sizes.
• Our rapid and affordable service ensures that businesses, big and small, can maintain efficient and cost-effective drug testing programs with ease.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Keokuk, IA

• The precision and rapid results of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice in Keokuk. Known for their high accuracy, they adeptly detect even minimal traces of substance use.
• Unlike other testing methods, the speed at which hair follicle tests deliver results allows for swift decision-making for employers and organizations concerned with workplace safety.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Keokuk, IA

• Employers in Keokuk achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing, minimizing legal liabilities.
• This method enhances workplace safety, fostering peace of mind for employers by reducing the risk of drug-laden incidents.

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