Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Lakota, Iowa. If you require a hair drug or alcohol test, our expertise in hair testing ensures you get the best service, with centers all across the nation available to conduct the test. Generally, at least 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on the head or body is needed. Hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for other substances.
In the past few years, hair follicle drug testing has become a preferred choice in drug detection. Employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse professionals now often opt for this test over the traditional urine test. This method is favored by employers with zero-tolerance drug policies, courts, and probation officers due to its longer detection window of up to 90 days, and the difficulty of manipulating the sample. For recent drug use, within five days, urine tests are still 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 analysis has evolved into a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow, it offers an extended record of substance use. When hair is taken from areas near the scalp, it can reveal substance intake over a span of roughly up to three months. Collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, considered an ideal amount for initial testing and verification. For evaluating EtG, additional tests, or assessments beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale for precise measurement is recommended. In situations where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Summary
The procedure for laboratory analysis of drug test samples includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary integration of a sample within a lab's system. This step verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entries not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial, quick assessment for drug abuse. Though it is a cost-effective measure to rule out drug consumption for most samples, any samples testing positive at this stage must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples suspected to yield positive results in Screening require additional confirmation.
In instances where a sample shows potential positive results during the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is utilized for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening poses a greater challenge.
Verification of any positive outcomes from Screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample with presumptive positive results undergoes a washing process pre-confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Merits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the actual examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair Follicle Testing vs. Urine Testing in Lakota, IA
Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests. It delivers reliable results due to the extended timeframe of drug detection, up to 90 days. This extended window significantly surpasses the capabilities of urine tests, ensuring a more thorough overview of an individual’s substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Lakota, IA
Hair follicle tests offer an advantage with their ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period—up to 90 days. This extensive detection window allows employers to understand a more comprehensive picture of a candidate or employee's drug use history, aiding in informed employment decisions that benefit the workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lakota, IA
One of the strongest benefits of hair follicle testing is its resilience against tampering. Unlike urine samples, which can be easily adulterated, hair samples provide a tamper-proof mechanism for obtaining reliable results, ensuring the integrity of testing and safeguarding against deception efforts.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Lakota, IA
With our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, scheduling a hair follicle drug test is both quick and hassle-free. In Lakota, testing is readily accessible, making the process simple and efficient for all involved, ensuring minimal disruption to daily activities.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lakota, IA
Our process for ordering and receiving hair follicle test results is streamlined and private, ensuring confidentiality is maintained. This makes the testing procedure not only straightforward but also protects personal privacy, addressing any concerns individuals may have regarding privacy and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lakota, IA
We pride ourselves on offering competitive prices and quick results turnaround. This assurance provides companies of any size with excellent value for money along with the peace of mind that comes from swift and accurate test results, enhancing their ability to maintain a safe working environment.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lakota, IA
When it comes to identifying drug use, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and precision. The testing process is both swift and capable of detecting a wide range of substances with high accuracy. Individuals and employers in Lakota can be assured of receiving trustworthy results promptly, allowing for informed decision-making regarding substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lakota, IA
The adoption of hair follicle testing as part of workplace policies helps ensure compliance, reducing legal risks. Employers enhance workplace safety and maintain a drug-free environment. This thorough testing method alleviates the worry of drug use slipping through screening processes, providing peace of mind.
