Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug screenings in Ledyard, Iowa. If you require a hair-based drug or alcohol test, Accredited Drug Testing is an expert in hair testing with centers nationwide, ready to conduct your test. Typically needing 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp or body, these tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for specific substances.
Recently, drug testing has increasingly adopted the hair follicle method. Employers, the judicial system, and substance abuse experts now often opt for hair over traditional urine tests. This method is favored by employers enforcing strict no-drug policies and individuals under court orders. A key advantage is its extended detection period, reaching up to 90 days, and it is collected under supervision, minimizing chances of tampering. However, for detecting recent use within 5 days, urine tests remain the superior choice.
* 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 examination is widely acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is recommended. It's advised to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In case scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. In this context, head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is concerned with the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step involves verifying the integrity and proper shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry tasks not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid examination for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If the Screening phase yields a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
The Confirmation phase for positive screening results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the assay actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Ledyard, IA, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests. The capability of hair testing to detect drug use over months versus days signifies superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which may fail to capture sporadic use, hair tests offer a more complete picture. This reliability in results is valuable for employers and legal bodies, reducing the likelihood of false negatives and reinforcing confidence in testing outcomes.
Hair follicle drug tests in Ledyard, IA offer a notable advantage with their extended detection window. This approach allows for the identification of drug use for up to 90 days, compared to the shorter detection period of urine tests. Employers benefit from this comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history, ensuring informed employment decisions and supporting long-term workplace safety and compliance.
In Ledyard, IA, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces sample adulteration risk. This testing is notable for its reliability, as it's nearly impossible to manipulate hair samples. The secure collection process ensures that results are trustworthy, reducing the potential for false readings and providing credible evidence of substance use.
Convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Ledyard, IA, simplify the process. Our extensive network ensures that clients have easy access to our testing services regardless of location. This expansive availability ensures that your testing needs are met promptly and without unnecessary hassle, making the testing process as smooth as possible.
In Ledyard, IA, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are all streamlined for user ease, prioritizing your privacy at every step. This approach addresses confidentiality concerns while providing straightforward access to your testing results, aiding both employees and employers with a stress-free experience.
Ledyard, IA businesses can benefit from our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our services are designed to offer value with quick, reliable results without compromising your budget. This advantage supports companies of all sizes in maintaining cost-effective, efficient operations while ensuring thorough employee screening.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Ledyard, IA make them stand out. With unmatched accuracy, these tests quickly identify substance use, providing reliable results that employers can trust. The efficiency of the testing process ensures that results are delivered swiftly, aiding timely decision-making. This rapid turnaround is crucial for maintaining an effective employment vetting process.
For Ledyard, IA employers, hair follicle testing offers assurance of compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only strengthens policy enforcement but also minimizes potential legal exposure. The peace of mind that comes from using a tamper-resistant testing approach enhances an organization’s safety culture and confirms commitment to a healthy, diligent workforce.
