Accredited Drug Testing provides extensive hair follicle drug screenings in Norwalk, Iowa. If you require hair drug or alcohol testing, our expertise in hair testing spans across our numerous nationwide centers ready to conduct the tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is necessary. Hair tests can be customized to detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, among other options.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become more prevalent in drug testing procedures. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse professionals are opting for hair tests over standard urine tests. These tests are favored by employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies, court systems, and probation scenarios. Its main advantage is an extended 90-day detection period, using an observed collection method that’s challenging to manipulate. However, for detecting drug use within the last five days, urine tests remain more accurate.
* 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 testing is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the hair's fibers during its growth. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair exclusively pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample within the laboratory system. This step involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for negating drug use in most samples, positive results require verification for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For presumptive positive results in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of all presumptive positive samples occurs prior to confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why does hair follicle testing present a superior alternative to urine testing in Norwalk, IA? The key is in its enhanced detection accuracy and comprehensive reliability. Hair testing captures a broader drug use history, offering insights urine tests cannot.
Hair follicle testing's precision in identifying a wide range of substances with greater reliability makes it a preferred choice. Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair analyses provide a more thorough history of substance use.
Hair follicle drug testing in Norwalk, IA stands out for its extended detection window. It can track drug usage up to 90 days prior, offering a prolonged view of a person's substance history. This feature provides employers with a detailed report on an individual's past activities.
The ability to keep track of drug use over such an extended period is invaluable for ensuring workplace safety. It enables employers to monitor a pattern of behavior rather than a singular instance of usage, making informed personnel decisions.
One notable advantage of hair follicle testing in Norwalk, IA is its tamper-resistant nature. The process significantly diminishes the risks associated with sample adulteration, ensuring the results remain both reliable and indisputable.
This method's inherent security comes from the difficulty of altering or falsifying hair samples. Unlike urine samples, which can be subject to manipulation, hair tests maintain their integrity from collection through to analysis.
Our nationwide testing centers offer unparalleled convenience, especially for those located in Norwalk, IA. The ease of access ensures a simple, stress-free testing experience, thanks to an extensive network of local centers.
With numerous testing locations, getting tested is a hassle-free process. Whether you're local or from a neighboring city, quick and efficient access to testing is always within reach, making scheduling convenient for all.
The hair follicle testing process in Norwalk, IA is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness, easing any worries regarding security or hassle.
A straightforward approach ensures test-takers can focus on the results rather than the process itself. Confidential handling of information and efficient service means peace of mind is maintained throughout the testing journey.
In Norwalk, IA, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, ensuring value and efficiency regardless of company size. Our competitive rates make top-notch drug testing services accessible and economically feasible.
Fast results coupled with budget-friendly prices ensure peace of mind for businesses. Companies can be confident they're receiving excellent service without financial strain, balancing cost with swift, dependable outcomes.
In Norwalk, IA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their accuracy and speed in detecting substance use. The precision with which these tests identify drug use surpasses that of traditional testing methods. The reliability of results from hair tests offers significant advantages for those who require rapid and dependable drug screenings.
With the capability to provide fast and accurate results, hair follicle tests are invaluable for timely assessments. This swift detection method allows organizations to make informed decisions while maintaining confidence in the screening process.
Employers in Norwalk, IA achieve peace of mind with hair follicle tests, as these ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks, companies not only enhance safety but also protect themselves from potential liabilities.
The adoption of hair testing promotes a culture of trust and responsibility. It underscores a commitment to maintaining a secure and productive work environment by adhering to stringent testing protocols.
