In Ringsted, Iowa, Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services. If you require a drug or alcohol hair test, our expertise lies in hair testing, with facilities spread across various cities nationwide capable of performing hair tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of head or body hair is needed. Hair tests can evaluate substances such as drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other customized options.
In recent times, hair follicle drug testing has become a more prevalent method for substance detection. Employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals frequently prefer hair drug tests over traditional urine tests. This testing method is favored by employers with strict no-drug policies, judicial systems, and probation officers due to its longer detection window of up to 90 days. However, urine tests remain the most accurate for identifying recent drug use within the last five days.
* 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 increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair tests can offer up to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample with roughly 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or for tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is recommended. We suggest weighing the sample on a precision scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step that processes a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to hold up in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs within hair are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening a challenging methodology to implement.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques are used to confirm any positive screening results. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Ringsted, IA, offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Its increased detection period, up to 90 days, surpasses the brief window urine tests provide, ensuring more accurate insights into drug use histories.
Ringsted, IA, benefits significantly from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. With the ability to identify drug use for up to 90 days, employers gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance usage patterns.
In Ringsted, IA, one of the primary benefits of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. Its stringent collection process ensures credible and irrefutable results, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration.
Convenient access to drug testing is available in Ringsted, IA, thanks to our nationwide testing centers. These locations offer straightforward and prompt testing services, enhancing the overall experience.
The process of conducting hair follicle drug tests in Ringsted, IA, is both simple and confidential. The ease of ordering tests, coupled with the discretion in reporting results, addresses privacy concerns effectively.
In Ringsted, IA, our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing with quick result turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value, supporting businesses of varying sizes in maintaining their drug-free policies.
In Ringsted, IA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its fast and highly accurate results. The precision of hair testing aids in effectively identifying substance use, providing reliable data for those who need it.
Hair follicle testing in Ringsted, IA, provides employers peace of mind by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance minimizes legal risks and contributes to a safer, more secure work environment.