Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive hair follicle testing services in Saint Paul, Iowa. Specializing in hair analysis, we provide drug or alcohol testing at centers nationwide, including in every city. Typically, a hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches is needed from the crown or body. Tests can check for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized to other specifications.
The preference for hair follicle testing has increased among employers, courts, and Substance Abuse specialists over recent years. This method is chosen over typical urine testing for reasons such as its use by zero-tolerance policy employers, courts, and probationary individuals. The key advantage of a hair test is its extended detection window of up to 90 days, with observed collection making it nearly tamper-proof. For recent drug use, within 5 days, urine testing remains 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 is recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records long-term substance use by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, it offers roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to alter, and convenient for shipping.
To obtain an effective sample for analysis, a 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp is ideal, providing 100mg of hair. For EtG add-ons or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a similar amount of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary, quick evaluation for drugs of abuse. It’s a cost-effective method to identify negative samples, but any positive screen requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples testing positive in Screening need further confirmation.
For those testing positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted and prepared for Extraction. This process extracts drugs from hair in much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as particularly complex.
Confirmation involves using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS for any samples flagged as positive. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: This test, often misnamed as "hair follicle tests", actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection capabilities in Saint Paul, IA.
The accuracy and reliability of hair tests are unmatched, making them a preferred choice over urine tests for identifying drug use. Employers benefit from the detailed and dependable results that hair tests provide.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its long detection window, extending up to 90 days.
For employers in Saint Paul, IA, this ensures a thorough evaluation of an individual's substance history, offering a more comprehensive overview than traditional testing methods.
Saint Paul, IA, benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing.
This method significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy results. The robust reliability of hair tests makes them essential for maintaining integrity in drug testing processes.
With the convenience of testing centers located nationwide, including in Saint Paul, IA, accessing drug testing services is hassle-free.
This easy availability supports individuals and employers alike, offering quick and straightforward access to essential testing.
The hair follicle testing process in Saint Paul, IA, is designed to be simple and confidential.
Individuals can order tests, provide samples, and receive their results with ease, addressing any concerns about privacy and making the process stress-free for all involved.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing a valuable option in Saint Paul, IA.
Businesses of all sizes can benefit from these cost-effective solutions, ensuring reliable results without financial strain, offering remarkable value and reassurance.
When it comes to drug testing, hair follicle tests provide a precise and quick method for determining substance use. In Saint Paul, IA, these tests are known for their high accuracy, ensuring reliable results.
Applauded for their effectiveness, they offer fast insights into an individual's history of substance use, making them an excellent choice for employers seeking efficiency.
Using hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies in Saint Paul, IA, boosting compliance and reducing legal risks.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that this method not only enhances safety but also provides reliable and defendable results.