Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Tama, Iowa. Specializing in hair testing for drugs or alcohol, we feature testing facilities in every city throughout the U.S., including hair test capabilities. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of crown or body hair are required. Our hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other personalized testing options.
Hair follicle drug testing has become increasingly common in recent years. Employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse professionals prefer hair testing over the more traditional urine analysis. Employers who prohibit drug use, courts, and probation programs use hair tests. The test's primary advantage is an extended detection window, usually up to 90 days, conducted under direct observation, making it nearly foolproof. Nevertheless, for substance use detection within 5 days, urine tests remain the gold standard.
* 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.
The utilization of hair analysis is increasingly acknowledged as a strong method for detecting the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within its growing strands. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can indicate substance presence for up to a three-month period concerning alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and easy to mail.
Gathering a 1.5-inch length of about 200 hair strands (roughly comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and confirming. For EtG, extra tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advisable. It’s best to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair cannot be taken, an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible. The term ‘head hair’ is limited to scalp hair, whereas ‘body hair’ includes other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four essential stages in the lab analysis of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins with integrating a sample into a lab's workflow. This phase ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial swift assessment for drug abuse indicators. This economical method effectively rules out drug presence in most samples, although a positive reading demands further verification to be legally valid. Samples showing potential positivity in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should Screening indicate potential positivity, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at concentrations lower than other techniques (e.g., urine or spit), making hair testing notably challenging.
Any positive outcomes from screening undergo Confirmation via techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo a washing process before confirmation, if necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests," these tests exclusively analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tama, IA
For accuracy and reliability, hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests. While urine tests can detect recent drug use effectively, they cannot match the long-term insights that hair testing provides. Tama's businesses and legal entities benefit significantly from the in-depth analysis offered by hair tests, offering a broader detection scope.
Extended Detection Window in Tama, IA
Hair follicle testing offers a significant edge by detecting drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This prolonged window allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history. In Tama, this broader spectrum is invaluable for assessing long-term substance use patterns and making informed decisions about employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tama, IA
Hair follicle tests exemplify a tamper-resistant methodology, significantly curtailing the risk of sample adulteration. This security ensures the integrity of the results, offering employers and law enforcement reliable and unassailable data. In Tama, the certainty provided by these tests is indispensable for organizations committed to truth and accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Tama, IA
Our expansive network of testing centers provides hassle-free access to services across the nation, including in Tama. This accessibility ensures individuals and companies can easily undertake essential drug testing without logistical hurdles, promoting swift and efficient service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Tama, IA
We prioritize simplicity and confidentiality in our drug testing process. From ordering to receiving results, the entire procedure is designed to be user-friendly and private. Addressing privacy concerns, our process ensures that personal data remains protected, making it optimal for both individuals and businesses in Tama.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tama, IA
Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery set us apart. Companies of all sizes in Tama benefit from our cost-effective options and the promptness of our services, ensuring excellent value for money and allowing timely decision-making without hefty expenses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tama, IA
Hair follicle drug tests deliver unparalleled accuracy and speed, crucial for timely decision-making. With meticulous testing methods, these tests provide high precision in identifying substance use, ensuring absolute reliability. In Tama, swift and exact analyses are vital for both individuals and companies looking for immediate, trustworthy data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tama, IA
Opting for hair follicle testing aids employers in ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, companies can foster a secure and compliant environment. In Tama, businesses gain peace of mind knowing they are aligned with legal and ethical standards while maintaining a safe work environment.