Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Tipton, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft. When sourced near the scalp, hair provides up to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A segment of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) gathered near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the hair. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to determine the specimen's weight. If head hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair is an alternative. The term head hair exclusively refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in processing a laboratory drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial intake of a sample into a lab's system. This process confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entries missing from an electronic custody chain system.

Screening conducts a preliminary swift check for substances of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result needs confirmation for legal validity. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.

If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive Screening result is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which are limited to a shorter timeframe.
• Resistance to tampering: Hair drug tests are notably difficult to falsify, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Retrospective use data: They provide a timeline of drug use over extended periods, rather than recent consumption alone.

Limitations:

• Not effective for detecting recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days before drugs are traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence the concentration of drug derivatives in the hair.

Note: Although often named "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The benefits of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Tipton, IA, are substantial. Hair testing offers a longer detection window and greater accuracy, making it difficult to tamper with. While urine tests provide limited insight over a shorter period, hair tests reflect up to 90 days of substance use, giving employers a complete overview of potential misuse.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window is a key advantage of hair follicle testing in Tipton, IA. Unlike urine tests, hair tests reveal drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive view allows employers to assess an individual's substance history more thoroughly, ensuring a safer and more informed hiring process.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Tipton, IA, eliminates the risk of manipulation that some other tests face. Hair samples are harder to adulterate, providing results that employers can trust implicitly. This reliability ensures fair assessments, fostering a safer workplace environment.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide locations, including facilities in Tipton, IA. This extensive coverage ensures effortless access to testing services, allowing for quick and uncomplicated scheduling. Our local presence helps streamline the process, saving time and effort for participants.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our team in Tipton, IA, prioritizes a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing. Ordering tests, sample collection, and result retrieval are designed to be straightforward, respecting privacy at every step. Our approach eases any concerns, ensuring a stress-free experience for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, our services in Tipton, IA, cater to companies of various sizes. Competitive rates coupled with swift result processing deliver exceptional value, empowering employers to implement effective drug testing policies without straining their budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Tipton, IA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. The high precision in detecting substance use makes them a preferred choice for many employers seeking dependable screening methods. The quick processing time ensures that organizations obtain the information they need without delay, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their workforce.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Tipton, IA, hiring entities gain compliance and peace of mind by implementing hair follicle testing. This method aligns with strict drug-free policies, minimizing legal exposures and enhancing workplace safety. Employers can rest assured that standards are consistently met, protecting their business integrity.

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