In Ottumwa, South Dakota, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle substance testing. For those needing a hair-based drug or alcohol screen, we excel in this method, with facilities available nationwide. Typically, a minimum of 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is required. These tests can be tailored to assess drug, alcohol/ETG, or other specific needs.
Hair follicle tests have gained traction in recent years for drug detection. This method is now favored by employers, legal systems, and Substance Abuse specialists over traditional urine tests. Organizations with strict drug-free mandates, judiciary bodies, and those monitoring probation often prefer this testing due to its extended detection period of up to 90 days, supervised collection, and robust resistance to tampering. Still, for detecting very recent drug use (within the last five days), urine tests remain unmatched.
* 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 has become recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug usage by trapping biomarkers within the strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the early handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This ensures the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening involves a preliminary quick assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Drugs in this phase are drawn from hair at lesser concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence why hair drug screening ranks as the most challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of positive screening results employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called “hair follicle tests”, the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Ottumwa, SD
Hair tests offer notable advantages over urine tests, mainly due to their extended detection capabilities. While urine tests only reveal recent drug use, hair tests capture substance use history over several months, granting employers deeper insights into an individual’s history.
Moreover, the accuracy and integrity of hair testing reinforce its position as a preferred method for organizations aiming for comprehensive substance monitoring. This, coupled with resistance to tampering, makes it ideal for maintaining strict compliance standards.
Extended Detection Window in Ottumwa, SD
One of the primary reasons for choosing hair follicle testing is its long detection period, capable of revealing drug use for up to 90 days. This extended window offers a broad perspective on a person’s substance intake history, crucial for employers in vetting processes.
By utilizing hair follicle tests, organizations tap into a more detailed chronological view of drug use, surpassing the limited scope of conventional screening methods that focus on immediate recent use alone.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ottumwa, SD
Hair follicle testing significantly decreases the chances of sample tampering, providing unassailable and trustworthy results. The nature of the testing process itself inherently protects against attempts to alter or substitute samples, unlike some traditional methods.
These measures ensure that the results obtained are both valid and reliable, crucial for employers and legal entities depending on those results to make informed decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ottumwa, SD
Our accessible network of testing centers across the nation, including Ottumwa, SD, guarantees ease of access and speed in meeting testing needs. This widespread availability means quick and efficient service delivery, facilitating a seamless and hassle-free experience for all clients.
Whether local or traveling, individuals and businesses can rely on a consistently high standard of testing and service, reflecting our commitment to convenience and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ottumwa, SD
The process of securing a hair follicle test is straightforward, prioritizing clients’ privacy and ease of use. From booking to obtaining results, each step is designed to maintain confidentiality and user-friendliness, addressing any concerns regarding discretion and simplicity.
This approach not only provides peace of mind regarding privacy but also ensures that the procedure is efficient and streamlined, minimizing any potential discomfort or inconvenience for the client.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ottumwa, SD
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround for hair follicle tests offer excellent value, providing businesses with cost-effective solutions that don't compromise on quality. Fast results paired with affordability make this an attractive option for companies seeking efficiency and reliability.
Balancing budget constraints with the need for comprehensive testing ensures all businesses, regardless of size, can access this superior testing method with confidence in both results and financial viability.
In Ottumwa, SD, hair follicle drug tests are lauded for their precision and swift results. Unlike some traditional methods, they excel in accurately identifying substance use over extensive durations. This high level of accuracy ensures reliability, providing peace of mind for decision-makers in various sectors.
The rapid delivery of results further enhances their appeal, particularly in time-sensitive situations. Stakeholders benefit from a blend of speed and accuracy, reinforcing confidence in the testing outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ottumwa, SD
Hair follicle testing aids businesses in upholding their drug-free work policies, crucially reducing potential legal challenges. By choosing this rigorous testing avenue, companies ensure adherence to both internal requirements and external regulatory standards.
Implementing this method strengthens workplace safety and reinforces organizational integrity, providing reassurance and peace of mind for employers who prioritize a healthy, compliant working environment.
