Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Botna, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can provide an extensive timeline of drug and alcohol presence by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, hair samples offer approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional panels, or tests requiring above 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory testing stages for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into a lab's system. This process verifies that the sample remains sealed and is correctly sent, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening performs a preliminary rapid analysis to identify the presence of drugs of misuse. While Screening is an economical means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result from a screen must be authenticated to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any samples yielding a tentative positive result in Screening necessitate further verification.

Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to different methods (such as urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any preliminary positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, operates under the guidance of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocols and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests identify drug usage within a 90-day period, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is significantly challenging, leading to more reliable results.
• Offers past usage data: It can reveal a history of drug consumption over time, not only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs require 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", this test actually assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Botna, IA

The benefits of hair testing over traditional urine tests are striking, particularly in detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use history, often undetectable in urine tests that provide a shorter detection window. Employers seeking certainty should consider hair testing as a superior method.

• Longer detection window up to 90 days.
• Reduced risk of false negatives compared to urine tests.
• Provides a broad overview of substance use patterns.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Botna, IA

• Hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive overview of drug use history, detecting substances for up to 90 days.
• This extended window allows employers and authorities to gain insight into an individual's longer-term behavior, which urine tests cannot provide.

For employers in Botna, IA, hair follicle testing delivers unparalleled insights for informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Botna, IA

Hair follicle tests are significantly harder to manipulate, reducing the risk of sample adulteration that can occur with other testing methods. In Botna, IA, this unreliable result protection is crucial for accurate employee assessments.

• Sample integrity is preserved, ensuring reliable test outcomes.
• Observers can witness the collection, preventing tampering.
• Confidence in results helps enforce workplace policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Botna, IA

Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access to testing facilities nationwide, including Botna, IA. These convenient locations simplify the testing process, offering hassle-free services close to your business or home. Our network ensures you're never far from necessary testing services regardless of your location.

• Quick and convenient access to testing centers.
• Easy scheduling of appointments.
• Reliable services available nationwide.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Botna, IA

• Ordering and receiving results from hair follicle testing is straightforward and secure, ensuring privacy is maintained throughout the process.
• Participants can trust the confidentiality of their information, crucial for both employers and employees.
• The simple procedures are designed to minimize stress and maximize compliance, making it easier for everyone involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Botna, IA

Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive prices with rapid result processing times in Botna, IA. This provides excellent value and prompt service by ensuring businesses can make fast, informed decisions without breaking the bank.

• Competitive pricing ensures cost-effectiveness for businesses of any size.
• Fast processing times allow quicker results than many alternative methods.
• Optimal balance of affordability and accuracy.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Botna, IA

Hair follicle tests in Botna, IA, provide unprecedented precision and reliability, ensuring accurate detection of substance use. These tests quickly and effectively identify drug consumption patterns, delivering high confidence results for both individuals and organizations within tight deadlines.

• The accuracy of detecting drug use is unparalleled.
• Quick turnaround times ensure timely decisions for employers and legal entities.
• Effectiveness in spotting various substances is unmatched.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Botna, IA

Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, safeguarding against potential legal issues. Employers in Botna, IA, gain the advantage of clear, trustworthy results that reinforce safety and adherence to regulations.

• Ensures adherence to workplace policies.
• Reduces potential legal risk associated with drug usage.
• Creates a safer working environment for employees.

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