Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Ochoa, TX

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Personal

Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

2 Hair Drug Testing Centers in Ochoa

1501 N Erma Ave15.30 miles

1501 N Erma Ave
Presidio, TX 79845

101 N. Erma15.30 miles

101 N. Erma
Presidio, TX 79845

What it is, How it works

Over time, hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives the presence of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the progressively growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage within a nearly 3-month timeframe. Hair is straightforward to obtain, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch section, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and examinations exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. It is recommended to measure the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is absent, a corresponding amount of body hair might be used. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial handling within a lab's framework. This consists of ensuring the sample is properly sealed and transported, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody setup.

Screening involves an introductory swift analysis for substance abuse. Screening is an economical approach to exclude substance consumption for most specimens; however, a positive screen must be verified to be legally permissible. Any specimens showing tentative positivity in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.

If a specimen is tentatively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other techniques (for instance, urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to conduct.

Verification of any positive screening outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Verification is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

  • Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify substance use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a limited detection span.
  • Resistance to tampering: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely challenging, thus enhancing result accuracy.
  • Provides chronological insight: It illustrates a pattern of drug use over time rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

  • Inability to detect immediate use: A 5-7 day period is necessary for drugs to be visible in hair.
  • Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs compared to other drug testing methods.
  • Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual variations in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Ochoa, TX, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests due to its improved detection capacity. Hair testing boasts a longer detection window and reduced chances of manipulation, proving itself more reliable for businesses and other entities.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Ochoa, TX appreciate the extended detection window of hair follicle testing. Able to identify drug use over a 90-day period, it offers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, aiding informed hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Thanks to its inherent design, hair follicle testing in Ochoa, TX is a tamper-resistant method. By minimizing the chance of sample adulteration, it provides trustworthy and conclusive results, essential for compliance and safety assurance.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient locations nationwide, including Ochoa, TX, accessing hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. Our centers offer straightforward, swift, and efficient testing experiences to suit your needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Ochoa, TX, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. Easy ordering, straightforward testing procedures, and discreet result handling address privacy concerns and ensure user ease.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and a quick turnaround, hair follicle testing in Ochoa, TX delivers exceptional value. Businesses benefit from cost-effective solutions and rapid results, accommodating companies of all sizes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug testing in Ochoa, TX offers fast, precise, and dependable outcomes. With unparalleled accuracy, these tests detect various substances, ensuring prompt and trustworthy results, aiding employers in making informed decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Ochoa, TX, implementing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing option mitigates legal risks, bolsters safety, and fosters a secure work environment.

(800) 221-4291