What it is, How it works

The utilization of hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by holding biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair strand. When taken close to the scalp, this method can reveal drug and alcohol use history for a period extending up to around 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

Obtaining a 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and validation. For assessments involving EtG, additional components, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The quartet of essential steps in processing a drug test outcome in a lab involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning deals with the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s database. This process confirms that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and wraps up any extra data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody setup.

Screening entails a primary swift examination for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly way to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screening result must be verified for legal acceptance. Any samples inferred to be positive in Screening necessitate a secondary validation.

If a sample indicates positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the existing sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at markedly lower concentrations than in alternate procedures (such as urine or oral fluid), accounting for hair drug screening's complexity.

The Confirmation step for any positive results from screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples initially positive are subjected to washing prior to confirmation if needed. The whole lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated based on both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection duration: Hair drug tests can identify drug consumption over a span of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer shorter detection spans.
Challenging to falsify: It is exceedingly hard to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing result credibility.
Shows usage trends: It can reveal a timeline of drug use over an extended period, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

Incapable of determining recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days for drugs to be detectable in hair.
Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than alternative drug testing techniques.
Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Though commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination in fact evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing is Superior to Urine Tests in Ozona, TX

Hair tests provide a longer detection window, capturing drug use history over months.
With higher accuracy and fewer opportunities for tampering, they surpass traditional urine tests.
For thorough and reliable results, hair testing stands out as the better option.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Ozona, TX

Hair follicle testing advantageously reveals drug use over the past 90 days.
Companies gain an extensive insight into an employee's or applicant's substance history.

This broad detection scope supports informed and confident hiring or employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing in Ozona, TX

Hair follicle tests effectively reduce the likelihood of sample tampering.
This method ensures results remain reliable and unchallenged, offering peace of mind.

Employing robust techniques, hair tests provide indisputable evidence of drug use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Nationwide Convenience and Local Access in Ozona, TX

Conveniently located national centers simplify the testing process for all.
Accessing testing services is quick, easy, and stress-free, catering to various needs.

Our broad network ensures efficient service delivery, fostering accessibility.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple and Confidential Process in Ozona, TX

Streamlined steps to order, take, and receive results ensure ease of use.
Sensitive to privacy concerns, our process maintains confidentiality throughout.

This approach makes drug testing less daunting and more approachable for all involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-Effective Pricing in Ozona, TX

We offer competitive pricing structures without compromising on quality.
Fast turnaround times provide excellent value, aiding companies of all sizes.

Our services ensure peace of mind with budget-friendly options and reliable results.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Accurate Testing in Ozona, TX

Hair follicle drug tests offer speedy, accurate results, allowing for quick decision-making.
Highly precise, they effectively detect substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes.

This ensures individuals and organizations can trust the findings, making these tests a preferred choice over other methods.