--- title: "12-Month Hair Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide" description: "Understand the 12-month hair drug test collection process from ID check to sample handling. Learn the steps and what to expect. Call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["12-month hair drug test collection process"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/12-month-hair-drug-test-collection-process/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 12-Month Hair Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Understand the 12-month hair drug test collection process from ID check to sample handling. Learn the steps and what to expect. Call (877) 731-6362. --- The 12-month hair drug test collection process involves verifying the donor’s ID, collecting a hair sample under strict chain of custody, and securely sending it to one of five national labs. This ensures accurate long-term drug detection. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your collection appointment. INTRODUCTION ## What is the 12-month hair drug test collection process? The 12-month hair drug test collection process is a step-by-step procedure designed to collect a hair sample that can detect drug use over the past year. This process involves verifying the donor’s identity, collecting a sufficient hair sample under strict chain of custody protocols, and securely sending the sample to one of five national laboratories for analysis. It is used primarily for non-DOT roles where long detection windows are required. PREPARATION ## What does the donor need to bring to the collection appointment? Donors must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID to the collection appointment. This ID is required to verify the identity of the individual providing the hair sample. No other documents or online orders are accepted. The appointment is arranged through AMH Nationwide, which directs the donor to a collection site affiliated with one of the national lab networks. Acceptable IDs: Driver’s license, passport, state ID card No online ordering or self-collection is permitted Appointment confirmation details from AMH Nationwide COLLECTION STEPS ## How is the hair sample collected during the 12-month hair drug test? The hair collection technician first confirms the donor’s identity using the provided photo ID. The technician then selects a small sample of hair, usually about 1.5 inches long and sufficient to detect drug use up to 12 months prior. The hair is cut close to the scalp from an area typically at the crown of the head to ensure the sample reflects the correct [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/). Identity verified with government-issued photo ID Hair sample approximately 1.5 inches in length Sample taken from crown of the head for accuracy Sample size meets laboratory testing requirements The technician documents the collection details and ensures the hair sample is sealed in tamper-evident packaging to maintain chain of custody. CHAIN OF CUSTODY ## What is the chain of custody in the 12-month hair drug test collection process? Chain of custody is a documented process that tracks the hair sample from collection through laboratory analysis to ensure sample integrity and prevent tampering. During the 12-month hair drug test, the collector labels the sample with unique identifiers, seals it, and records all relevant information on the custody form. This form travels with the sample to the lab. Collector labels and seals the sample securely Custody form records date, time, and collector details Sample transported to one of five national labs: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox No unauthorized handling allowed after sealing Maintaining chain of custody is essential for the test results to be legally defensible and medically valid. ## Schedule Your 12-Month Hair Drug Test Collection Appointment To begin the 12-month hair drug test collection process, contact AMH Nationwide. We will direct you to an authorized collection site and guide you through the necessary steps. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your appointment. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) LABORATORY ANALYSIS ## What happens to the sample after collection in the 12-month hair drug test? After collection, the sealed hair sample is sent to one of the five national lab networks for analysis. The labs use specialized techniques to detect drug metabolites incorporated in the hair shaft over the previous 12 months. Any non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to verify findings and consider legitimate medical explanations. Sample tested for drug metabolites covering a 12-month window Analysis performed by Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox Certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative results Results reported back to the requester through AMH Nationwide RESULTS AND FOLLOW-UP ## What should donors expect after the 12-month hair drug test collection? Donors typically do not receive results directly. The test results are sent to the requesting party after laboratory analysis and MRO review. The overall process from collection to reporting varies depending on the specific panel and detection window. Pricing and timing vary, so callers should contact AMH Nationwide for details. Donor identity confirmed and sample collected under strict protocols Sample analyzed with a 12-month detection window Non-negative results reviewed by certified MRO Results sent to the requester, not the donor Call (877) 731-6362 for pricing and appointment scheduling AMH Reviewed & Maintained By AMH Nationwide Customer Service AMH Nationwide is BBB A+ accredited and routes every order through Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox, all of which use multiple lab certification agencies and standards such as [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing)-aligned laboratory protocols, the ANSI National Accreditation Board for forensic testing and calibration, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Every non-negative screen is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing before a result is released, and chain-of-custody documentation is maintained on every collection. This page does not constitute medical or legal advice. **Last updated:** July 2026 You May Also Need [Nail Drug TestingNo head or body hair available? A 5-panel fingernail test covers a similar look-back window.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-fingernail-drug-test/)[ChildGuard: Environmental ExposureConcerned about a child or loved one? ChildGuard screens for exposure to drugs in their environment.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-hair-drug-test-environmental-exposure-childguard/)[Shorten the Detection WindowShortened options like 30 and 60 day hair panels are also available, useful when a urine test’s 1-3 day window is too short.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/30-day-hair-drug-test/)[Hair ETG Alcohol TestAlso need alcohol testing? The hair ETG test screens for alcohol use, and can be added to the same collection.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/etg-and-peth/) Frequently Asked Questions ## Common Questions No. The 12-month hair drug test collection must be performed by a trained technician at an authorized site to ensure chain of custody and proper sample handling. The hair sample is usually about 1.5 inches long, reflecting approximately 12 months of hair growth, which allows detection of drug use over that period. A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card is required to verify the donor’s identity. Samples are sent to one of five national labs: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. No. Any non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm findings and consider legitimate medical reasons. You must contact AMH Nationwide by calling (877) 731-6362. They will provide directions to an authorized collection site; online ordering is not available. Sources • [SAMHSA – Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing) • [U.S. DOT – 49 CFR Part 40 – Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) • [CDC – National Center for Health Statistics – Drug Use FastStats](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/drug-use.htm) • [Quest Diagnostics – Employer Solutions, Hair Testing Methodology](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/) • [LabCorp – Occupational Testing Services](https://www.labcorp.com/) ## Ready to get started? AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and arranges collection nationwide. Every non-negative result reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362 or contact us. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) --- **Need a drug, alcohol, HIV or STD test?** AMH Nationwide is a national lab testing agency operating since 2004, with more than 20,000 collection sites across the United States. Hair, urine, fingernail and blood testing, panels from 5 through 19, for individuals and employers. - Call: (877) 731-6377 - Find a collection site: https://amhnationwide.com/locations/ - Full page: https://amhnationwide.com/12-month-hair-drug-test-collection-process/