--- title: "12-Month Hair Drug Test: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn how the 12-month hair drug test detects drug use over a year. This 12-month hair drug test guide explains ordering and collection. Call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["12-month hair drug test guide"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/12-month-hair-drug-test-guide/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 12-Month Hair Drug Test: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn how the 12-month hair drug test detects drug use over a year. This 12-month hair drug test guide explains ordering and collection. Call (877) 731-6362. --- The 12-month hair drug test guide explains how this test detects drug use over the past year by analyzing a 12-inch hair sample. Employers, legal entities, and individuals often order it for long-term drug monitoring. AMH Nationwide manages lab orders and collection appointments through five national lab networks. Call (877) 731-6362 for details. OVERVIEW ## What is a 12-month hair drug test? A 12-month hair drug test detects drug metabolites embedded in hair strands over the previous year. It requires a 12-inch hair sample, as hair grows approximately one inch per month. This test identifies drug use patterns over an extended period, unlike [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or saliva tests, which detect recent use. The test analyzes substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). Because hair retains drug metabolites longer than other biological samples, it is effective for long-term drug monitoring. INTENDED USERS ## Who typically orders a 12-month hair drug test? Employers, legal agencies, [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) officers, and individuals use the 12-month hair drug test for comprehensive drug use history. It is common in workplace drug screening when extended detection is necessary. The test is often ordered to verify abstinence or past drug use over a year, in [child custody](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-child-custody/) cases, or to comply with legal requirements. It is also used when urine or saliva tests are insufficient due to their short detection windows. Employers: long-term employee drug screening Legal professionals: court-ordered testing Probation and parole: monitoring compliance Individuals: personal drug use verification [DETECTION WINDOW](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) ## What is the detection window for the 12-month hair drug test? The detection window for this test spans approximately 12 months, based on the length of hair analyzed. Hair grows about one inch per month, so a 12-inch sample reflects drug use over a full year. This extended window allows detection of drug metabolites long after they would clear from urine or blood. It provides a detailed timeline of drug exposure but does not indicate exact usage dates within the year. | Test Type | Typical Detection Window | | --- | --- | | Urine Drug Test | 1-7 days | | Saliva Drug Test | 1-3 days | | Blood Drug Test | 1-2 days | | Hair Drug Test (12-month) | Up to 12 months | COLLECTION PROCESS ## How is a 12-month hair drug test collected? Collection involves cutting a 12-inch hair sample close to the scalp, usually from the crown or back of the head. If head hair is unavailable, body hair may be used, although it may affect detection accuracy. AMH Nationwide directs the requester to a nearby collection site within its five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. The collection process is non-invasive and requires no special preparation. Hair sample length: 12 inches Collection location: scalp hair preferred No fasting or fluid restrictions required Sample sealed and sent to lab for analysis ## Ready to Schedule Your 12-Month Hair Drug Test? Call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative who will assist with the lab order and collection site appointment. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) LAB ANALYSIS ## What happens after the hair sample is collected? After collection, the hair sample is sent to one of AMH Nationwide’s five national laboratory partners for testing. The labs use validated methods to detect drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft. Any non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) as part of standard processing. The MRO evaluates the findings and may contact the tested individual for additional information before releasing results. GETTING STARTED ## How do I get started with a 12-month hair drug test? To begin, contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to request lab order assistance. AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs you to a convenient collection site within the authorized national lab networks. AMH does not offer online ordering. Pricing varies based on the testing panel and detection window. Call for a personalized quote and scheduling information. 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 The test detects common illicit substances, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Detection depends on the testing panel selected and the drug’s incorporation into hair. Results typically take 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives the sample. The MRO review process may add additional time if further evaluation is needed. No, collection is painless. A small hair sample is cut close to the scalp without discomfort or invasive procedures. Hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing may reduce drug metabolite concentrations but generally do not prevent detection. Labs account for such factors during analysis. The 12-month hair drug test is not approved for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions, which require federally certified urine testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair testing is used for non-DOT roles. Call (877) 731-6362 to request a lab order and be directed to a collection site within AMH’s five national lab networks. AMH does not offer online ordering. 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-guide/