--- title: "12-Month Hair Drug Test: Which Test Do I Need | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn about the 12-month hair drug test which test is best for long-term substance detection. Understand when to choose it over other tests. Call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["12-month hair drug test which test"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/12-month-hair-drug-test-which-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 12-Month Hair Drug Test: Which Test Do I Need | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn about the 12-month hair drug test which test is best for long-term substance detection. Understand when to choose it over other tests. Call (877) 731-6362. --- The 12-month hair drug test which test identifies drug use over the past year by analyzing hair samples. It is ideal for employers, courts, probation, and personal use requiring long-term detection. Collection is routed through five national lab networks. Call (877) 731-6362 to discuss your testing needs. OVERVIEW ## What is a 12-month hair drug test which test and how does it work? A 12-month hair drug test which test detects drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft, providing a [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) of up to one year. Hair grows approximately half an inch per month, so a 6-inch hair sample can reveal drug use over the previous 12 months. This test is performed by collecting a small hair sample from the scalp, which is then sent to one of five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. The test is highly specific and can detect a range of substances including amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opioids, and PCP. Every non-negative result undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and proper interpretation. USE CASES ## When is a 12-month hair drug test which test the right choice? The 12-month hair drug test which test is best when long-term drug use history is required. It is frequently chosen by employers, courts, [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) officers, and individuals who need to verify drug abstinence or use over an extended period. This test is ideal when [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or saliva tests with shorter detection windows are insufficient. Employers: For [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/) or ongoing screening where long-term drug use history is relevant. Courts and Probation: To monitor compliance with drug-free mandates over several months. Personal Use: For individuals seeking comprehensive insight into their or a family member’s drug use history. Non-DOT Safety Sensitive Roles: Hair testing is accepted and preferred for its extended detection window. COMPARISON ## How does the 12-month hair drug test which test compare to other drug tests? Compared to urine, saliva, and blood tests, the 12-month hair drug test which test offers the longest detection window but does not detect very recent use within a few days. It is less invasive than blood testing and more resistant to adulteration than urine tests. | Test Type | Detection Window | | --- | --- | | Urine Test | 1-4 days to 1 week | | Saliva Test | 1-3 days | | Blood Test | Hours to 2 days | | 12-Month Hair Drug Test | Up to 12 months | Because hair testing reflects cumulative drug intake, it is not suitable if you need to detect very recent use or for federally regulated DOT safety-sensitive positions, which require urine testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) protocols. LAB NETWORKS ## Which labs conduct the 12-month hair drug test which test? AMH Nationwide routes all 12-month hair drug test which test collections through five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Each lab follows strict chain-of-custody procedures and uses certified methods. The requester receives the lab order and is directed to a nearby collection site for sample submission. ## Ready to Schedule a 12-Month Hair Drug Test? Call (877) 731-6362 to receive your lab order and be directed to a convenient collection site near you. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) PROCESS ## How is the 12-month hair drug test which test sample collected and processed? A trained collector cuts about 1.5 inches of hair close to the scalp, typically from the crown area. For a 12-month window, a longer hair length up to 6 inches may be requested. The sample is sealed and sent to the designated lab. Testing includes screening and confirmation steps. Any non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer before final reporting. COSTS ## What does the 12-month hair drug test which test cost and how to get a quote? Pricing varies based on the drug panel selected and the detection window requested. Because the 12-month hair drug test covers an extended period, costs may be higher than standard hair or urine tests. To receive an accurate quote and lab order, contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362. There is no online ordering available. 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 12-month hair drug test can detect many common drugs including amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opioids, and PCP. However, detection depends on the hair sample length and the specific testing panel selected. No. DOT safety-sensitive testing requires urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40 protocols. Hair testing is only accepted for non-DOT roles. Hair testing generally cannot detect drug use within the past 7 days as it takes time for drugs to incorporate into growing hair. If hair is too short, detection window may be shorter than 12 months. Alternative testing methods or shorter detection windows may be recommended. Yes. Every non-negative screen undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm results and ensure proper interpretation. Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to receive your lab order and be directed to a collection site. There is no 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-which-test/