12-Month Hair Test vs Standard 90-Day Hair Test
12-Month Hair Test vs Standard 90-Day Hair Test for Longer Detection Benefits
The 12-month hair test vs standard 90-day hair test differs mainly in the detection window, with the 12-month test providing extended drug use history up to a year. Both tests use hair samples processed by national labs including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Call (877) 731-6362 to discuss which test fits your needs.
What is the difference between the 12-month hair test and the standard 90-day hair test?
The 12-month hair test vs 90-day hair test differs primarily in the length of the drug detection window. The standard 90-day hair test analyzes approximately 1.5 inches of hair to detect drug use over the past three months. In contrast, the 12-month hair test examines up to 6 inches of hair, allowing detection of drug use up to one year prior to collection.
Both tests require collection at a national lab network such as Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. AMH Nationwide manages the lab order and directs you to a collection site. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule.
How do the detection windows compare between the extended and standard hair tests?
The standard 90-day hair test detects drug metabolites incorporated into hair strands grown over approximately 90 days. The 12-month hair test extends this window by analyzing a longer hair segment, up to 6 inches, representing about one year of growth.
This extended detection window allows employers or legal entities to review a longer history of drug use, which is useful for certain compliance or monitoring needs.
Who typically orders the 12-month hair test versus the standard 90-day hair test?
The standard 90-day hair test is commonly ordered for pre-employment screening, routine employee drug testing, or legal cases requiring recent drug use history.
The 12-month hair test is usually requested when a longer drug use history is necessary, such as in forensic investigations, parole or probation monitoring, or extended compliance programs.
How is sample collection and processing handled for these hair tests?
AMH Nationwide routes all hair test collections through five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Collection sites are directed by AMH after lab order placement. There is no online ordering available.
All non-negative hair test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm accuracy and address any legitimate medical explanations.
Deciding Between 12-Month and 90-Day Hair Testing
Choosing the right hair test depends on the required detection window and regulatory considerations. Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to discuss your specific testing requirements and receive guidance on the appropriate test.
Are these hair tests compliant with DOT regulations?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires federally certified urine testing protocols under 49 CFR Part 40 for safety-sensitive roles. Hair testing is not DOT-approved for these positions.
However, hair testing including both the 12-month and 90-day tests is accepted for non-DOT regulated drug screening programs.
How do pricing and ordering differ between the 12-month and 90-day hair tests?
Pricing for both the 12-month hair test and the standard 90-day hair test varies depending on the drug panel selected and the detection window required. Contact AMH Nationwide directly to receive a quote tailored to your testing needs.
Note that AMH provides the lab order and directs you to a collection site. There is no option to order these tests online. Call (877) 731-6362 to start the process.
Common Questions
No. The 12-month hair test analyzes up to 6 inches of hair, which corresponds to approximately one year of drug use history. Hair beyond this length is not tested.
Hair testing provides a longer detection window than urine testing but is not suitable for DOT safety-sensitive roles. Urine testing detects recent drug use, typically within days.
A small sample of hair is cut close to the scalp, typically from the crown area. The length collected depends on the test type: about 1.5 inches for 90-day and up to 6 inches for 12-month testing.
Hair tests detect a wide range of drugs but may not detect very recent drug use within the past week due to hair growth time needed to incorporate metabolites.
If the hair sample is too short, the lab may only test for a shorter detection window like 90 days or request a new sample.
All non-negative hair test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing to ensure accuracy and address any medical explanations.
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.