--- title: "12-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn the 12-panel hair follicle drug test collection process step-by-step. Understand donor requirements and next steps. Call (877) 731-6362 to start." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["12-panel hair follicle drug test collection process"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/12-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-collection-process/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 12-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn the 12-panel hair follicle drug test collection process step-by-step. Understand donor requirements and next steps. Call (877) 731-6362 to start. --- The 12-panel hair follicle drug test collection process involves verifying ID, collecting a hair sample under strict chain of custody, and securely sending it to one of five national labs. Donors experience a non-invasive collection with privacy. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your collection appointment. OVERVIEW ## What is the 12-panel hair follicle drug test collection process? The 12-panel hair follicle drug test collection process is a step-by-step procedure to collect a hair sample that will be analyzed for 12 different drugs. This process ensures the sample is collected under strict chain of custody protocols to maintain integrity and accuracy. The sample 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. IDENTIFICATION ## What identification is required for the collection appointment? At the start of the 12-panel hair follicle drug test collection process, the donor must present a valid photo ID. This confirms the donor’s identity and prevents any misidentification. Acceptable IDs typically include a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. The collection site staff verifies the ID and documents it as part of the chain of custody. Valid photo ID required Common IDs: driver’s license, state ID, passport ID verification logged in chain of custody form SAMPLE COLLECTION ## How is the hair sample collected during the 12-panel hair follicle drug test? The hair sample collection is a quick and non-invasive step where approximately 100-120 strands of hair are cut close to the scalp, usually from the crown or back of the head. The collector uses scissors to cut the hair, ensuring the root end is preserved to detect drug metabolites deposited in the hair follicle. The sample is placed in a tamper-evident container and labeled with donor information. Sample size: about 100-120 strands Cut close to scalp to retain root Usually collected from crown or back of head Hair placed in sealed, labeled container CHAIN OF CUSTODY ## What does chain of custody mean in this collection process? Chain of custody refers to the documented and unbroken transfer of the hair sample from the donor to the laboratory. During the 12-panel hair follicle drug test collection process, every step is recorded including donor ID verification, sample collection, packaging, and shipment. This prevents tampering and ensures the sample’s integrity for accurate test results. Documentation of every transfer step Secure packaging and labeling Strict protocols to prevent tampering Maintains sample integrity ## Ready to Schedule Your 12-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test Collection? Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your collection appointment with AMH. Our team will guide you through the process and direct you to a convenient collection site. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) WHAT THE DONOR EXPERIENCES ## What should the donor expect during the collection appointment? Donors can expect a professional, quick, and private collection appointment. After presenting ID, the collector explains the procedure. The hair is cut painlessly with scissors, usually taking only a few minutes. The donor remains comfortable throughout. The collector completes chain of custody forms and seals the sample before shipment. NEXT STEPS ## What happens after the hair sample collection? Once collected, the sample is sent to one of five national labs for analysis. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer according to standard processing. The lab reports are sent to the requester. Pricing varies by panel and [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/); contact AMH to obtain a quote. There is no online ordering; all collections require contacting AMH to schedule. 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 collection appointment typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, including ID verification, sample collection, and paperwork. Hair treatments like dyeing or bleaching may affect test results, but the lab accounts for this. Inform the collector about any recent hair treatments. No, the collection involves cutting hair strands and is painless. It is a non-invasive procedure. The test screens for 12 common drug classes, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, and others. Contact AMH for a specific panel list. Employers, legal entities, and individuals may order this test for non-DOT regulated roles requiring long detection windows. AMH routes samples to one of five national labs based on location and availability. The labs are Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. 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-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-collection-process/