--- title: "17-Panel Hair Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn the 17-panel hair drug test collection process including ID, chain of custody, and next steps. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your collection." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["17-panel hair drug test collection process"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/17-panel-hair-drug-test-collection-process/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 17-Panel Hair Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn the 17-panel hair drug test collection process including ID, chain of custody, and next steps. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your collection. --- The 17-panel hair drug test collection process involves verifying donor ID, collecting a hair sample under strict chain of custody, and secure shipment to one of five national labs. This ensures integrity and accuracy. After collection, a Medical Review Officer reviews non-negative results. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your collection appointment. IDENTIFICATION ## What identification is required for the 17-panel hair drug test collection process? The 17-panel hair drug test collection process requires the donor to present a valid, government-issued photo ID at the collection site. This step ensures the identity of the individual being tested matches the test request. Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. CHAIN OF CUSTODY ## How is chain of custody maintained during the 17-panel hair drug test collection process? Chain of custody is strictly maintained throughout the 17-panel hair drug test collection process to protect sample integrity. The collector documents each step, including donor ID verification, sample collection, labeling, and sealing of the sample container. The sealed sample is then securely transported to one of five national labs. Documentation of donor ID and collection details Use of tamper-evident seals on sample containers Secure packaging and shipment to labs Tracking of sample chain until lab receipt COLLECTION PROCEDURE ## What happens during the hair sample collection appointment? During the appointment, a trained collector measures and cuts a small lock of hair from the donor’s head, usually close to the scalp from the crown area. The hair sample must be at least 1.5 inches long to detect drug use over approximately 90 days. The donor is observed to prevent substitution or tampering. Donor presents valid photo ID Collector measures and cuts hair near scalp Sample length is at least 1.5 inches Donor observed during collection Sample placed in labeled, sealed container WHAT THE DONOR EXPERIENCES ## What does the donor experience during the 17-panel hair drug test collection process? The donor experiences a straightforward, brief appointment typically lasting 10 to 15 minutes. They must provide valid ID and remain still while the collector cuts hair. The process is non-invasive and painless. Donors are informed about the procedures and chain of custody measures to ensure transparency. ## Schedule Your 17-Panel Hair Drug Test Collection Appointment To begin the 17-panel hair drug test collection process, call (877) 731-6362 to locate a nearby collection site. A representative will guide you through the requirements and scheduling. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) LAB ROUTING ## Where is the hair sample sent after collection in the 17-panel hair drug test process? After collection, the hair sample is sent to one of five national lab networks for analysis: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. These labs specialize in hair drug testing and follow strict protocols for testing and reporting. RESULTS AND REVIEW ## What happens after the hair sample is tested in the 17-panel hair drug test collection process? Once the lab completes testing, any non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO evaluates the findings, considers any disclosed prescriptions or explanations, and finalizes the report. Negative results are reported directly without additional review. 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 17-panel hair drug test typically detects drug use over approximately 90 days, as the hair sample length collected is usually 1.5 inches, reflecting about three months of hair growth. The standard 17-panel hair drug test requires head hair for collection. If head hair is unavailable, some labs may accept body hair, but this must be arranged in advance as it affects detection windows. Without valid government-issued photo ID, the 17-panel hair drug test collection process cannot proceed, as verifying donor identity is critical for chain of custody and test validity. The donor is observed throughout the collection to prevent sample substitution. The hair is cut directly by the collector, placed in a labeled container, and sealed with tamper-evident tape before shipment. No. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires the federally certified [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) protocol under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair testing is not accepted for DOT roles but is used for non-DOT drug screening. Turnaround times vary by lab but typically range from 3 to 7 business days after the lab receives the hair sample. Non-negative results undergo additional Medical Review Officer evaluation, which may add time. 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/17-panel-hair-drug-test-collection-process/