17-Panel Hair Drug Test: Detection Window | AMH Nationwide
Understanding the 17-Panel Hair Drug Test Detection Window Benefits
The 17-panel hair drug test detection window typically covers up to 90 days of drug use by analyzing hair growth for drug metabolites. This test detects a broad range of substances with a long detection period, making it ideal for retrospective drug use review. Call (877) 731-6362 for collection scheduling and details.
What is the 17-panel hair drug test detection window?
The 17-panel hair drug test detection window generally extends up to 90 days from the time of drug use. This test analyzes a small sample of hair, typically 1.5 inches in length, which corresponds to approximately three months of hair growth. Drugs and their metabolites are deposited in the hair follicle from the bloodstream and remain trapped as the hair grows, allowing for long-term detection.
How does the 17-panel hair drug test detect drug use over time?
The 17-panel hair drug test detects drug use by identifying drug metabolites incorporated into the hair shaft. After drug consumption, metabolites enter the bloodstream and are deposited into the hair follicle. As hair grows roughly 0.5 inches per month, a 1.5-inch hair sample reflects drug intake over three months. This makes the test effective at detecting historical drug use rather than recent consumption.
What factors can shorten or lengthen the 17-panel hair drug test detection window?
Several factors influence the detection window of the 17-panel hair drug test. Hair length is the primary factor; shorter hair samples reduce the retrospective period. Hair growth rate varies slightly among individuals, affecting the exact detection timeframe. Hair treatments such as bleaching or dyeing can degrade drug metabolites, potentially shortening the effective detection window. Additionally, the type of drug and frequency of use impact metabolite concentration in hair.
Which drugs are included in the 17-panel hair drug test?
The 17-panel hair drug test screens for a wide range of substances, covering common illicit and prescription drugs. This broad panel includes cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and additional substances. This extensive coverage supports comprehensive drug use evaluation over the detection window.
Schedule Your 17-Panel Hair Drug Test Collection
To arrange collection at a certified national lab site and learn more about the 17-panel hair drug test detection window, call (877) 731-6362 today.
How is the 17-panel hair drug test collected and processed?
The 17-panel hair drug test collection involves obtaining a small hair sample, usually from the crown of the head, about 1.5 inches in length. AMH Nationwide directs the requester to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox for collection. There is no online ordering; to schedule, call (877) 731-6362. After collection, every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer.
What are the limitations of the 17-panel hair drug test detection window?
While the 17-panel hair drug test detection window is extensive, it does not detect very recent drug use within the past 7 days due to the time needed for hair growth to carry metabolites above the scalp. Hair treatments may reduce detection sensitivity. Additionally, the test does not detect drug use outside the hair growth period sampled, and external contamination may sometimes affect results but is controlled by laboratory protocols.
Common Questions
The test detects drug use up to approximately 90 days by analyzing hair growth and drug metabolites embedded within the hair shaft.
Yes, bleaching, dyeing, or chemical treatments can degrade drug metabolites in hair and may shorten the detection window or reduce test sensitivity.
Because hair grows at about half an inch per month, drugs consumed within the past 7 days have not yet reached the hair length sampled for testing.
AMH Nationwide routes testing through five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox.
No, AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. To schedule a test or collection, call (877) 731-6362.
Yes, every non-negative screen undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing.
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.