17-Panel Hair Drug Test: How It Works | AMH Nationwide
Understanding 17-Panel Hair Drug Test How It Works for Reliable Results
A 17-panel hair drug test how it works involves collecting a small hair sample analyzed in certified labs to detect drug use over months. The process includes screening, confirmation, and Medical Review Officer (MRO) evaluation. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your test or get more details.
How is the hair sample collected for a 17-panel hair drug test?
The 17-panel hair drug test how it works begins with sample collection by trained personnel at authorized collection sites. A small hair sample, typically about 1.5 inches long and 100 strands, is cut close to the scalp to represent approximately 90 days of drug use history.
The sample is collected from the crown of the head or an alternative body site if head hair is unavailable. The collector places the sample in a sealed envelope with chain-of-custody documentation to ensure integrity.
Which labs analyze the 17-panel hair drug test samples?
Samples from the 17-panel hair drug test how it works are routed to one of five national lab networks for analysis: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox.
Each lab follows strict protocols for hair drug testing and uses advanced instrumentation to detect multiple substances within the hair matrix.
What happens during the screening phase of the 17-panel hair drug test?
The screening phase uses immunoassay techniques to detect the presence of drugs or metabolites in the hair sample. This initial test identifies samples that are negative or potentially positive for any of the 17 drug classes.
If the screening result is negative, the test process ends there with a certified report issued.
How does the confirmation process work for positive 17-panel hair drug test results?
Any non-negative screening result from the 17-panel hair drug test how it works proceeds to confirmation testing using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
This step verifies the presence and concentration of specific drugs with high accuracy, eliminating false positives.
Ready to Understand How a 17-Panel Hair Drug Test Works?
Contact AMH Nationwide to arrange sample collection and get expert guidance on the 17-panel hair drug test how it works. Call (877) 731-6362 today.
What role does the Medical Review Officer play in the 17-panel hair drug test?
Every non-negative 17-panel hair drug test result undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO evaluates the laboratory findings alongside any medical explanations or prescriptions provided by the test subject.
The MRO’s role ensures that the final report reflects an accurate and medically sound conclusion.
How are the results of the 17-panel hair drug test reported?
Once the MRO completes the review, a comprehensive test report is generated. This report details the test findings, including which substances were detected and their concentrations if confirmed positive.
Results are confidential and sent to the authorized requester. AMH facilitates this process by managing sample collection and directing samples to the appropriate lab network.
Common Questions
The 17-panel hair drug test detects drug use up to approximately 90 days prior to sample collection, as hair grows about half an inch per month and the test analyzes roughly 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp.
Certain hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing may reduce drug concentrations but do not eliminate drugs from the hair. Labs have methods to detect altered samples and maintain test accuracy.
No, DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair testing is used for non-DOT roles and provides a longer detection window.
The 17-panel hair drug test screens for 17 drug classes including cannabinoids, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and others as specified by the requesting party.
Chain-of-custody is maintained by documenting sample collection, handling, and transport procedures, with secure packaging and tracking to ensure sample integrity from collection to lab analysis.
Since AMH does not offer online ordering, you must call (877) 731-6362 to arrange sample collection at an authorized site and receive detailed instructions for the 17-panel hair drug test.
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.