--- title: "17-Panel Hair Drug Test: How It Works | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn how a 17-panel hair drug test works with detailed sample collection and lab analysis. Call (877) 731-6362 for information and scheduling." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["17-panel hair drug test how it works"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/17-panel-hair-drug-test-how-it-works/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 17-Panel Hair Drug Test: How It Works | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn how a 17-panel hair drug test works with detailed sample collection and lab analysis. Call (877) 731-6362 for information and scheduling. --- 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. COLLECTION ## 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. LAB NETWORKS ## 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](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), 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. SCREENING ## 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. CONFIRMATION ## 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. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) MRO REVIEW ## 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. REPORTING ## 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. 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 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](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair testing is used for non-DOT roles and provides a longer [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-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. 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-how-it-works/