--- title: "19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn the 19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process step-by-step. Understand ID, chain of custody, and next steps. Call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/19-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-collection-process/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn the 19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process step-by-step. Understand ID, chain of custody, and next steps. Call (877) 731-6362. --- The 19-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 in a controlled setting. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your collection appointment. OVERVIEW ## What is the 19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process? The 19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process is a precise procedure to collect a hair sample for drug screening across 19 substances. The process ensures sample integrity through chain of custody protocols and proper donor identification. IDENTIFICATION ## What identification is required for the 19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process? Donors must present valid government-issued photo identification at the collection site. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. Verification ensures the sample matches the donor and maintains chain of custody. COLLECTION ## How is the hair sample collected during the 19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process? A trained collector cuts approximately 1.5 inches of hair near the scalp, typically from the crown or side of the head. The sample size is about 100-120 strands, enough to test for 90 days of drug use. The collection is non-invasive and takes just a few minutes. Sample length: 1.5 inches to detect drug use over approximately 90 days Sample location: crown or side of the head Sample size: about 100-120 strands Collection method: clean scissors under chain of custody CHAIN OF CUSTODY ## What does the chain of custody mean in the 19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process? Chain of custody is a documented process that tracks the hair sample from collection through laboratory testing. It includes donor identification, collector signatures, secure packaging, and shipment to the lab. This ensures sample integrity and prevents tampering. ## Schedule Your 19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test Collection To begin the 19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process, contact us to locate a collection site near you. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your appointment. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) LABORATORY ## What happens to the hair sample after collection in the 19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process? After collection, the sample is sent to one of five national labs: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. These labs conduct the analysis using validated methods. Any non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. DONOR EXPERIENCE ## What should donors expect during the 19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process? Donors can expect a straightforward and quick appointment. The collector will verify ID, explain the procedure, and collect the hair sample in a private area. The process is painless and typically completed within 10 minutes. Donors should avoid contaminating the sample before collection. NEXT STEPS ## What happens after the 19-panel hair follicle drug test collection process is complete? Once the sample reaches the lab, testing begins. Results are usually available within a few days. The requester receives the report, and any positive or inconclusive results undergo Medical Review Officer evaluation. For pricing or scheduling, call (877) 731-6362. 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 preferred hair is scalp hair from the crown or side of the head. If scalp hair is unavailable, body hair may be collected but may affect detection windows. The collection appointment usually takes about 10 minutes, including ID verification and sample collection. No, the collection is non-invasive and painless as it involves cutting a small amount of hair close to the scalp. A certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative test results to confirm accuracy before reporting. AMH does not offer online ordering or scheduling. Please call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your collection appointment. Samples are securely packaged and shipped under chain of custody to one of five national labs for analysis. 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/19-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-collection-process/