19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide
19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test Guide for Accurate Long-Term Drug Detection
The 19-panel hair follicle drug test guide explains how this test detects multiple drugs over up to 90 days using a small hair sample. It is used by employers and legal entities for non-DOT testing. AMH routes collections through five national labs. Call (877) 731-6362 to start your testing process.
What is a 19-panel hair follicle drug test?
A 19-panel hair follicle drug test is a comprehensive drug screening method that analyzes a small hair sample to detect the presence of 19 different drug classes. This test is designed to identify drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days, by examining the drug metabolites embedded in hair strands.
Unlike urine or saliva tests, which provide short-term detection, the hair follicle test offers a broader historical view of drug consumption. It is primarily used for non-DOT safety-sensitive roles or situations where long-term drug use history is important.
AMH Nationwide facilitates this test by providing lab orders and directing individuals to one of five national collection networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox.
Who typically orders a 19-panel hair follicle drug test?
Employers, legal entities, and organizations needing a detailed drug use history typically order the 19-panel hair follicle drug test. It is common in pre-employment screening, ongoing employee monitoring, and legal or forensic cases where long-term drug use verification is required.
This test is not used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions because DOT requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Instead, the hair follicle test serves non-DOT roles or situations that demand extended detection windows.
AMH provides the lab order and directs the requester to an appropriate collection site among the five national lab networks. There is no online ordering; to obtain this test, you must call (877) 731-6362.
What is the detection window for the 19-panel hair follicle drug test?
The 19-panel hair follicle drug test detects drugs used within approximately 90 days prior to collection. Hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch per month, and the standard sample length is 1.5 inches, representing roughly three months of history.
This extended detection window is significantly longer than urine or saliva tests, which typically detect recent drug use within days. The hair follicle test provides a longer-term overview of drug exposure, making it valuable for comprehensive screening.
Detection windows may vary slightly depending on individual hair growth rates and drug metabolism, but generally, the test reliably identifies drug metabolites incorporated into the hair shaft during the growth period.
| Test Type | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Hair Follicle (19-panel) | Up to 90 days |
| Urine Drug Test | 1-7 days, depending on drug |
| Saliva Drug Test | 1-3 days |
| Blood Drug Test | Hours to 2 days |
How is the 19-panel hair follicle drug test collected?
Collection of the 19-panel hair follicle drug test involves cutting a small sample of hair, usually about 1.5 inches in length and the diameter of a pencil, from the crown or another inconspicuous area of the head.
If head hair is unavailable, body hair can sometimes be used but may affect the detection window and test accuracy. The sample is collected under observation at one of the five national lab networks to ensure chain of custody and test integrity.
After collection, the hair sample is sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. All non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) as part of standard processing to confirm test validity and rule out false positives.
Ready to Schedule Your 19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test?
Call (877) 731-6362 to receive your lab order and be directed to a collection site. AMH Nationwide coordinates with five national labs to ensure your testing needs are met.
What drugs are included in the 19-panel hair follicle test?
The 19-panel hair follicle drug test screens for a broad range of drug classes. This comprehensive panel includes common substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines, as well as less common drugs.
The exact drugs tested may vary slightly by laboratory, but generally, the panel covers the following classes: cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, methadone, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, MDMA (Ecstasy), oxycodone, fentanyl, tramadol, and others.
For specific drug lists or to confirm inclusion of a particular substance, contact AMH at (877) 731-6362. Pricing varies by panel and detection window.
How do I get started with a 19-panel hair follicle drug test?
To begin the 19-panel hair follicle drug testing process, you must first contact AMH Nationwide by calling (877) 731-6362. AMH will provide the necessary lab order and direct you to a nearby collection site within one of the five national lab networks.
There is no option for online ordering or at-home collection. The individual being tested must visit a certified collection site for sample collection under observation.
After the sample is collected and sent to the laboratory, results are typically available within a few business days. All non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer before final reporting.
For pricing details, turnaround times, and to discuss your specific testing needs, call (877) 731-6362.
Common Questions
If head hair is unavailable, body hair may sometimes be used for collection. However, body hair grows at a different rate and may affect the detection window and accuracy. It is best to discuss options with the collection site or call AMH at (877) 731-6362.
Results are usually available within a few business days after the lab receives the hair sample. Non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer, which may add time to the reporting process.
No. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. The 19-panel hair follicle test is used for non-DOT roles and situations requiring long-term drug use detection.
AMH provides the lab order and directs the requester to one of five national lab networks for collection. There is no online ordering or at-home collection. All collections are observed and follow strict chain of custody protocols.
The test covers 19 drug classes including cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, MDMA, oxycodone, fentanyl, and tramadol among others. Contact AMH for a detailed list.
Yes, pricing varies depending on the specific drug panel and detection window required. To obtain a price quote, call AMH at (877) 731-6362.
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.