19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: How It Works | AMH Nationwide
Understanding 19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test How It Works for Reliable Results
The 19-panel hair follicle drug test how it works involves collecting a small hair sample, analyzing it in national labs with initial screening and confirmatory testing, followed by Medical Review Officer evaluation. This process ensures accurate detection of drug use. Call (877) 731-6362.
How is the hair sample collected for the 19-panel hair follicle drug test?
The hair sample for the 19-panel hair follicle drug test is collected by cutting approximately 1.5 inches of hair close to the scalp. The sample is taken from the crown or another unobtrusive area to minimize cosmetic impact.
A small quantity of hair, usually about 100-120 strands, is sufficient for testing. The collector follows strict chain-of-custody procedures and documents the collection site and sample condition.
AMH Nationwide directs the requester to one of five national lab networks for collection: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. There is no online ordering; scheduling requires calling (877) 731-6362.
What happens to the hair sample after collection?
After collection, the hair sample is sealed and shipped to the designated laboratory within the national lab network. The labs maintain strict chain-of-custody and sample integrity protocols to prevent contamination or tampering.
Upon arrival, the lab logs the sample and prepares it for analysis. The hair undergoes washing to remove external contaminants without affecting internal drug metabolites.
How does the lab analyze the 19-panel hair follicle drug test sample?
The lab first conducts an initial immunoassay screening to detect the presence of drug metabolites in the hair sample. If the screening is negative, the test is reported as negative.
For samples that test positive or are inconclusive on screening, the lab performs confirmatory testing using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These methods provide highly specific identification and quantification of drug compounds.
The 19-panel test screens for 19 different drug classes, including but not limited to cannabinoids, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines.
What role does the Medical Review Officer (MRO) play in the 19-panel hair follicle drug test process?
Every non-negative result from the 19-panel hair follicle drug test undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO evaluates laboratory findings alongside any medical explanations or prescriptions provided by the individual tested.
The MRO determines if a positive result is valid or if it can be explained by legitimate medical use. Only after this review is the final report issued to the requester.
This step ensures accuracy and fairness in interpreting test outcomes.
Schedule Your 19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test Collection
To arrange collection at a certified site within the national lab network, call (877) 731-6362. AMH Nationwide facilitates the lab order and directs you to the nearest location.
What is the detection window for the 19-panel hair follicle drug test?
The 19-panel hair follicle drug test typically detects drug use within the previous 90 days. Hair grows approximately half an inch per month, and the standard 1.5-inch sample represents about three months of drug history.
This extended detection window makes hair follicle testing suitable for identifying long-term drug use patterns rather than recent or single-use incidents.
Is the 19-panel hair follicle drug test used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing?
No, the 19-panel hair follicle drug test is not used for Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated safety-sensitive positions. DOT requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40 for these roles.
Hair follicle testing is primarily used for non-DOT employment or other situations where longer detection windows are needed.
Common Questions
Approximately 100 to 120 strands or 1.5 inches of hair are collected close to the scalp to ensure accurate testing for the 19-panel drug screen.
Labs wash hair samples thoroughly to remove external contaminants. The test detects metabolites inside the hair shaft, making it resistant to environmental contamination.
Results typically take several days after sample collection due to the screening, confirmatory testing, and MRO review process.
Because hair grows slowly, the test detects drug use over the past 90 days but is not sensitive to use within the last few days.
Certified laboratories within the national networks use gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for confirmatory testing.
Contact AMH Nationwide by calling (877) 731-6362 to arrange lab order processing and be directed to a collection site.
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.