--- title: "19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Results Timeline | AMH Nationwide" description: "Understand the 19-panel hair follicle drug test results timeline. Learn how long results take and factors affecting turnaround. Call (877) 731-6362 for details." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["19-panel hair follicle drug test results timeline"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/19-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-results-timeline/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Results Timeline | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Understand the 19-panel hair follicle drug test results timeline. Learn how long results take and factors affecting turnaround. Call (877) 731-6362 for details. --- The 19-panel hair follicle drug test results timeline typically ranges from 3 to 5 business days after sample collection. This test screens for 19 different substances using hair samples analyzed by national labs including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Non-negative results undergo confirmation review by a certified Medical Review Officer, which may extend processing time. Call (877) 731-6362 for scheduling and detailed timing information. OVERVIEW ## What is the typical turnaround time for 19-panel hair follicle drug test results? The typical turnaround time for 19-panel hair follicle drug test results is between 3 to 5 business days from the date of sample collection. This timeframe accounts for the initial screening and laboratory analysis performed by one of five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. Hair follicle testing requires specialized analysis to detect drug metabolites embedded in hair strands, which takes longer than [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) tests but provides a longer [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) of up to 90 days. The 3 to 5 day window is the standard for routine processing under normal conditions. PROCESS ## What happens after the hair sample is collected? After the hair sample is collected at a designated collection site, the sample is securely sent to one of the five national lab networks for analysis. The lab technicians prepare the hair, extract drug metabolites, and run the 19-panel screening using validated methods. Once the initial screening is complete, the lab generates a report which is reviewed internally before being forwarded to a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) for final assessment. This review ensures accuracy and proper interpretation of any non-negative findings. NON-NEGATIVE RESULTS ## How does a non-negative result affect the timeline? If the initial screening produces a non-negative result, the timeline extends due to mandatory confirmation testing. The lab performs more specific confirmatory analysis, typically using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After confirmation, the results are again reviewed by a certified MRO who evaluates the findings and may consult with the donor if medically necessary. This confirmation and review process can add 2 to 4 additional business days to the overall timeline. DELAY FACTORS ## What factors can delay the 19-panel hair follicle drug test results timeline? Several factors can delay results beyond the typical 3 to 5 business days, including: – Collection site errors or improper sample handling requiring recollection – High volume periods at labs causing backlogs – Additional testing requested by the MRO or client – Shipping delays between collection site and lab – Complex cases requiring extended MRO review or donor consultation Sample integrity issues: may require recollection Lab workload: affects processing speed Confirmation testing: adds days if triggered Shipping logistics: can extend transit time MRO review complexity: influences final report timing ## Ready to Schedule Your 19-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test? Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your test and get detailed information on the results timeline and process. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) LAB NETWORKS ## Which labs handle the 19-panel hair follicle drug test and how does this affect timing? The 19-panel hair follicle drug test is processed by one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. Each lab follows strict protocols but may have slight variations in processing times. Clients do not select the lab; AMH provides the lab order and directs the requester to a collection site where the sample is collected and sent to the assigned lab. This ensures standardized handling and compliance with regulatory standards. Regardless of the lab, standard turnaround remains around 3 to 5 business days for negative results, with added time for non-negative confirmations. HOW TO GET STARTED ## How do I initiate the 19-panel hair follicle drug test and what should I expect? To initiate the 19-panel hair follicle drug test, contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362. AMH provides the lab order and directs you to a nearby collection site; there is no online ordering available. At the collection site, a trained technician collects the hair sample following strict chain-of-custody procedures. The sample is then sent to one of the five national labs for analysis. Expect results in approximately 3 to 5 business days if negative. If the result is non-negative, confirmation and MRO review extend the timeline by several days. Contact AMH for specific timing estimates based on your test panel and circumstances. 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 Results usually take 3 to 5 business days from sample collection. If the initial screen is non-negative, confirmation and Medical Review Officer review can add 2 to 4 more days. Delays can occur due to sample issues, lab backlogs, confirmation testing, shipping delays, or extended Medical Review Officer consultations. Yes. Negative results typically take 3 to 5 business days. Non-negative results require confirmation and review, which lengthens the timeline. Results are processed by one of five national labs: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. No. AMH provides the lab order and directs the requester to a collection site. There is no online ordering for this test. The Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative results to confirm accuracy and may consult with the donor, extending the overall result turnaround time. 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-results-timeline/