Step-by-Step 5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test Collection Process

What identification is required for the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process?

The 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process requires the donor to present a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. This step confirms the donor’s identity to maintain chain of custody and prevent substitution or tampering.

The collection site personnel will inspect the ID and record identifying details as part of the chain-of-custody documentation.

How is the hair sample collected during the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process?

During the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process, a trained collector cuts a small sample of hair from the donor’s head, typically near the crown. The sample is about 1.5 inches in length and weighs approximately 100 strands to provide a 90-day detection window for drug use.

If head hair is unavailable, body hair may be collected but must be noted. The hair is cut close to the scalp to ensure recent drug use detection.

The collector places the hair sample into a tamper-evident envelope and seals it to maintain the chain of custody.

What does chain of custody mean in the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process?

Chain of custody is a documented process that tracks the hair sample from collection through laboratory analysis to ensure sample integrity. Each step involves signatures and time stamps to prevent tampering or misidentification.

In the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process, the collector completes a chain-of-custody form detailing donor information, sample description, and collection conditions.

The chain of custody documentation accompanies the sample to the lab for secure processing and testing.

What does the donor experience during the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process?

The donor will be greeted at the collection site and asked to provide photo ID. The collector explains the procedure, answers questions, and obtains consent to proceed.

The hair sample collection is quick and painless. The donor may feel slight tugging or no sensation as hair is cut. The process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Throughout, the collector follows strict protocols to maintain privacy and chain of custody.

After collection, the donor is free to leave. The sample is then sent to a national lab for analysis.

What happens to the hair sample after collection in the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process?

After collection, the sealed hair sample and chain-of-custody form are shipped to one of five national laboratory networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox.

At the lab, the sample undergoes screening and confirmatory testing for five drug classes: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).

Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to verify findings and resolve discrepancies.

This thorough process ensures accurate and legally defensible results.

What should a donor or requester expect after the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process?

Once the sample reaches the lab, testing typically takes several days depending on the panel and workload. The requester receives the final report directly from the lab network.

If results are negative, the process concludes with a standard report. If non-negative, the MRO reviews and may contact the donor for medical information before finalizing the report.

Pricing varies by test panel and detection window. Call (877) 731-6362 for a quote or to schedule a collection appointment.

Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 for guidance or to arrange collection appointments.

Common Questions