--- title: "5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide" description: "Understand the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process. Learn each step from ID to sample handling. Call (877) 731-6362 for details." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-collection-process/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Understand the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process. Learn each step from ID to sample handling. Call (877) 731-6362 for details. --- The 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process involves verifying the donor’s ID, collecting a small hair sample under strict chain of custody, and securely sending it to one of five national lab networks for analysis. This process ensures accurate, tamper-evident results. Call (877) 731-6362 for assistance. IDENTIFICATION ## 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. Valid photo ID types: driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID ID must be current and unexpired No photocopies or digital images accepted The collection site personnel will inspect the ID and record identifying details as part of the chain-of-custody documentation. SAMPLE COLLECTION ## 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](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-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. Sample length: 1.5 inches from scalp Sample weight: about 100 strands Preferred location: crown of head Alternative: body hair if head hair unavailable The collector places the hair sample into a tamper-evident envelope and seals it to maintain the chain of custody. 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. Collector signs and dates the form Donor may be asked to sign as well Sample is sealed and labeled clearly 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 The chain of custody documentation accompanies the sample to the lab for secure processing and testing. DONOR EXPERIENCE ## 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. Present valid photo ID Consent to sample collection Hair cut near scalp, painless Sample sealed and documented Process duration: 10-15 minutes After collection, the donor is free to leave. The sample is then sent to a national lab for analysis. ## Schedule Your 5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test Collection To begin the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process, contact AMH Nationwide. We direct you to a local collection site following strict protocols. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your appointment today. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) LAB PROCESSING ## 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. Labs follow strict quality and chain-of-custody protocols Testing includes initial screen and confirmatory analysis MRO reviews all positive or inconclusive results Results reported to the requester, not the donor This thorough process ensures accurate and legally defensible results. NEXT STEPS ## 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. Testing turnaround varies by lab and panel Requester receives the report, not the donor MRO involvement for non-negative results No online ordering; call to schedule Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 for guidance or to arrange collection appointments. 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 Yes, if head hair is unavailable or too short, body hair can be collected. The collector will note this on the chain-of-custody form. Body hair may provide a different detection window. The collection appointment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, including ID verification, sample collection, and paperwork. No, the hair sample is cut close to the scalp with scissors. Donors typically do not feel pain during the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collection process. The test results are sent directly to the party who requested the test, not to the donor. No, AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. To schedule a collection appointment, call (877) 731-6362. The 5-panel test screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP) using the collected hair sample. 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/5-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-collection-process/