5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: FAQ | AMH Nationwide
5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test FAQ for Reliable Long-Term Drug Screening
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test FAQ covers essential information about this test, which detects drug use over the past 90 days by analyzing a small hair sample. It is commonly used for non-DOT employment and legal testing. Collection is coordinated through national labs including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, and others. Call (877) 731-6362.
What is a 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
A 5-panel hair follicle drug test analyzes a small sample of hair to detect the presence of five common drug classes over approximately a 90-day period. It is used primarily for non-DOT employment and legal drug screening. The test identifies drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft, providing a longer detection window than urine tests.
Which drugs are included in the 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test screens for five drug categories: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). These categories cover common substances of abuse and are consistent with standard non-DOT hair test panels.
How is the hair sample collected for the 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
The collection involves cutting approximately 1.5 inches of hair close to the scalp from the crown or other unobtrusive area. A certified collector at one of five national lab networks, including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox, performs the sampling. The hair sample must be free of chemical contamination for accurate results.
What happens after the hair sample is collected?
After collection, the sample is sent to one of the five national labs for analysis. The lab uses validated laboratory methods to detect drug metabolites embedded in the hair. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to confirm findings and consider any legitimate medical explanations.
Need a 5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test?
Contact AMH Nationwide to arrange collection at a certified lab network site. Call (877) 731-6362 to start the process.
What is the detection window for the 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
The test detects drug use within approximately the past 90 days, as hair grows about half an inch per month. The 1.5-inch hair sample typically captures this three-month period. This longer detection window makes it useful for assessing long-term drug use patterns compared to urine or saliva tests.
Who orders the 5-panel hair follicle drug test and what are its limitations?
Employers, legal entities, and organizations requiring non-DOT testing commonly order this test for reliable long-term drug screening. It is not used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions, which require federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair treatments and very short hair length can affect test accuracy.
Common Questions
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test generally detects drug use from about 7 to 90 days prior to collection. It does not detect very recent use within the past few days because drugs take time to incorporate into hair.
You must call (877) 731-6362 to initiate the lab order with AMH Nationwide. We will direct you to an authorized collection site at one of the five national lab networks. There is no online ordering option.
If hair is too short or unavailable, alternative specimen types such as urine or oral fluid testing may be recommended. The 5-panel hair follicle drug test requires at least 1.5 inches of hair for accurate detection.
Turnaround times vary by lab but typically results are available within 3 to 5 business days after sample receipt. The Medical Review Officer reviews any non-negative results before final reporting.
No. The 5-panel hair follicle drug test is for non-DOT testing purposes. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires urine testing under federally certified protocols (49 CFR Part 40). Hair testing is not accepted for DOT compliance.
The test detects drug metabolites for the five specified drug classes. Prescription medications containing those substances may be identified. Non-negative results are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer who considers valid prescriptions.
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.