5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide
5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test Guide for Reliable Long-Term Drug Detection
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test guide provides a detailed overview of this long-term drug screening method that detects five drug classes in hair samples. It is often used by employers and legal entities to assess past drug use over several months. Collection is done at national labs including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Call (877) 731-6362 for more information.
What is a 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
A 5-panel hair follicle drug test is a laboratory analysis that detects five specific drug categories in a hair sample. It provides a longer detection window than urine or saliva tests, typically up to 90 days. The test analyzes the hair shaft for drug metabolites that have been deposited from the bloodstream during hair growth.
This test is commonly used for employment screening, legal cases, and monitoring compliance with drug policies. The five drug classes usually tested include marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).
Who orders a 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
Employers, legal professionals, probation officers, and rehabilitation programs frequently order 5-panel hair follicle drug tests. It is chosen when a long-term drug use history is needed, as opposed to recent use detection.
Because hair testing is non-invasive and difficult to adulterate, it is preferred in workplace safety-sensitive positions, court-ordered monitoring, and pre-employment screening for certain industries. It is not used for DOT-regulated testing, which requires urine under 49 CFR Part 40.
What is the detection window for a 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
The detection window for a 5-panel hair follicle drug test extends up to 90 days prior to sample collection. This period corresponds to the average length of hair growth that can be analyzed, usually 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp.
Drugs incorporated into the hair shaft remain detectable as the hair grows, providing a retrospective view of drug use. This contrasts with urine tests that detect recent use generally within days.
How is the 5-panel hair follicle drug test collected?
Collection involves cutting a small sample of hair from the scalp, typically from the crown area. The sample size is about 1.5 inches long and sufficient to conduct the analysis for the five drug classes.
AMH Nationwide directs test requesters to authorized collection sites within national lab networks including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. The collection is painless and non-invasive.
The collected hair sample is then sent to the lab for analysis. All non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to confirm findings and rule out legitimate medical explanations.
Ready to Schedule Your 5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test?
Call (877) 731-6362 to place your order and find a collection site near you. AMH Nationwide coordinates with leading national labs to ensure accurate, reliable long-term drug testing.
Which labs process the 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test is processed through a network of five national laboratories. These include Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Each lab uses standardized scientific methods for hair drug analysis.
AMH Nationwide handles the lab order and directs the requester to a collection site affiliated with these labs. There is no online ordering for this test; all requests must be made by phone at (877) 731-6362.
| Lab Name | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Extensive national collection sites and advanced testing technology |
| LabCorp | Wide coverage and experienced in forensic hair drug testing |
| Omega Labs | Specialized in hair drug analysis with quick turnaround |
| United States Drug Testing Labs | Focused on workplace and legal drug testing |
| ExperTox | Expertise in hair testing with certified MRO reviews |
How do I get started with a 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
To initiate a 5-panel hair follicle drug test, contact AMH Nationwide by calling (877) 731-6362. A representative will assist you with placing the lab order and provide directions to an authorized collection site near you.
Because this test cannot be ordered online, phone contact is required to ensure proper routing and compliance with testing protocols. Pricing varies based on the specific panel and detection window requested. Call for a quote and scheduling.
After collection, the sample is analyzed and results reported back to the requester. Any positive or non-negative findings are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of the standard process.
Common Questions
No, the 5-panel hair follicle drug test typically cannot detect drug use in the past 5 to 7 days due to the time it takes for hair containing drug metabolites to grow above the scalp.
No, DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires urine testing under the federally certified protocol 49 CFR Part 40. Hair follicle tests are used for non-DOT roles.
The standard 5-panel test screens for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opiates (such as morphine and codeine), amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).
A small hair sample about 1.5 inches long is cut close to the scalp from the crown area. The collection is painless and performed at authorized lab collection sites.
All non-negative or positive results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to verify accuracy and consider any legitimate medical explanations.
No, AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering for this test. To place an order and schedule collection, call (877) 731-6362.
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.