--- title: "5 panel hair follicle drug test" description: "The 5 panel hair follicle drug test detects common drugs over 90 days. Results reviewed by certified MROs. Call (877) 731-6362 for lab scheduling." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["5 panel hair follicle drug test", "5 panel hair follicle drug test | 5 panel hair drug test | hair 5 drug panel"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-ve/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # 5 panel hair follicle drug test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 The 5 panel hair follicle drug test detects common drugs over 90 days. Results reviewed by certified MROs. Call (877) 731-6362 for lab scheduling. --- The 5 panel hair follicle drug test detects five common drug classes through hair analysis, offering a detection window of up to 90 days. This test is used by employers, courts, and individuals needing accurate long-term drug screening. AMH Nationwide routes collections through five national labs and reviews results with certified Medical Review Officers. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule a test. OVERVIEW ## 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 classes using a small hair sample. This method provides a long [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/), typically up to 90 days, by analyzing drug metabolites deposited in hair follicles. The five panels commonly tested include: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). Hair testing is often preferred for its extended detection period compared to [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or saliva tests. AMH Nationwide directs test requesters to collection sites affiliated with five major lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Each non-negative result undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer as standard procedure. TEST DETAILS ## How does the 5 panel hair drug test work? The 5 panel hair drug test works by collecting a small sample of hair, usually from the scalp. The lab analyzes the hair shaft for drug metabolites that accumulate as hair grows, reflecting drug use over previous weeks to months. Hair grows approximately half an inch per month, so a 1.5 inch hair sample typically covers about 90 days of drug use history. The lab uses specialized immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This testing method detects drug use rather than recent exposure and is less susceptible to adulteration or dilution than urine testing. Sample: Approximately 1.5 inches of scalp hair Detection window: Up to 90 days Drugs tested: Amphetamines, Cocaine, Marijuana (THC), Opiates, PCP Testing method: Immunoassay screening plus confirmatory GC-MS or LC-MS/MS Review: Certified Medical Review Officer evaluates all positive results APPLICATIONS ## Who orders a hair 5 drug panel test and why? Employers use the 5 panel hair follicle drug test for [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/) screening, random testing, or post-incident investigations, especially when a longer detection window is required. Courts and [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) agencies may order hair testing to monitor compliance. Individuals may also request this test for personal knowledge or legal reasons. Because hair testing detects drug use over months rather than days, it is preferred when confirming long-term abstinence or patterns of use. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions do not accept hair tests; they require federally certified urine tests under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair tests are suitable for non-DOT roles. DETECTION WINDOW ## What drugs are detected by the hair 5 drug panel and what is the detection window? The 5 panel hair drug test detects amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates (including heroin and morphine), and PCP. Each drug class is identified by metabolites incorporated into the hair shaft. The detection window for this test extends up to 90 days from sample collection. Hair grows slowly, so recent drug use within the past week may not be detected, but use within the last three months typically is. This extended window makes hair testing valuable for detecting chronic or repeated drug use rather than one-time or very recent use. | Drug Class | Detection Window | | --- | --- | | Amphetamines | Up to 90 days | | Cocaine | Up to 90 days | | Marijuana (THC) | Up to 90 days | | Opiates | Up to 90 days | | Phencyclidine (PCP) | Up to 90 days | ## Schedule Your 5 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test To arrange a 5 panel hair follicle drug test through AMH Nationwide, call (877) 731-6362. Our team will direct you to a nearby collection site affiliated with one of five national labs. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) TESTING PROCESS ## What is the hair collection process for the 5 panel hair follicle drug test? A trained collector cuts a small sample of hair from the crown or side of the head, close to the scalp. The sample is usually about 1.5 inches long and sufficient to conduct the 5 panel hair drug analysis. If scalp hair is unavailable, body hair may be used, but this can affect the detection window and accuracy. The hair sample is then sealed and sent to one of the five national lab networks for analysis. AMH Nationwide coordinates the lab order and collection site scheduling but does not offer online ordering. To arrange testing, call (877) 731-6362. RESULTS & RELIABILITY ## How reliable is the 5 panel hair follicle drug test and can it be affected by passive exposure? The 5 panel hair follicle drug test is highly reliable when conducted by accredited labs using validated methods. The use of confirmatory GC-MS or LC-MS/MS testing reduces false positives. All non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and interpret any medical explanations. Passive exposure to drugs, such as secondhand smoke, is unlikely to cause a positive hair test because the test detects metabolites incorporated into hair internally rather than external contamination. Hair treatments like dyeing or bleaching may reduce drug concentration but do not guarantee test evasion. 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 typically take 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives the hair sample. Timing can vary depending on the lab network and confirmatory testing requirements. Hair testing is best at detecting repeated or chronic drug use within the past 90 days. One-time drug use may be detected if sufficient metabolites are incorporated into the hair. No, DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires urine tests under federally certified protocols. Hair testing is used for non-DOT employment or other purposes. Hair color and type can influence drug metabolite incorporation but accredited labs adjust for these factors to maintain accuracy. A certified Medical Review Officer reviews positive results and may contact you to verify legitimate medical explanations before final reporting. Hair treatments may reduce the amount of detectable drug metabolites but do not guarantee a negative result. Labs consider hair condition during analysis. 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-ve/