5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide
Understanding 5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test What It Screens and Its Benefits
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test what it screens includes five specific drug classes detected in hair samples, offering a 90-day detection window. This test identifies use of cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine. Panel size determines which substances are screened. Call (877) 731-6362.
What substances does the 5-panel hair follicle drug test screen?
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test screens for five specific drug classes in hair samples, providing a long detection window of up to 90 days. This test detects cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). It is designed to identify drug use over the previous three months by analyzing hair follicles.
How does the panel size affect what the 5-panel hair follicle drug test screens?
Panel size directly impacts which substances are included in the screening. A 5-panel test covers the most commonly abused drugs but excludes others such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or synthetic opioids. Larger panels, like 10-panel or 12-panel tests, include additional substances and provide broader detection.
How is a 5-panel hair follicle drug test collected and processed?
Hair follicle samples are collected at authorized collection sites affiliated with one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to a collection site; there is no online ordering.
After collection, the sample is sent to the selected laboratory for analysis. Any non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to confirm findings before final reporting.
What is the detection window for the 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test can detect drug use within approximately 90 days prior to sample collection. Hair grows about half an inch per month, and typically the 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp are tested to cover this period. This makes hair follicle testing ideal for assessing long-term drug use rather than recent or single-use events.
Need a 5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test?
Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your test or speak with a representative about panel options and collection sites.
Who typically orders a 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
Employers often order 5-panel hair follicle drug tests for pre-employment screening or random testing to identify long-term drug use. Legal entities may use this test for child custody or probation monitoring. It is also used in rehabilitation programs to verify abstinence. The test is preferred when a longer detection window is necessary compared to urine testing.
Is the 5-panel hair follicle drug test used for DOT-regulated testing?
No, the 5-panel hair follicle drug test is not used for Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated safety-sensitive testing. DOT requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair follicle testing is permitted only for non-DOT roles or when longer detection windows are needed.
What determines the cost of a 5-panel hair follicle drug test?
Pricing varies based on the specific panel and detection window. Additional substances or extended panels increase the cost. Contact AMH Nationwide for a quote tailored to your testing needs. There is no option for online ordering; to arrange testing, call (877) 731-6362.
Common Questions
It screens for cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP) using hair samples.
It can detect drug use within approximately 90 days prior to collection, reflecting long-term use.
No, these substances are not included in the standard 5-panel test but may be covered in larger panels.
No, DOT requires urine testing under federal protocols; hair follicle testing is for non-DOT roles.
A small sample of hair, typically 1.5 inches from the scalp, is collected at authorized sites linked to national labs.
A certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative screens before final results are reported.
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.