--- title: "5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn what the 5-panel hair follicle drug test what it screens includes and how panel size affects detection. Call (877) 731-6362 for details." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["5-panel hair follicle drug test what it screens"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-what-it-screens/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn what the 5-panel hair follicle drug test what it screens includes and how panel size affects detection. Call (877) 731-6362 for details. --- 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. OVERVIEW ## 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](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-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. Cocaine: Detects metabolites from cocaine use. Marijuana (THC): Identifies THC compounds from cannabis use. Opiates: Screens for morphine, codeine, heroin, and related substances. Amphetamines: Detects methamphetamine, amphetamine, and related stimulants. Phencyclidine (PCP): Identifies PCP presence. PANEL SIZE ## 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. 5-panel: Cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, PCP. Larger panels: May add benzodiazepines, methadone, oxycodone, synthetic cannabinoids, and more. Choice depends on testing requirements and substances of concern. TESTING PROCESS ## 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](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), 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. DETECTION WINDOW ## 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. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) WHO ORDERS ## Who typically orders a 5-panel hair follicle drug test? Employers often order 5-panel hair follicle drug tests for [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/) screening or random testing to identify long-term drug use. Legal entities may use this test for [child custody](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-child-custody/) or [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-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](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) testing. DOT AND NON-DOT ## 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](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair follicle testing is permitted only for non-DOT roles or when longer detection windows are needed. PRICING ## 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. 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 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. 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-what-it-screens/