5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Which Test Do I Need | AMH Nationwide
5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test Which Test Offers Long-Term Detection Benefits
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test which test is ideal for detecting drug use over a 90-day period, making it suitable for employers, courts, and probation agencies seeking long-term drug history. It tests for five common drug classes with high accuracy. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange testing or discuss your needs.
What is a 5-panel hair follicle drug test which test?
A 5-panel hair follicle drug test which test screens hair samples for five drug categories: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). It detects drug use within approximately the past 90 days by analyzing hair growth, unlike urine or saliva tests that cover shorter windows.
This test is performed by collecting a small hair sample from the individual, which is then sent to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy.
When is the 5-panel hair follicle drug test which test the right choice?
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test which test is the right choice when long-term drug use history is required rather than recent use. It is often selected by employers, courts, probation officers, and individuals who want a comprehensive overview of drug consumption over months.
Situations where this test is preferred include:
• Employment screening for safety-sensitive or long-term positions where recent use is insufficient.
• Court-mandated testing or probation monitoring when a historical pattern of drug use must be verified.
• Personal testing to confirm abstinence or detect relapse over an extended period.
How does the 5-panel hair follicle drug test compare to other drug tests?
The 5-panel hair follicle drug test differs from urine, saliva, and blood tests primarily in its detection window and sample type. Hair testing detects drug use up to 90 days prior, whereas urine and saliva tests cover only hours to days.
A comparison table illustrates key differences:
| Test Type | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| 5-Panel Hair Follicle Test | Up to 90 days |
| Urine Drug Test | 1 to 4 days, varies by drug |
| Saliva Drug Test | Up to 48 hours |
| Blood Drug Test | Up to 24 hours |
Hair follicle testing is not suitable for detecting very recent drug use or for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive jobs, which require urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40 protocols. Hair testing is strictly non-DOT.
Who typically orders the 5-panel hair follicle drug test which test?
Employers seeking to screen candidates or employees for long-term drug use often order this test when a broader drug history is needed. Courts and probation agencies use it to monitor compliance over months.
Individuals may also request this test for personal knowledge or to meet requirements set by legal or employment authorities. The test is not self-ordered online; AMH provides the lab order and directs the requester to a local collection site.
Need Help Choosing the Right Drug Test?
Call (877) 731-6362 to discuss whether the 5-panel hair follicle drug test which test suits your situation or if an alternative test is more appropriate.
How is the 5-panel hair follicle drug test which test conducted?
A small hair sample, usually from the crown of the head, is collected by a trained technician at an authorized collection site. The sample is sent to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox.
The labs perform sensitive immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing as needed. Any non-negative result undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure reliability and interpret findings.
What does the 5-panel hair follicle drug test which test cost?
Pricing for the 5-panel hair follicle drug test varies based on the testing panel and detection window required. Because costs depend on these factors, AMH does not list fixed prices.
To obtain a detailed quote tailored to your testing needs, call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative.
Common Questions
No. The 5-panel hair follicle drug test detects drug use from approximately 7 to 90 days prior but cannot reliably detect very recent use within hours or a few days.
No. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires urine testing under federally certified protocols (49 CFR Part 40). Hair follicle tests are only for non-DOT roles.
It tests for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opiates (such as morphine and codeine), amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).
A small lock of hair, typically 1.5 inches long and about the diameter of a pencil, is cut close to the scalp at an authorized collection site.
Results usually take 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives the sample. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a Medical Review Officer.
No. AMH does not offer online ordering. The lab order must be requested through AMH, which then directs you to a collection site. Call (877) 731-6362 to start the process.
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.