--- title: "5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Which Test Do I Need | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn when a 5-panel hair follicle drug test which test is the right choice. Understand its uses versus other tests. Call (877) 731-6362 to discuss options." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["5-panel hair follicle drug test which test"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-which-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 5-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Which Test Do I Need | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn when a 5-panel hair follicle drug test which test is the right choice. Understand its uses versus other tests. Call (877) 731-6362 to discuss options. --- 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. OVERVIEW ## 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](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) 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](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy. USE CASES ## 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](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-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. COMPARISON ## 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](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-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](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) protocols. Hair testing is strictly non-DOT. WHO ORDERS ## 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. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) PROCESS ## 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. PRICING ## 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. 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 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. 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-which-test/