--- title: "6-Month Hair Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide" description: "Understand the 6-month hair drug test collection process step-by-step. Learn what to expect during your appointment. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["6-month hair drug test collection process"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/6-month-hair-drug-test-collection-process/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 6-Month Hair Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Understand the 6-month hair drug test collection process step-by-step. Learn what to expect during your appointment. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule. --- The 6-month hair drug test collection process involves verifying the donor’s ID, collecting a hair sample under strict chain of custody, and securely sending it to one of five national labs. The donor experiences a non-invasive procedure lasting about 10-15 minutes. Call (877) 731-6362 for details or to schedule your collection appointment. IDENTIFICATION ## What identification is required for the 6-month hair drug test collection process? The 6-month hair drug test collection process requires the donor to present a valid government-issued photo ID at the appointment. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. This step confirms the donor’s identity and maintains chain of custody integrity. Valid photo ID required Examples: driver’s license, passport, military ID ID is checked before sample collection No exceptions are made, and the collection cannot proceed without proper identification. SAMPLE COLLECTION ## How is the hair sample collected during the 6-month hair drug test collection process? The hair sample is collected from the donor’s head, usually from the crown area, using scissors to cut a small lock of hair approximately 1.5 inches long. This length allows detection of drug use over the previous six months. The process is quick, non-invasive, and typically causes no pain. Sample length about 1.5 inches Taken from crown of head Cutting does not harm the donor Sample size about the diameter of a pencil If head hair is insufficient, body hair may be collected but only for non-DOT testing roles. CHAIN OF CUSTODY ## What chain of custody procedures are followed in the 6-month hair drug test collection process? Chain of custody procedures ensure the sample’s integrity from collection to lab testing. The collector labels the hair sample with donor information and seals it in tamper-evident packaging. Documentation is completed to track the sample’s handling and transport to one of five national labs: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. Sample labeled with donor details Sealed in tamper-evident packaging Documentation tracks every step Sample sent to one of five national labs These measures prevent sample tampering or misidentification during processing. DONOR EXPERIENCE ## What does the donor experience during the 6-month hair drug test collection process? The donor experiences a straightforward appointment lasting about 10-15 minutes. After ID verification, the collector explains the procedure, collects the hair sample, and completes paperwork. The process is private and conducted by trained personnel. The donor can ask questions but does not provide any bodily fluids, making it less invasive than [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or blood tests. Appointment duration about 10-15 minutes Non-invasive sample collection Privacy maintained throughout Opportunity to ask questions The donor should avoid hair treatments that might interfere with testing results before the appointment. ## Ready to Schedule Your 6-Month Hair Drug Test Collection? Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your appointment and receive instructions for your collection site. Our team will guide you through every step. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) LAB TESTING ## What happens to the sample after the 6-month hair drug test collection process? After collection, the securely packaged hair sample is shipped to one of five national labs for analysis. Each non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to confirm accuracy and address any discrepancies. The labs test for a range of substances with a [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) of approximately six months. Sample sent to Quest, LabCorp, Omega, USDTL, or ExperTox Non-negative results reviewed by Medical Review Officer Detection window covers six months Results are reported back to the requester, not the donor, as per the testing agreement. APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING ## How do I schedule a 6-month hair drug test collection appointment? Scheduling a 6-month hair drug test collection requires contacting AMH Nationwide directly by phone. We provide the lab order and direct you to a nearby collection site. There is no option for online ordering or scheduling. Call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative who will assist with your appointment and answer any questions. No online ordering available Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule Lab order and collection site details provided Ensure you have the required ID and understand the collection process before your appointment. 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 The test detects various drugs including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP, among others, covering use up to six months prior to collection. Hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing may affect test results. It is best to avoid such treatments before your appointment to ensure accurate results. No. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair testing is for non-DOT roles only. Results typically take several days after the lab receives the sample. The exact timing depends on the lab and test panel ordered. A certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative results to verify accuracy and resolve any discrepancies before final reporting. No. AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering or scheduling. You must call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your appointment. 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/6-month-hair-drug-test-collection-process/