6-Month Hair Drug Test: FAQ | AMH Nationwide
6-Month Hair Drug Test FAQ for Reliable Long-Term Drug Monitoring
The 6-month hair drug test FAQ addresses key questions about detecting drug use over a half-year period through hair analysis. This test monitors long-term substance use with accuracy and convenience. For expert guidance and testing arrangements, call (877) 731-6362.
What is a 6-month hair drug test?
A 6-month hair drug test analyzes a strand of hair to detect drug use over the previous six months. Hair grows about half an inch per month, so a 3-inch hair sample typically covers this timeframe. The test identifies metabolites of drugs incorporated into the hair shaft, providing a long detection window compared to urine or saliva tests.
How is hair collected for this test?
Hair collection for the 6-month hair drug test involves cutting a small sample close to the scalp, usually from the crown area. This sample is then sent to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. AMH provides the lab order and directs the requester to a nearby collection site. There is no online ordering.
Which drugs can the 6-month hair drug test detect?
This test can detect a wide range of substances, including but not limited to:
Prescription and illicit drugs such as cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamine, PCP, and MDMA. The specific panel varies by request and detection window. Call (877) 731-6362 for details on available panels.
How accurate is the 6-month hair drug test?
The 6-month hair drug test is highly accurate for detecting drug use within the specified period. Hair testing is less susceptible to adulteration compared to urine tests. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to confirm accuracy and evaluate legitimate medical explanations.
Need a 6-Month Hair Drug Test?
Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your test and get detailed information about detection panels and collection sites near you.
Is the 6-month hair drug test accepted for DOT-regulated testing?
No, the 6-month hair drug test is not acceptable for Department of Transportation (DOT) safety-sensitive testing. DOT requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair testing is only permitted for non-DOT roles and situations where long-term detection is needed.
How do I arrange a 6-month hair drug test and what does it cost?
AMH does not offer online ordering. To arrange a 6-month hair drug test, call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative who will provide a lab order and direct you to a local collection site. Pricing varies depending on the test panel and detection window. Call for a customized quote.
Common Questions
Hair must be at least 3 inches long to cover six months of growth, as hair grows approximately half an inch per month. If the hair is shorter, the detection window will be reduced accordingly.
Chemical treatments like bleaching or dyeing can reduce drug metabolite concentrations in hair, potentially affecting results. However, laboratories account for this possibility and use sensitive methods to detect drug use despite cosmetic treatments.
If the hair sample is insufficient or contaminated, the lab may request a recollection. A proper sample must be collected to ensure accurate detection over the full six-month period.
No, hair testing typically does not detect drug use within the past 7-10 days because it takes time for hair containing drug metabolites to grow above the scalp.
Employers, legal entities, and rehabilitation programs often order this test for long-term drug monitoring. It is also used when a wider detection window is needed compared to urine or saliva testing.
False positives are rare because every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. The MRO evaluates all findings to rule out potential false positives due to medications or environmental exposure.
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.