6-Month Hair Drug Test: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide
Comprehensive 6-Month Hair Drug Test Guide for Extended Drug Detection
The 6-month hair drug test guide explains how this test detects drug use up to six months prior through hair follicle analysis. It is ordered by employers, legal entities, and individuals requiring long-term substance monitoring. Collection is done at national labs including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your test.
What is a 6-month hair drug test?
A 6-month hair drug test is a laboratory analysis that detects drug metabolites in a hair sample, providing evidence of drug use over approximately six months. Unlike urine or saliva tests that detect recent use, hair testing can reveal patterns of substance use over an extended period.
This test analyzes a small sample of hair, typically 1.5 inches long, collected close to the scalp. Drugs incorporated into the hair shaft are chemically extracted and identified by specialized instruments at certified labs.
Who typically orders a 6-month hair drug test?
Employers, legal professionals, rehabilitation centers, and individuals often require 6-month hair drug tests to monitor compliance or evaluate long-term drug use history. This test is favored when a comprehensive detection window is necessary.
Common scenarios include pre-employment screening, probation monitoring, child custody cases, and rehabilitation follow-up testing.
What substances and detection window does the 6-month hair drug test cover?
The 6-month hair drug test detects a range of common drugs including amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, PCP, and synthetic opioids. Detection is based on the growth of hair at an average rate of about 0.5 inches per month, allowing analysis of the most recent 1.5 inches to cover roughly six months.
This method does not detect very recent drug use within the past 7 days, as hair near the scalp has not yet grown out. It is designed for retrospective analysis rather than immediate detection.
| Substance | Typical Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Amphetamines | Up to 6 months |
| Cocaine | Up to 6 months |
| Marijuana (THC) | Up to 6 months |
| Opiates | Up to 6 months |
| PCP | Up to 6 months |
| Synthetic opioids | Up to 6 months |
How is the 6-month hair drug test collected?
Hair collection for this test involves cutting a small sample of hair close to the scalp, usually from the crown or back of the head. The sample must be at least 1.5 inches in length to provide the six-month detection window.
Collection is performed at authorized national labs including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. The collector follows strict chain-of-custody and sample integrity protocols.
Hair samples can also be collected from body hair if head hair is not available, though this may affect detection accuracy.
Ready to Schedule Your 6-Month Hair Drug Test?
Call (877) 731-6362 to speak with an AMH Nationwide representative who will guide you through the process and direct you to a nearby collection site.
What happens after hair collection for the 6-month hair drug test?
After collection, the hair sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis using immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry when necessary.
Every non-negative result undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) who evaluates the findings and any legitimate medical explanations before releasing final reports.
Results are typically available within several days depending on the lab workload and test panel complexity.
How do I get started with a 6-month hair drug test?
To initiate a 6-month hair drug test, you must contact AMH Nationwide to obtain the lab order and instructions. AMH does not offer online ordering; all tests require direct communication to ensure proper routing and compliance.
Once you have the lab order, you will be directed to a convenient collection site from the five national lab networks. After collection, the laboratory completes the analysis and reports results to the requester.
For pricing, the cost varies depending on the test panel and detection window. Contact AMH at (877) 731-6362 for quotes and scheduling.
Common Questions
The test detects many commonly abused drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, PCP, and synthetic opioids. However, it does not detect every substance, so confirm with AMH about specific drug panels.
Results are generally available within a few days after the lab receives the sample. Timing can vary based on the laboratory and type of analysis required.
No. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair testing is used for non-DOT roles.
Body hair may be collected if head hair is insufficient. This can affect the detection window and results, so discuss options with AMH prior to testing.
No special preparation is required. Avoid using hair treatments that could alter test results, but routine hair washing is allowed.
You must contact AMH Nationwide by phone at (877) 731-6362 to receive the lab order and collection instructions. Online ordering is not available.
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.