--- title: "6-Month Hair Drug Test: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide" description: "Explore the 6-month hair drug test guide and understand its detection window and collection process. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your lab visit." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["6-month hair drug test guide"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/6-month-hair-drug-test-guide/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 6-Month Hair Drug Test: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Explore the 6-month hair drug test guide and understand its detection window and collection process. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your lab visit. --- 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. OVERVIEW ## 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](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) 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. PURPOSE ## 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](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) is necessary. Common scenarios include [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/) screening, [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) monitoring, [child custody](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-child-custody/) cases, and rehabilitation follow-up testing. Employers seeking extended drug use history Courts and legal entities for compliance verification Rehabilitation programs monitoring abstinence Individuals verifying drug-free status over time DETECTION WINDOW ## 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 | COLLECTION ## 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](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), 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. Sample length: approximately 1.5 inches Sample location: head hair preferred, body hair if necessary Chain-of-custody maintained throughout collection Performed at one of five national lab networks ## 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. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) PROCESS ## 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. GETTING STARTED ## 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. 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 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](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). 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. 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-guide/