--- title: "7-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn the 7-panel hair follicle drug test collection process step-by-step. Understand ID, sample, and chain of custody. Call (877) 731-6362 to start." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["7-panel hair follicle drug test collection process"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/7-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-collection-process/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 7-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn the 7-panel hair follicle drug test collection process step-by-step. Understand ID, sample, and chain of custody. Call (877) 731-6362 to start. --- The 7-panel hair follicle drug test collection process involves verifying ID, collecting a small hair sample under strict chain of custody, and securely sending it to national labs. This method detects drug use over a 90-day period. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your collection appointment. OVERVIEW ## What is the 7-panel hair follicle drug test collection process? The 7-panel hair follicle drug test collection process is a step-by-step procedure to collect a hair sample that tests for seven common drug classes. This process ensures accurate and legally defensible results by following strict chain of custody protocols. The collection appointment typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. IDENTIFICATION ## What identification is required for the collection appointment? At the start of the 7-panel hair follicle drug test collection process, the donor must present valid, government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. This step confirms the donor’s identity and links the sample to the correct individual. Valid photo ID required ID must be current and unexpired No exceptions or substitutions allowed SAMPLE COLLECTION ## How is the hair sample collected during the 7-panel hair follicle drug test? A trained collector cuts a small sample of hair close to the scalp, usually from the crown or back of the head. The sample length is about 1.5 inches, which provides a [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) of approximately 90 days. If head hair is insufficient, body hair may be collected. The collector follows strict procedures to avoid contamination, including wearing gloves and using new cutting tools for each donor. Sample is about 100-120 strands of hair Cut close to scalp to ensure recent growth Collector documents sample location and length CHAIN OF CUSTODY ## What chain of custody steps are followed in the collection process? The 7-panel hair follicle drug test collection process includes a documented chain of custody to preserve sample integrity. The collector labels the sample container with the donor’s information and seals it in tamper-evident packaging. Both donor and collector sign custody forms to verify the handoff. Sample sealed in tamper-evident packaging Chain of custody form signed by donor and collector Sample sent 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 ## Ready to schedule your 7-panel hair follicle drug test collection? Contact AMH Nationwide to find a collection site near you and book your appointment. Call (877) 731-6362 to get started. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) DONOR EXPERIENCE ## What does the donor experience during the 7-panel hair follicle drug test collection? The donor experiences a straightforward, non-invasive collection appointment. After presenting ID, the donor sits while a small hair sample is cut. The process is quick and painless, with minimal discomfort. The donor observes the chain of custody steps and signs necessary paperwork. AFTER COLLECTION ## What happens after the hair sample is collected? After collection, the sealed sample is shipped to one of the five national lab networks for analysis. If the screen is non-negative, a certified Medical Review Officer reviews the results as part of standard processing. Results are then reported to the requester. Pricing varies by panel and detection window; call for a quote. 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 collection appointment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, including ID verification, sample collection, and paperwork. Yes, a donor can refuse, but refusal is treated as a positive result in many testing programs. The test screens for seven drug classes including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, methadone, and barbiturates. No, the sample collection is painless. It involves cutting a small amount of hair close to the scalp. Yes, if head hair is unavailable or insufficient, body hair may be collected as an alternative. Samples are sent to one of five national labs: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. 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/7-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-collection-process/