7-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: FAQ | AMH Nationwide
7-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test FAQ for Reliable Drug Screening
The 7-panel hair follicle drug test FAQ covers common questions about this non-DOT drug screening method. It detects drug use over up to 90 days via hair samples collected at nationwide labs. AMH Nationwide coordinates lab orders and collection at sites including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule or learn more.
What is a 7-panel hair follicle drug test?
A 7-panel hair follicle drug test screens for seven common drug classes by analyzing a small hair sample. It detects drug metabolites embedded in hair strands, reflecting use over approximately the past 90 days. This test is used mainly for non-DOT workplace drug screening and legal or forensic purposes. AMH Nationwide arranges lab orders and directs clients to one of five national lab networks for collection.
Which drugs are included in the 7-panel hair follicle drug test?
The 7-panel hair follicle drug test detects these drug classes:
Each panel corresponds to a drug or drug family commonly screened in workplace and legal testing.
How long does the 7-panel hair follicle drug test detect drug use?
The 7-panel hair follicle drug test detects drug use over a period of up to 90 days. Hair grows about half an inch per month, and a standard test analyzes 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp. This allows detection of drug metabolites incorporated into the hair shaft during that time frame. This long detection window exceeds typical urine tests, making it useful for identifying chronic or past drug use.
Where and how is the hair sample collected for the 7-panel hair follicle drug test?
Hair samples for the 7-panel hair follicle drug test are collected at authorized collection sites managed by one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. The collector cuts a small amount of hair close to the scalp, usually from the crown area. The sample size is approximately 100-120 strands, about the diameter of a pencil. The process is non-invasive and does not require bodily fluids.
Schedule Your 7-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your lab order and find a nearby collection site within the national lab networks. AMH Nationwide will guide you through the process.
How are results processed and reviewed for the 7-panel hair follicle drug test?
After collection, the hair sample is analyzed at certified laboratories within the national lab networks. Any non-negative or presumptive positive result undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to verify accuracy and address possible legitimate explanations. This standard processing step helps ensure reliable and legally defensible results. Final reports are sent to the requester as directed by AMH Nationwide.
How do I arrange a 7-panel hair follicle drug test and what are the costs?
AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering for this test. To arrange a 7-panel hair follicle drug test, you must call (877) 731-6362 to place the lab order and receive collection site instructions. Pricing varies depending on the test panel and detection window specifics. Contacting AMH Nationwide directly will provide a tailored quote and scheduling assistance.
Common Questions
No, the 7-panel hair follicle drug test is not accepted for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing. DOT requires urine testing under the federally certified urine protocol in 49 CFR Part 40. Hair testing is used primarily in non-DOT roles.
Typically, about 100-120 strands of hair, approximately 1.5 inches in length, are collected. The sample is taken close to the scalp to reflect recent drug use within the past 90 days.
Certain hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing may reduce drug metabolite levels but generally will not prevent detection. Laboratories use sensitive methods to identify drug presence even in treated hair.
Results typically take 3 to 5 business days after the laboratory receives the hair sample. The Medical Review Officer reviews any positive findings before final reporting.
If head hair is unavailable or too short, body hair may be collected as an alternative. Detection windows may vary with body hair. AMH Nationwide can provide guidance during scheduling.
No special preparation is needed. Avoid cutting hair shortly before the test to ensure sufficient sample length. Inform the collector of any medications or supplements as they may be relevant during Medical Review Officer evaluation.
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.