--- title: "9-Month Hair Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn the 9-month hair drug test collection process including ID verification and sample handling under chain of custody. Call (877) 731-6362 for details." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["9-month hair drug test collection process"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/9-month-hair-drug-test-collection-process/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 9-Month Hair Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn the 9-month hair drug test collection process including ID verification and sample handling under chain of custody. Call (877) 731-6362 for details. --- The 9-month hair drug test collection process involves verifying the donor’s ID, collecting a hair sample under strict chain of custody, and securely sending it to one of five national labs. This process protects sample integrity and ensures reliable testing for non-DOT safety-sensitive roles. Call (877) 731-6362. OVERVIEW ## What is the 9-month hair drug test collection process? The 9-month hair drug test collection process is a detailed procedure to collect a hair sample that reflects drug use over approximately nine months. It begins with identity verification and follows strict chain of custody protocols. The collected sample is then sent to one of five national labs for analysis. IDENTIFICATION ## What identification is required during the 9-month hair drug test collection? Donors must present a valid government-issued photo ID at the collection site to confirm identity. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. This step ensures the sample is linked to the correct individual and meets legal and regulatory requirements. SAMPLE COLLECTION ## How is the hair sample collected during the 9-month hair drug test? A trained collector cuts a small section of hair close to the scalp, usually from the crown. The sample size is about 100-120 strands, enough to represent drug use over nine months. The donor may feel minor discomfort but the process is quick and non-invasive. Sample length: approximately 1.5 inches to cover 9 months Collection site: crown of the head Sample amount: about 100-120 strands Method: cutting with scissors, no plucking CHAIN OF CUSTODY ## What does chain of custody mean in the 9-month hair drug test collection process? Chain of custody refers to the documented and unbroken handling of the hair sample from collection through laboratory testing. Every step is recorded, including collector and donor signatures, to ensure sample integrity and prevent tampering. Collector labels the sample container with unique identifiers Donor and collector sign the chain of custody form Sample is sealed and packaged securely Shipment is tracked to one of the five national labs ## Schedule Your 9-Month Hair Drug Test Collection Appointment To begin the 9-month hair drug test collection process, contact AMH Nationwide to find a collection site near you. Call (877) 731-6362. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) LAB NETWORKS ## Which labs perform the 9-month hair drug test analysis? AMH Nationwide routes samples to five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. These labs specialize in hair drug testing with certified procedures and Medical Review Officer oversight. AFTER COLLECTION ## What happens after the 9-month hair drug test sample is collected? After collection, the sealed sample and chain of custody form are sent to the selected lab for analysis. Any non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer. The final report is then provided to the requesting party as per instructions. DONOR EXPERIENCE ## What should donors expect during the 9-month hair drug test collection appointment? Donors should arrive with valid ID and expect a brief appointment. The collector will explain the process, verify identity, and collect the hair sample. The process is confidential, non-invasive, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. 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 No. A valid government-issued photo ID must be physically presented at the collection site to verify identity. The collection appointment typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, including ID verification and sample collection. No. DOT-regulated testing requires federally certified [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) protocols under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair testing is for non-DOT safety-sensitive roles. If hair is too short, alternative testing methods may be required. Discuss options with the collection site or contact AMH Nationwide. All non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing. No. AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your collection appointment. 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/9-month-hair-drug-test-collection-process/