--- title: "9-Month Hair Drug Test: FAQ | AMH Nationwide" description: "Find detailed answers in the 9-month hair drug test FAQ. Understand detection, collection, and accuracy. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing details." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["9-month hair drug test faq"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/9-month-hair-drug-test-faq/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 9-Month Hair Drug Test: FAQ | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Find detailed answers in the 9-month hair drug test FAQ. Understand detection, collection, and accuracy. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing details. --- The 9-month hair drug test FAQ provides detailed answers about this long-term drug detection method using hair samples. This test detects drug use over approximately nine months by analyzing hair segments. The collection is routed through five national lab networks. Call (877) 731-6362 for more information. TEST BASICS ## What is a 9-month hair drug test? A 9-month hair drug test is a laboratory analysis that detects drug metabolites in hair samples representing about nine months of drug use history. Hair grows approximately half an inch per month, so a 4.5-inch hair sample is analyzed to cover this period. This test is used to identify past drug consumption in non-DOT safety-sensitive roles. [DETECTION WINDOW](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) ## How does the 9-month hair drug test detect drug use? The 9-month hair drug test detects drug metabolites deposited in the hair shaft as hair grows. Since hair grows about 0.5 inches per month, testing the most recent 4.5 inches of hair reflects drug use over nine months. Unlike [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) tests that detect recent use, hair testing provides a longer detection window. Drugs detected include cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP Hair samples must be at least 4.5 inches long to cover nine months The test cannot detect drug use within the past 7 days due to hair growth lag COLLECTION PROCESS ## How is the 9-month hair drug test sample collected? Sample collection involves cutting a small hair sample close to the scalp, usually from the crown. AMH directs the requester to a local collection site affiliated with one of five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. There is no online ordering; the test must be arranged by calling (877) 731-6362. LAB ANALYSIS ## What happens after the hair sample is collected? After collection, the hair sample is sent to one of the five national labs for analysis using specialized instrumentation. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to confirm findings and rule out legitimate medical explanations. This ensures accuracy and compliance with testing standards. ## Need a 9-Month Hair Drug Test? Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your test through AMH and access our network of national labs. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) TEST ACCURACY ## How accurate is the 9-month hair drug test? The 9-month hair drug test is highly accurate for detecting drug use within the specified period when properly collected and analyzed. External contamination is minimized by laboratory washing procedures. However, the test does not detect very recent use within about 7 days and is intended only for non-DOT safety-sensitive positions. ORDERING AND COST ## How do I arrange a 9-month hair drug test and what does it cost? To arrange a 9-month hair drug test, contact AMH by calling (877) 731-6362 to receive a lab order and collection site referral. There is no online ordering option. Pricing varies depending on the testing panel and detection window requested. Call for a specific quote tailored to your testing needs. 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 common drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Some labs may offer expanded panels, but detection depends on the drugs deposited in the hair over the nine-month period. If hair is shorter than 4.5 inches, the detection window is reduced accordingly. The test can still be performed for a shorter period, but nine months of history may not be covered. No. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires urine testing under the federally certified [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) protocol. Hair testing is only for non-DOT roles. Typically, results are available within 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives the sample. Timing may vary depending on the lab workload and panel complexity. Hair treatments may slightly affect drug metabolite levels, but labs apply washing procedures to minimize contamination. Significant chemical treatments can impact results, so it is important to disclose such treatments during collection. All non-negative hair drug test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) who evaluates findings and verifies any legitimate medical explanations before finalizing the report. 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-faq/