--- title: "9-Month Hair Drug Test: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide" description: "9-month hair drug test what it screens includes multiple substances depending on panel size. Learn specifics and detection details. Call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["9-month hair drug test what it screens"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/9-month-hair-drug-test-what-it-screens/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 9-Month Hair Drug Test: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 9-month hair drug test what it screens includes multiple substances depending on panel size. Learn specifics and detection details. Call (877) 731-6362. --- The 9-month hair drug test what it screens covers a range of substances based on the panel size, typically including amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, PCP, and marijuana metabolites. This test detects drug use over roughly nine months by analyzing hair samples collected at certified labs. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your collection. OVERVIEW ## What substances does the 9-month hair drug test screen for? The 9-month hair drug test what it screens includes detection of several drug classes through hair analysis reflecting approximately nine months of use. The standard panel usually screens for amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and marijuana metabolites. Panel sizes can vary, with extended panels adding substances such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and synthetic opioids. The exact substances tested depend on the specific panel ordered by the requester. Standard 5-panel: amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, PCP, marijuana Extended panels may add: benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, synthetic opioids Detection covers drug use up to approximately nine months via hair analysis PANEL VARIATIONS ## How does panel size affect what the 9-month hair drug test screens? Panel size directly determines which substances the 9-month hair drug test screens. A basic panel includes the most common drugs of abuse, while larger panels provide broader coverage of prescription and synthetic drugs. Requesters select the panel based on testing needs. For example, employment screening may focus on the standard 5-panel, while legal or clinical testing might require expanded panels. | Panel Size | Substances Included | | --- | --- | | 5-Panel | Amphetamines, Cocaine, Opiates, PCP, Marijuana | | 7-Panel | 5-Panel plus Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates | | 10-Panel | 7-Panel plus Methadone, Synthetic Opioids, Tricyclic Antidepressants | Choosing the right panel ensures the detection of relevant substances over the nine-month period captured by hair analysis. [DETECTION WINDOW](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) ## What is the detection window for the 9-month hair drug test? The 9-month hair drug test screens for drug use occurring within approximately the past nine months. Hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch per month, so a 4.5-inch hair sample is typically collected to cover this period. This long detection window makes the test suitable for verifying sustained drug abstinence or long-term usage patterns, unlike [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or saliva tests which detect recent use only. LAB NETWORKS ## Which labs process the 9-month hair drug test samples? Samples collected for the 9-month hair drug test are routed through 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 follow strict chain-of-custody and testing protocols. Every non-negative screen undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and reliability. ## Ready to Schedule Your 9-Month Hair Drug Test? Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your collection at a nationwide site and select the appropriate panel for your testing needs. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) ORDERING PROCESS ## How do I get a 9-month hair drug test? AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to an authorized collection site. There is no online ordering available for this test. To schedule a collection or request a specific panel, call (877) 731-6362. Pricing varies by panel size and detection window; call for a personalized quote. DOT TESTING ## Is the 9-month hair drug test used for DOT-regulated testing? The 9-month hair drug test is not used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing because DOT requires federally certified urine testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair testing is applicable for non-DOT roles where long-term drug use history is needed. The urine protocol remains the standard for DOT compliance. 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 standard panel screens for amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and marijuana metabolites, covering common drugs of abuse within the past nine months. Yes, extended panels can include prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and synthetic opioids depending on the panel ordered. A small hair sample, usually 4.5 inches long to cover nine months, is cut close to the scalp at an authorized collection site following chain-of-custody procedures. Yes, all non-negative hair drug test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing to confirm findings. No, the DOT requires urine testing under federally certified protocols. Hair testing is used for non-DOT testing only. Call (877) 731-6362 to obtain a lab order and be directed to a nearby collection site. 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/9-month-hair-drug-test-what-it-screens/