--- title: "9-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn the 9-panel hair follicle drug test collection process step-by-step. Understand what to expect during your appointment. Call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["9-panel hair follicle drug test collection process"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/9-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-collection-process/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 9-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn the 9-panel hair follicle drug test collection process step-by-step. Understand what to expect during your appointment. Call (877) 731-6362. --- The 9-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 one of five national labs. The donor experiences a quick, noninvasive procedure with professional oversight. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your collection appointment. IDENTIFICATION ## What identification is required for the 9-panel hair follicle drug test collection process? The 9-panel hair follicle drug test collection process requires the donor to present a valid government-issued photo ID at the appointment. This confirms the donor’s identity and prevents substitution or tampering with the sample. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. SAMPLE COLLECTION ## How is the hair sample collected during the 9-panel hair follicle drug test? During the collection appointment, a trained collector uses clean scissors to cut a small bundle of hair close to the scalp, typically from the crown area. The sample is about 1.5 inches long and roughly the diameter of a pencil. This length covers approximately 90 days of drug use history. Sample size: 50-100 strands of hair Cut close to scalp to ensure recent growth Noninvasive and painless procedure Collector documents the sample location and length CHAIN OF CUSTODY ## What is the chain of custody procedure for the 9-panel hair follicle drug test collection process? The chain of custody is a strict protocol to document and secure the hair sample from collection to laboratory testing. The collector labels the sample container with donor information and seals it in tamper-evident packaging. The donor and collector both sign custody forms to verify the sample’s integrity. Donor ID is verified and recorded Sample is labeled and sealed immediately Custody form signed by donor and collector Sample shipped 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 DONOR EXPERIENCE ## What does the donor experience during the 9-panel hair follicle drug test collection process? The donor undergoes a straightforward and noninvasive procedure lasting about 10 minutes. After ID verification, the collector selects the hair sample site and quickly cuts the required amount. The donor observes the sealing and signing of chain of custody forms. There is no discomfort or special preparation needed. ## Ready to Schedule Your 9-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test Collection? Contact AMH Nationwide by calling (877) 731-6362 to arrange your appointment at a nearby collection site. Our staff will guide you through the process. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) POST-COLLECTION ## What happens after the 9-panel hair follicle drug test sample is collected? After collection, the sealed sample is sent to one of five national laboratory networks for analysis. The labs perform testing according to strict scientific protocols. Any non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm accuracy before reporting. Test results are forwarded to the requester as directed. SCHEDULING ## How can someone schedule a 9-panel hair follicle drug test collection appointment? To schedule a 9-panel hair follicle drug test collection appointment, the requester must contact AMH Nationwide by phone. AMH provides the lab order and directs the donor to a nearby collection site. There is no online ordering option. Call (877) 731-6362 to start the process. 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 usually takes about 10 minutes, including ID verification and hair sample collection. If the donor’s hair is too short, alternative collection methods may be considered, but hair must be at least 1.5 inches long for this test. No, the collection is noninvasive and painless as it involves only cutting a small hair sample near the scalp. The test screens for nine drug classes, commonly including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, and others. A certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative screens to ensure results accuracy before reporting. 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-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-collection-process/