--- title: "9-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide" description: "This 9-panel hair follicle drug test guide explains detection windows, collection, and ordering. Learn how it works and who orders it. Call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["9-panel hair follicle drug test guide"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/9-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-guide/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 9-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 This 9-panel hair follicle drug test guide explains detection windows, collection, and ordering. Learn how it works and who orders it. Call (877) 731-6362. --- The 9-panel hair follicle drug test guide details a drug screening that detects nine drug classes in hair samples with a detection window up to 90 days. This test is used by employers, legal entities, and treatment programs for long-term drug use monitoring. Collection is at national labs including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Call (877) 731-6362 to begin testing. OVERVIEW ## What is a 9-panel hair follicle drug test? A 9-panel hair follicle drug test screens hair samples for nine different drug classes to detect drug use over an extended period. It identifies substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and others by analyzing hair follicles grown over approximately three months. This test is valued for its broad [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) and resistance to adulteration compared to [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) testing. ORDERING ## Who typically orders a 9-panel hair follicle drug test? Employers, legal agencies, and drug treatment programs commonly order the 9-panel hair follicle drug test to monitor long-term drug use. It is often used for [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/) screening, random testing, [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) compliance, and substance abuse monitoring where detection beyond recent use is required. DETECTION WINDOW ## What is the detection window for the 9-panel hair follicle drug test? The 9-panel hair follicle drug test detects drug use typically within the past 90 days. Hair samples reflect drug ingestion as the hair grows approximately half an inch per month, allowing detection of drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft over this period. This contrasts with urine tests that detect use in days rather than months. COLLECTION PROCESS ## How is the 9-panel hair follicle drug test collected? Collection involves cutting a small hair sample, usually 1.5 inches in length and about 100 strands, from the scalp close to the scalp surface. This sample is then sent to one of five national lab networks including [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox for analysis. The process is non-invasive and does not require urine or blood samples. ## Ready to Schedule Your 9-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test? Call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative who will guide you through the process and connect you to a collection site near you. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) LAB PROCESSING ## What happens after collection in the lab? After collection, the hair sample is analyzed for nine drug classes using advanced laboratory techniques. Every non-negative result undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm accuracy and rule out false positives. The lab network ensures strict chain-of-custody and quality control procedures are followed. GETTING STARTED ## How do I get started with a 9-panel hair follicle drug test? To start testing, contact AMH Nationwide by calling (877) 731-6362. AMH provides the lab order and directs you to a nearby collection site within their network. There is no online ordering. Pricing varies by panel and detection window, so call for a quote. AMH coordinates testing through five national lab networks ensuring nationwide access. 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, this test typically detects drug use from about 7-10 days after use, up to 90 days. The hair must grow enough to incorporate drug metabolites, so very recent use may not appear. Hair collection is non-invasive and painless. A small sample is cut close to the scalp, usually from the crown or back of the head. No, DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair follicle testing is used for non-DOT positions. The test typically screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamine, PCP, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and MDMA (ecstasy). Results are generally available within 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives the hair sample. No, AMH does not offer online ordering. You must call (877) 731-6362 to obtain the lab order and be directed to a collection site. 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-guide/