--- title: "9-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn what a 9-panel hair follicle drug test what it screens includes. Detailed substance coverage for reliable results. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["9-panel hair follicle drug test what it screens"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/9-panel-hair-follicle-drug-test-what-it-screens/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # 9-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn what a 9-panel hair follicle drug test what it screens includes. Detailed substance coverage for reliable results. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule. --- The 9-panel hair follicle drug test what it screens includes nine specific drug classes detectable in hair samples. This test identifies use of substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and more over a 90-day period. It is used for non-DOT testing to assess long-term drug use. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange testing. TEST OVERVIEW ## What substances does a 9-panel hair follicle drug test screen for? A 9-panel hair follicle drug test screens for nine distinct drug classes by analyzing hair samples, providing a long [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) of approximately 90 days. The test detects drug metabolites deposited in the hair shaft, reflecting drug use over several months. Marijuana (THC): Detects recent and past use of cannabis. Cocaine: Identifies cocaine and its metabolites. Opiates: Screens for morphine, codeine, heroin, and related opioids. Amphetamines: Includes methamphetamine and amphetamine. Phencyclidine (PCP): Detects use of PCP. Benzodiazepines: Identifies drugs like diazepam and alprazolam. Barbiturates: Screens for phenobarbital and similar drugs. Methadone: Detects methadone use. Propoxyphene: Screens for this opioid pain medication. This panel covers a broad range of commonly abused substances, making it suitable for employers, legal cases, or rehabilitation monitoring where a comprehensive drug history is needed. PANEL DETAILS ## How does the 9-panel hair follicle drug test panel size affect detection? The number of panels in a hair follicle drug test corresponds to the number of drug classes screened. A 9-panel test covers more substances than smaller panels like 5-panel or 7-panel tests, increasing the scope of detection. 5-panel tests typically screen for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. 7-panel tests add benzodiazepines and barbiturates to the basic 5-panel. 9-panel tests include methadone and propoxyphene in addition to the 7-panel drugs. Choosing a 9-panel test provides a more extensive drug use profile, which is important when monitoring for prescription opioid use or certain prescription depressants not covered in smaller panels. TESTING PROCESS ## How is the 9-panel hair follicle drug test sample collected and processed? Sample collection involves cutting a small hair sample, usually from the scalp, approximately 1.5 inches long. This length reflects drug use over about 90 days, as hair grows roughly 0.5 inches per month. Collection is done at authorized sites nationwide through five lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to a collection site; there is no online ordering. After collection, the hair sample is sent to the lab for analysis of drug metabolites. Non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to ensure accuracy and legitimacy. This process ensures reliable results and chain of custody compliance for workplace, legal, or clinical drug testing. DETECTION WINDOW ## What is the detection window for drugs in a 9-panel hair follicle drug test? The 9-panel hair follicle drug test detects drug use approximately 7 to 90 days prior to the test date. Hair testing cannot detect very recent use within the past week due to the time required for metabolites to incorporate into hair. Hair grows about 0.5 inches per month; a 1.5-inch sample covers the last 3 months. Drugs are deposited in hair follicles as they grow, providing a historical drug use record. This long detection window offers an advantage over [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or saliva tests which detect recent use only. Because of the extended detection window, this test is useful for monitoring long-term abstinence or patterns of drug use rather than immediate intoxication. ## Schedule Your 9-Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test Today Call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative who will assist you in obtaining the lab order and locating a collection site near you. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) WHO USES THIS TEST ## Who typically orders a 9-panel hair follicle drug test? Employers, legal professionals, and treatment facilities commonly order 9-panel hair follicle drug tests to assess drug use history over several months. Employers use it for [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/) screening or random testing in non-DOT safety-sensitive roles. Legal cases may require this test for custody or [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) monitoring. Rehabilitation programs use it to verify compliance with abstinence requirements. This test is not used for DOT-regulated testing, which requires federally certified urine testing protocols under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair testing is preferred when long-term drug use history is needed. PRICING AND ORDERING ## How can I get a 9-panel hair follicle drug test and what does it cost? To obtain a 9-panel hair follicle drug test, you must contact AMH Nationwide by phone. We provide the lab order and direct you to a collection site within the five national lab networks we partner with. Pricing varies depending on the panel and detection window. For an exact quote or to schedule testing, call (877) 731-6362. There is no option for online ordering. 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 Yes, it detects certain prescription drugs like benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and propoxyphene included in the 9-panel, but not all prescriptions are covered. Hair follicle testing typically detects drug use from about 7 days after use up to 90 days due to hair growth and metabolite incorporation. No, DOT-regulated testing requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair follicle testing is used for non-DOT roles only. All non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer who verifies the findings before final reporting to ensure accuracy. Hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing may reduce drug metabolite levels but generally do not invalidate the test. Laboratories account for such factors. A small hair sample about 1.5 inches long is cut close to the scalp, usually from the crown area, to provide a 90-day drug use history. 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-what-it-screens/