ChildGuard Hair Test: How It Works | AMH Nationwide
Understanding ChildGuard Hair Test How It Works for Precise Results
The ChildGuard Hair Test how it works involves collecting a small hair sample to detect drug use over an extended period. The sample is analyzed by one of five national lab networks with initial screening, confirmatory testing, and Medical Review Officer review. Call (877) 731-6362.
How is the hair sample collected for the ChildGuard Hair Test?
The hair sample for the ChildGuard Hair Test is collected by trained personnel at an authorized collection site. A small sample of hair, typically about 1.5 inches in length and a pencil’s width in diameter, is cut close to the scalp. This length represents approximately 90 days of hair growth, allowing for a comprehensive detection window.
The sample is collected from the crown or back of the head to minimize cosmetic impact. If head hair is unavailable, body hair may be used as an alternative. The collector ensures proper chain of custody documentation and seals the sample for transport to the lab.
Which labs analyze the ChildGuard Hair Test samples?
ChildGuard Hair Test samples are routed to one of five national laboratory networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Laboratories, United States Drug Testing Laboratories, or ExperTox. These labs have specialized capabilities in hair drug testing and adhere to strict quality standards.
Each lab performs analysis according to standardized protocols designed for hair drug testing, ensuring consistent and reliable results.
What is the analysis process for the ChildGuard Hair Test?
The analysis begins with an initial immunoassay screening to detect the presence of drugs or metabolites in the hair sample. If the screening is non-negative, the sample undergoes confirmatory testing using a highly sensitive and specific method such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
This two-step process reduces the chance of false positives and ensures that only confirmed drug use is reported.
How does the Medical Review Officer (MRO) contribute to the ChildGuard Hair Test process?
Every non-negative ChildGuard Hair Test result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO evaluates the laboratory findings in the context of the individual’s medical history and any legitimate prescription medications.
This review helps to confirm whether a positive result is consistent with authorized drug use or if further investigation is warranted before the final report is issued.
Ready to learn more about the ChildGuard Hair Test process?
Call (877) 731-6362 to discuss how the test works and arrange for lab order and collection.
What is the detection window for the ChildGuard Hair Test?
The ChildGuard Hair Test detects drug use over approximately 90 days, based on hair growth rates and the length of hair sampled. This extended detection window is longer than typical urine or saliva tests, which cover days to weeks.
Hair testing is useful for identifying patterns of drug use over months rather than recent use only.
How do you initiate a ChildGuard Hair Test?
AMH Nationwide provides the ChildGuard Hair Test lab order and directs the requester to an authorized collection site. There is no online ordering available. To initiate testing, you must call (877) 731-6362 to receive the lab order and collection instructions.
The requester cannot collect the sample themselves; collection must be done by trained personnel at designated sites.
Common Questions
While head hair is preferred for the ChildGuard Hair Test due to consistent growth rates, body hair may be used if head hair is insufficient. Body hair has a less precise detection window but still provides valuable drug use history.
Typically, lab analysis and Medical Review Officer review take several business days after sample collection. Exact turnaround times vary by lab network and testing volume.
The test primarily detects drug use from days to months prior because hair grows slowly. Very recent drug use within a few days before collection may not be detected.
Yes, any initial positive screening result undergoes confirmatory testing with GC-MS or LC-MS/MS to ensure accuracy before reporting.
The MRO reviews all non-negative results, considers medical explanations such as prescriptions, and determines if the result should be reported as positive.
Hair testing, including the ChildGuard Hair Test, is not approved for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions, which require federally certified urine testing protocols under 49 CFR Part 40.
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.