--- title: "Drugs Detected in a Hair Follicle Drug Test" description: "Learn which drugs are detected in a hair follicle drug test. Understand detection windows and testing specifics. Call (877) 731-6362 for lab testing info." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["Drugs Detected in a Hair Follicle Drug Test", "what does a hair follicle test detect", "drugs detected in hair test"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/drugs-detected-in-a-hair-follicle-drug-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # Drugs Detected in a Hair Follicle Drug Test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 Learn which drugs are detected in a hair follicle drug test. Understand detection windows and testing specifics. Call (877) 731-6362 for lab testing info. --- Drugs detected in a hair follicle drug test include a wide range of substances such as cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. This test offers a longer detection window than urine tests, typically up to 90 days. The test is highly reliable and resistant to tampering. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your hair follicle drug test. 1 ## What Does a Hair Follicle Test Detect? A hair follicle drug test detects the presence of drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft. Unlike [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) tests that detect recent use, hair follicle tests can reveal drug use over approximately 90 days. The testing analyzes a small sample of hair, usually 1.5 inches from the scalp, which reflects roughly three months of growth. The test identifies multiple drug classes by screening for specific metabolites deposited in the hair by the bloodstream after drug consumption. Drugs detected include marijuana (THC metabolites), cocaine, opiates (e.g., morphine, codeine, heroin), amphetamines (including methamphetamine), and PCP. Hair testing does not detect alcohol or synthetic cannabinoids reliably. The test uses sophisticated immunoassay screening followed by GC-MS or LC-MS/MS confirmation to ensure accuracy. Because hair testing reflects a longer detection period, it is preferred in employment and forensic settings that require evidence of sustained drug use rather than recent exposure. 2 ## Cocaine and Metabolites in Hair Testing Hair follicle tests detect cocaine and its primary metabolites, including benzoylecgonine and cocaethylene. These metabolites are incorporated into the hair from the bloodstream shortly after ingestion. Cocaine testing in hair provides a [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) of up to 90 days and is highly resistant to adulteration attempts. Cocaine cutoff concentration for screening is typically 500 pg/mg of hair. Confirmatory testing uses gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to validate positive results. Exposure to cocaine smoke may sometimes produce environmental contamination, but confirmatory tests differentiate ingestion from external exposure. Hair testing for cocaine is common in workplace drug testing and legal investigations due to its extended detection window and specificity. 3 ## Marijuana (THC) Detection in Hair Follicle Tests Hair tests detect the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, THC, as well as its metabolite THC-COOH. Since THC is fat-soluble, it binds to the hair shaft after entering the bloodstream. Standard hair drug testing panels screen for THC metabolites with a cutoff of 1 pg/mg of hair for screening and 0.1 pg/mg for confirmation. Detection window is generally up to 90 days, reflecting chronic or repeated use. Single-use detection sensitivity can vary due to hair type and individual metabolism. Hair testing cannot reliably detect very recent marijuana use due to the time it takes for hair growth to incorporate metabolites. Employers and legal entities often use hair follicle tests to detect long-term marijuana use, which urine or saliva tests may miss. 4 ## Opiates and Their Detection in Hair Testing Opiates such as morphine, codeine, and heroin metabolites are readily detected in hair follicle tests. The testing panel typically includes morphine, codeine, 6-acetylmorphine (6-AM, a heroin-specific metabolite), and oxycodone. Hair testing distinguishes between prescribed opiate use and illicit heroin use through metabolite profiles. Screening cutoffs for opiates are generally 300 pg/mg for morphine and codeine. 6-AM detection confirms heroin use, as it is not present in prescription opiates. Confirmatory testing uses LC-MS/MS or GC-MS methods to differentiate opiate metabolites. Hair testing is often used in pain management monitoring and forensic cases to verify long-term opiate use patterns. ## Schedule Your Hair Follicle Drug Test Today AMH Nationwide connects you to certified collection sites and five national lab networks for accurate hair follicle drug testing. All non-negative results undergo Medical Review Officer evaluation. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your test. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) 5 ## Amphetamines and Methamphetamine in Hair Testing Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, are included in standard hair drug test panels. These stimulants are incorporated into the hair shaft and detected as parent compounds or metabolites. The test distinguishes methamphetamine from other amphetamines due to specific metabolic markers. Typical screening cutoffs for amphetamines are 500 pg/mg. The presence of methamphetamine is confirmed alongside amphetamine to rule out false positives. Hair testing offers a detection window of up to 90 days, capturing repeated or chronic use. Because hair testing is resistant to common adulteration techniques, it is preferred for employment and legal drug screening involving stimulants. 6 ## Phencyclidine (PCP) and Other Less Common Drugs Detected Phencyclidine (PCP) is detected in hair follicle tests through its primary metabolite. Though less commonly tested than other drugs, PCP detection is included in extended panels. Other drugs such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and synthetic opioids may also be detected depending on the testing panel. PCP screening cutoff is typically 500 pg/mg of hair. Extended panels may detect prescription medications and novel psychoactive substances. Confirmatory testing ensures specificity and reduces false positives. Testing for less common drugs requires specific lab coordination and may affect the choice of national lab network. 7 ## How to Choose the Right Hair Follicle Drug Test Choosing the appropriate hair follicle drug test depends on the substances of concern, required detection window, and regulatory requirements. AMH Nationwide provides access to five national lab networks including [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox, each offering comprehensive hair testing panels with certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) oversight. For DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions, hair testing is typically non-DOT; urine testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) is required. Panels vary by number of drugs tested and detection cutoffs; call for specific test options and pricing. AMH does not facilitate online orders; all testing requires a lab order and collection at authorized sites. Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to discuss test options that fit your compliance or monitoring needs. 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 A hair follicle drug test typically detects drug use up to 90 days prior to the sample collection by analyzing approximately 1.5 inches of hair growth from the scalp. Hair follicle tests are not effective for detecting very recent drug use within the past few days because it takes time for metabolites to incorporate into hair as it grows. No. Hair follicle tests detect many common drugs like cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP, but they do not reliably detect alcohol or some synthetic drugs. AMH routes hair follicle drug tests through five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. DOT-regulated testing for safety-sensitive roles requires the federally certified urine testing protocol under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair follicle testing is used for non-DOT roles. Every non-negative hair follicle drug test result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing to confirm validity and interpret results. 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/drugs-detected-in-a-hair-follicle-drug-test/