--- title: "Hair ETG Alcohol Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide" description: "Learn the hair ETG alcohol test collection process step-by-step from ID check to lab submission. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your appointment." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["hair etg alcohol test collection process"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/hair-etg-alcohol-test-collection-process/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # Hair ETG Alcohol Test: Collection Process | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 Learn the hair ETG alcohol test collection process step-by-step from ID check to lab submission. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your appointment. --- The hair ETG alcohol test collection process involves verifying the donor’s ID, collecting a hair sample under strict chain of custody, and securely sending it to one of five national labs. This ensures accurate detection of alcohol use over several months. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your collection appointment. OVERVIEW ## What is the hair ETG alcohol test collection process? The hair [ETG](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-etg-alcohol-test/) alcohol test collection process is a controlled procedure that starts with verifying the donor’s identity and ends with sending the collected sample to a certified laboratory. It is designed to detect ethyl glucuronide (ETG), a metabolite of alcohol, in hair strands to provide a history of alcohol consumption over approximately 90 days. IDENTIFICATION ## What identification is required for the hair ETG alcohol test? To begin the hair ETG alcohol test collection process, the donor must present valid government-issued photo identification. This step ensures the sample is correctly linked to the individual being tested and maintains chain of custody integrity. Acceptable IDs: Driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID ID must be current and unexpired Collector verifies and records ID information SAMPLE COLLECTION ## How is the hair sample collected during the ETG alcohol test? The hair ETG alcohol test collection process involves cutting a small sample of hair close to the scalp, usually from the crown area. The sample size and length meet laboratory requirements to detect alcohol use over the past 90 days. Sample length typically 1.5 inches to 3.9 inches Amount of hair roughly the width of a pencil Hair is cut as close to scalp as possible Collection performed under direct observation to maintain chain of custody The collector places the hair sample in a tamper-evident container and seals it immediately to prevent contamination or substitution. CHAIN OF CUSTODY ## What does chain of custody mean in the hair ETG alcohol test collection? Chain of custody refers to the documented process that tracks the hair sample from collection through laboratory analysis to ensure its integrity and authenticity. Collector documents date, time, and location of collection Donor and collector sign custody form Sample sealed in tamper-evident packaging Sample shipped to one of five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox This process prevents sample tampering and ensures results are legally defensible. ## Ready to schedule your hair ETG alcohol test collection? Call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative who will direct you to a nearby collection site. Remember, AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) LAB ANALYSIS ## What happens to the hair sample after collection? After collection, the sealed hair sample is sent to a federally certified laboratory for analysis. The lab tests for ethyl glucuronide to determine alcohol use over the previous 90 days. Samples are analyzed only by the five national lab networks used by AMH Nationwide Non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer Results are reported to the test requester NEXT STEPS ## What should donors expect after the hair ETG alcohol test collection? Donors typically receive no direct contact unless a retest or clarification is required. The test requester obtains the results. The entire collection and testing process is confidential and compliant with regulatory standards. 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 10 to 15 minutes. This includes ID verification, sample collection, and completing chain of custody documentation. Certain hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing may reduce the detectable ETG level, but the test is designed to account for common cosmetic treatments. Collection is conducted by trained personnel at an authorized collection site following strict chain of custody procedures. No, DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair ETG testing is used for non-DOT purposes. If the sample does not meet laboratory requirements, the donor may be asked to provide another sample or an alternative test may be recommended. Laboratory analysis and Medical Review Officer evaluation typically take several days. The test requester will receive the final report. 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/hair-etg-alcohol-test-collection-process/