--- title: "Hair Follicle Drug Test: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide" description: "The hair follicle drug test guide explains long-term drug detection, collection, and ordering. Learn how to get started. Call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["hair follicle drug test guide"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-guide/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # Hair Follicle Drug Test: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 The hair follicle drug test guide explains long-term drug detection, collection, and ordering. Learn how to get started. Call (877) 731-6362. --- The hair follicle drug test guide covers how this test detects drug use over up to 90 days by analyzing hair samples. It is widely used for employment, legal, and forensic purposes. Collection is simple and non-invasive at national lab sites. Call (877) 731-6362 to start your hair follicle drug test today. OVERVIEW ## What is a hair follicle drug test? A hair follicle drug test is a laboratory analysis that detects drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft. It identifies drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days, by examining a small sample of hair usually taken from the scalp. This test provides a longer [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) than [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or saliva tests, making it valuable for screening past drug use rather than recent consumption. USAGE ## Who orders hair follicle drug tests? Hair follicle drug tests are commonly ordered by employers, legal agencies, [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) officers, and rehabilitation programs. They are often used for [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/) screening, random drug testing, and compliance monitoring. Because of its extended detection window, it is preferred when long-term drug use history is relevant. It is not used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing, which requires urine testing under federal protocols. DETECTION WINDOW ## What is the detection window for hair follicle drug tests? Hair follicle drug tests detect drug use from approximately 7 days after use up to 90 days prior. Hair grows about half an inch per month, and a 1.5-inch sample is typically analyzed to cover this 3-month period. Drugs detected include cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, marijuana, PCP, and others depending on the panel ordered. Detection period: 7 to 90 days after drug use Sample length: about 1.5 inches of hair Common drugs tested: cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, marijuana, PCP COLLECTION ## How is the hair follicle drug test collected? Collection involves cutting a small sample of hair close to the scalp, usually from the crown of the head. The sample size is about 100-120 strands or the width of a pencil. The process is quick, painless, and non-invasive. The collected hair is sealed and sent 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 for analysis. No online ordering is available; AMH provides the lab order and directs the requester to an approved collection site. ## Ready to Schedule Your Hair Follicle Drug Test? Call (877) 731-6362 to get your lab order and find a collection site near you. Our team will guide you through the process. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) PROCESSING ## What happens after hair follicle collection? After collection, the hair sample is sent to the designated national laboratory for testing. The laboratory extracts drug metabolites from the hair and performs a screening test. If the initial screen is positive, a confirmatory test using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is performed. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to ensure accuracy and interpret findings. GETTING STARTED ## How do I get started with a hair follicle drug test? To start a hair follicle drug test, contact AMH Nationwide by calling (877) 731-6362. Our staff will provide the lab order and direct you to a nearby collection site within one of the five national lab networks. Pricing varies depending on the drug panel and detection window required. Call for a quote and to schedule your collection appointment. AMH does not offer 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 Hair follicle drug tests generally cannot detect drug use within the past 7 days because it takes time for metabolites to be incorporated into growing hair. Chemical treatments like bleaching or dyeing can reduce metabolite levels in hair but usually do not prevent detection. Laboratories account for this during analysis. Yes, body hair can be used as an alternative; however, detection windows may vary and are less precise than scalp hair samples. Results typically take 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives the hair sample, depending on the lab’s workload. No, AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs you to authorized collection sites within the five national lab networks. No, DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires urine testing under the federally certified protocol per [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair follicle tests are used for non-DOT roles. 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-follicle-drug-test-guide/