Hair Follicle Drug Test: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide
Hair Follicle Drug Test What It Screens and Panel Benefits
Hair follicle drug test what it screens depends on the panel size, detecting drugs used within the past 90 days. Common panels include 5, 10, or 12 substances covering opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and more. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule a collection at a national lab location.
What substances does a hair follicle drug test screen?
A hair follicle drug test screens for multiple drugs and their metabolites that have been deposited in hair shafts over approximately 90 days. The exact substances detected depend on the panel size ordered by the requester.
Standard panels typically include common drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). Expanded panels can detect additional substances including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and synthetic opioids.
How does panel size affect what a hair follicle drug test screens?
Panel size directly determines the range of substances detected. A larger panel increases the number of drugs screened, providing a broader detection scope.
Employers or agencies select panel sizes based on testing needs, regulatory requirements, or specific concerns about drug use.
| Panel Size | Substances Screened |
|---|---|
| 5-panel | Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamines, PCP |
| 10-panel | 5-panel plus Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Methadone, Propoxyphene, Ecstasy |
| 12-panel | 10-panel plus Synthetic opioids and other prescription drugs |
Call (877) 731-6362 to discuss which panel best fits your testing requirements.
What is the detection window for substances in a hair follicle drug test?
Hair follicle drug tests can detect drug use typically within a 90-day window. This is because drugs and their metabolites become embedded in the hair shaft as it grows.
This test is not effective for detecting very recent use within the last 5-7 days, as the hair containing those substances has not yet grown above the scalp.
How is a hair follicle drug test ordered and collected?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox.
There is no online ordering. To initiate testing, call (877) 731-6362 to arrange the lab order and schedule a collection at a nearby site.
Ready to Schedule a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your test with AMH Nationwide and access collection sites across the country.
What testing protocols apply to hair follicle drug tests?
Hair follicle drug tests are used primarily for non-DOT safety-sensitive roles, as the Department of Transportation mandates urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40 for regulated employees.
All non-negative hair test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm validity and rule out legitimate medical explanations.
How much does a hair follicle drug test cost?
Pricing varies based on the panel size and detection window required. Because panels range from 5 to 12 or more substances, costs differ accordingly.
Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 for a custom quote based on your testing needs.
What are the benefits of using a hair follicle drug test?
Hair follicle drug tests provide a longer detection window than urine or saliva tests, ideal for identifying drug use over several months.
This test is difficult to adulterate or tamper with, offering reliable results for employment screening or legal purposes.
Common Questions
Hair follicle testing typically detects drug use from 7 days up to 90 days prior. It does not reliably detect very recent use within the past week.
No, hair follicle drug tests vary by panel size. Larger panels detect more substances, while smaller panels focus on common drugs.
Employers, legal agencies, and rehabilitation programs often use hair follicle tests for long-term drug use screening.
DOT-regulated testing requires urine under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair follicle tests are used for non-DOT roles and have no federal mandate.
Prescription drugs can appear on hair tests if included in the panel. Medical Review Officers evaluate legitimate prescriptions to prevent false positives.
A small sample of hair, typically 1.5 inches long and close to the scalp, is cut from the crown area for testing.
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.