Hair Follicle Drug Test: Which Test Do I Need | AMH Nationwide
Hair Follicle Drug Test Which Test Fits Your Long-Term Drug Screening Needs
Hair follicle drug test which test to choose depends on the detection window and testing purpose. This test detects drug use over 90 days, making it ideal for employers, courts, probation, and personal monitoring. It uses hair samples processed through national labs with MRO review. Call (877) 731-6362.
What is a hair follicle drug test and when is it used?
A hair follicle drug test analyzes a small hair sample to detect drug metabolites, providing a detection window of up to 90 days. It is used when long-term drug use history is needed rather than recent use.
Employers, courts, probation officers, and individuals use this test to verify extended abstinence or identify repeated drug use. AMH Nationwide routes collections through five national labs, including Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp.
When should employers choose a hair follicle drug test over other tests?
Employers select a hair follicle drug test when they require drug use history over weeks to months, such as for pre-employment screening or random checks where recent use detection is insufficient.
This test is preferred for safety-sensitive positions not regulated by DOT, as DOT requires urine testing with strict protocols. Hair testing provides a longer detection window but does not detect very recent use.
Is a hair follicle drug test appropriate for court or probation settings?
Hair follicle drug tests are often used in court and probation to monitor long-term compliance with drug-free mandates. It allows authorities to verify abstinence over an extended period.
Because of its long detection window, it is useful when short-term urine or oral fluid tests do not provide sufficient history. However, courts may still require urine tests to detect recent use.
When is a hair follicle drug test the right choice for personal drug monitoring?
Individuals may select hair follicle drug testing to monitor long-term drug abstinence or to verify a drug-free lifestyle over months. It provides more comprehensive information than urine or saliva tests.
Personal users should understand that hair testing cannot detect drug use within the past 7 days and that hair treatments may affect results. AMH directs clients to national labs for professional collection.
Need Help Choosing the Right Drug Test?
Call (877) 731-6362 to speak with an expert who can guide you in selecting the best hair follicle drug test or alternative for your specific situation.
How does the hair follicle drug test compare to urine, oral fluid, and nail tests?
| Test Type | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Hair Follicle | Up to 90 days |
| Urine | 1-4 days (varies by drug) |
| Oral Fluid | 12-48 hours |
| Nail | Up to 6 months but less common |
Hair follicle testing offers the longest standard detection window among common tests. Urine tests detect recent use and are required for DOT safety-sensitive roles. Oral fluid tests are for very recent use. Nail testing has a longer window but is less widely accepted.
What is the process for hair follicle drug testing through AMH Nationwide?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to a collection site affiliated with one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox.
Collections are professionally done with chain of custody protocols. Every non-negative result undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and reliability.
There is no online ordering. To initiate testing, call (877) 731-6362 to discuss your needs and receive guidance on the appropriate test.
Common Questions
Hair follicle drug tests commonly detect substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamine, PCP, and synthetic cannabinoids. The exact panel varies by test and should be confirmed when ordering.
Results typically take 3 to 5 business days after sample collection. All non-negative results are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer before final reporting.
Certain hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing may reduce drug metabolite levels in hair, potentially affecting test sensitivity. However, testing labs have methods to detect tampering or adulteration.
No. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires urine testing under federally certified protocols. Hair follicle testing is not approved for DOT compliance.
Cost varies depending on the drug panel and detection window. Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 for a quote tailored to your testing needs.
No. AMH Nationwide requires professional collection at authorized sites to maintain chain of custody and sample integrity for legal and employment purposes.
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.