Hair test
Hair Test for Reliable Long-Term Drug Detection and Health Insights
A hair test provides a reliable method for detecting drug use over approximately 90 days. It involves analyzing a small hair sample at certified labs, with results reviewed by a Medical Review Officer. This test is used by employers, courts, and individuals. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule a collection.
What is a hair test and how does it work?
A hair test detects drug metabolites or substances embedded in the hair shaft, reflecting drug use over about 90 days. The test analyzes a small hair sample collected from the scalp or body.
Hair grows approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch hair sample typically covers a 90-day detection window. The sample is sent to one of five national labs: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox for analysis.
After lab analysis, all non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and rule out legitimate medical explanations.
How is the hair sample collected for testing?
A trained collector cuts a small amount of hair, about 100-120 strands or the width of a pencil, close to the scalp from the crown area. This ensures the sample represents recent growth.
The collection site is selected from AMH Nationwide’s network of over 20,000 locations nationwide. AMH provides the lab order and directs the requester to the collection site. There is no online ordering of tests.
Hair collection is non-invasive and typically takes only a few minutes. The sample is securely packaged and sent to a certified hair analysis lab for testing.
Who orders a hair test and why?
Hair tests are ordered by employers for pre-employment screening, random testing, or post-incident analysis. Courts and probation agencies also use hair testing to monitor compliance.
Individuals may request hair analysis tests for personal knowledge or health insights, including hair mineral tests or hair tests for nutritional deficiencies, but these are separate from drug detection tests.
Hair tests are preferred when a longer detection window is needed compared to urine or saliva tests.
What types of hair analysis tests are available?
Drug detection hair tests focus on identifying specific drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft. These tests provide a 90-day detection window and are used in safety-sensitive and legal contexts.
Hair mineral tests or hair analysis tests for nutritional deficiencies analyze mineral content or trace elements in hair. These tests are often requested by individuals seeking health data but are not used for drug screening.
AMH Nationwide specializes in drug, alcohol, and STD testing. For hair drug tests, the analysis is performed by nationally accredited labs following strict protocols.
| Test Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hair Drug Test | Detects drug use over 90 days |
| Hair Mineral Test | Assesses mineral and nutrient levels |
| Hair Analysis for Health | Evaluates exposure to toxins or deficiencies |
Schedule Your Hair Test Today
Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange a hair test through AMH Nationwide. Our network of certified collection sites and national labs ensures accurate, reliable results.
How accurate is a hair test and what are its limitations?
Hair tests are highly accurate for detecting drug use within the past 90 days, as drugs incorporate into the hair from the bloodstream. The five national labs AMH routes to use validated methods and are CAP and CLIA accredited.
Passive exposure to drugs is unlikely to cause a positive result due to the washing and preparation of hair samples in the lab.
Hair color, cosmetic treatments, and hair growth rate can slightly affect detection, but these variables are accounted for by the Medical Review Officer during result interpretation.
Hair tests do not detect very recent drug use within the last 7 days, as hair has not grown enough to contain metabolites.
How are hair test results processed and reported?
Once the hair sample arrives at a certified lab, it undergoes preparation, extraction, and analysis using immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory tests such as GC-MS or LC-MS/MS.
All non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) who evaluates medical explanations or prescription use before finalizing the report.
Results are typically available within 3 to 7 business days after collection and are securely reported to the authorized requester.
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and collection coordination but does not perform the analysis. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange testing.
How do I order a hair test and what does it cost?
AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. To arrange a hair test, contact AMH by phone at (877) 731-6362. AMH will provide the lab order and direct you to a nearby collection site.
The cost of a hair test varies depending on the drug panel and detection window requested. Pricing inquiries and quotes are available by phone.
Hair tests require in-person collection; no home collection or mail-in kits are available through AMH for drug testing purposes.
Common Questions
Yes, a hair test typically detects drug use within the past 90 days by analyzing metabolites deposited in the hair shaft as it grows.
Hair color may slightly influence drug incorporation, but certified labs and Medical Review Officers account for this to ensure accurate results.
Standard hair tests detect drugs, but specialized hair analysis tests can detect chronic alcohol use markers like ethyl glucuronide.
AMH Nationwide does not provide at-home hair analysis kits for drug testing; collections must be done in person at authorized sites.
Common substances include marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, and others depending on the panel ordered.
Results are generally available within 3 to 7 business days after the sample is collected and analyzed by the lab.
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.