How do they do a hair follicle drug test
How Do They Do a Hair Follicle Drug Test for Reliable Results
How do they do a hair follicle drug test? This test collects a small hair sample, usually from the scalp, to detect drug use over the past 90 days. The sample is sent to one of five national labs for analysis, with results reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule a collection.
How do they do a hair follicle drug test?
A hair follicle drug test begins with collecting about 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp, typically from the crown area. The sample size is roughly 100-120 strands or a small pencil-width bundle.
The collected hair is sent to one of five national labs: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. These labs use advanced techniques to detect drug metabolites embedded inside the hair shaft.
AMH Nationwide does not provide online ordering. To initiate testing, call (877) 731-6362 to arrange a lab order and collection site.
How do they do a hair follicle test for drugs in detail?
The hair follicle testing process starts with a trained collector cutting the hair sample close to the scalp. Body hair may be used if scalp hair is unavailable but has a shorter detection window and is less preferred.
Once collected, the sample is sealed and sent under chain-of-custody procedures to a certified lab. There, the hair is washed to remove external contaminants before chemical analysis.
Labs use immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
What do they test for in hair follicle drug test?
Hair follicle drug testing can detect a wide range of substances, including common drugs of abuse and prescription medications. Testing panels vary based on the requester’s needs.
Typical substances tested include amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and synthetic opioids. Some panels also test for benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and methadone.
How do they test hair follicle for drugs regarding detection time?
Hair follicle drug testing detects drug use typically 7 days after ingestion and up to 90 days prior. This is because drugs incorporate into hair as it grows from the follicle, capturing a longer history than urine or saliva tests.
The standard sample length of 1.5 inches represents approximately 90 days of growth. Shorter hair or body hair may shorten the detection window.
Schedule Your Hair Follicle Drug Test Today
Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your hair follicle drug test lab order and find a convenient collection site near you.
Who orders and uses hair follicle drug testing?
Employers, courts, probation officers, and individuals may request hair follicle drug testing for its extended detection window and resistance to adulteration.
DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions require federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40; hair testing is used primarily for non-DOT roles or follow-up testing.
AMH Nationwide facilitates lab orders and directs clients to collection sites but does not provide online test ordering.
How reliable is hair follicle drug testing?
Hair follicle drug testing is highly reliable when performed by accredited labs following strict protocols. External contamination is minimized by washing procedures at the lab.
Every non-negative screen is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer who evaluates potential prescription use or other explanations before confirming results.
The test is not affected by passive exposure or short-term abstinence, making it difficult to evade detection through common adulteration methods.
How do they test a hair follicle drug test with AMH Nationwide?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order for hair follicle drug testing and directs you to a nearby collection site within our network of over 20,000 nationwide locations.
There is no online ordering. To start testing, call (877) 731-6362 to receive a lab order and locate a collection site.
After collection, the sample is sent to one of five national labs for processing and Medical Review Officer evaluation.
Common Questions
Hair follicle drug tests typically detect drug use from 7 days after ingestion up to 90 days prior. The 1.5-inch hair sample reflects approximately three months of growth.
Most standard hair follicle tests detect common drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and PCP. Additional panels can test for synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, and other substances.
No. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair follicle tests are used for non-DOT roles or follow-up testing.
A small sample of about 100-120 strands of hair is cut close to the scalp, usually from the crown area. Body hair may be collected if scalp hair is unavailable.
Labs wash hair samples thoroughly to remove external contaminants. The test detects drug metabolites inside the hair shaft, making external contamination unlikely to produce a positive result.
Call (877) 731-6362 to obtain a lab order and be directed to a collection site. AMH Nationwide does not offer online test ordering.
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.