--- title: "How do they do a hair follicle drug test" description: "Learn how do they do a hair follicle drug test with detailed steps and detection info. Call (877) 731-6362 for lab testing and scheduling assistance." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["how do they do a hair follicle drug test", "how do they do a hair follicle drug test | how do they do a hair follicle test for drugs | how do they do hair follicle drug test | how do they do hair follicle drug testing | how do they test a hair follicle drug test | what do they test for in hair follicle drug test | how do they test hair follicle for drugs | what can they test for in hair follicle drug testing"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/how-do-they-do-a-hair-follicle-drug-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # How do they do a hair follicle drug test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 Learn how do they do a hair follicle drug test with detailed steps and detection info. Call (877) 731-6362 for lab testing and scheduling assistance. --- 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. TEST OVERVIEW ## 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](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. These labs use advanced techniques to detect drug metabolites embedded inside the hair shaft. Sample collection is done at an authorized collection site directed by AMH Nationwide. Hair samples represent drug use approximately 7 to 90 days prior to collection. Non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy. AMH Nationwide does not provide online ordering. To initiate testing, call (877) 731-6362 to arrange a lab order and collection site. TEST PROCESS ## 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](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-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). Collection: Hair cut close to scalp, about 1.5 inches long. Chain of custody: Sample sealed and tracked to lab. Lab screening: Initial immunoassay tests for drug classes. Confirmatory testing: GC-MS or LC-MS/MS for precise identification. SUBSTANCES TESTED ## 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. Amphetamines (including methamphetamine) Cocaine and metabolites Marijuana (THC and metabolites) Opiates (morphine, codeine, heroin metabolites) Phencyclidine (PCP) Synthetic opioids (fentanyl, tramadol) Benzodiazepines and barbiturates (optional panels) DETECTION WINDOW ## 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](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) 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. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) WHO USES IT ## Who orders and uses hair follicle drug testing? Employers, courts, [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-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](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40); 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. TEST RELIABILITY ## 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. ORDERING & COLLECTION ## 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. 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 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. 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/how-do-they-do-a-hair-follicle-drug-test/