How is a hair follicle test done
How a Hair Follicle Test Is Done for Reliable Drug Detection
How is a hair follicle test done? This test involves collecting a small hair sample close to the scalp and analyzing it in certified labs to detect drug use over a 90-day window. The process is overseen by a Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy. Call (877) 731-6362.
How is a hair follicle test done?
A hair follicle test is done by collecting about 1.5 inches of hair from the scalp, typically from the crown area. The sample must be close to the scalp because drugs deposit in the hair shaft as it grows.
At AMH Nationwide, the hair sample is collected at one of our thousands of nationwide collection sites. The hair is then sent to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox for analysis.
The lab uses scientifically validated methods to detect drug metabolites embedded in the hair. After testing, any non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to confirm accuracy and rule out possible explanations such as prescription medications.
Who typically orders a hair follicle drug test?
Hair follicle drug testing is commonly ordered by employers, courts, probation officers, and individuals seeking reliable long-term drug use detection. It is especially useful when a detection window longer than urine or saliva tests is needed.
The test is not used for Department of Transportation (DOT) safety-sensitive roles, which require federally certified urine testing protocols under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair follicle testing is preferred for non-DOT roles due to its 90-day drug detection window.
What happens during hair follicle drug test collection?
During collection, a trained technician cuts a small hair sample, about 100-120 strands, from the donor’s scalp using scissors. The sample is taken as close to the scalp as possible to capture the most recent 1.5 inches of hair growth.
If scalp hair is not available, body hair may be collected, but this can affect the detection window and test interpretation. The technician documents the collection process, and the sample is sealed and sent securely to the lab.
There is no online ordering for this test. The requester must contact AMH Nationwide to schedule a collection at a convenient site. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange.
How is hair follicle drug testing done in the lab?
In the lab, the hair sample undergoes a washing procedure to remove external contaminants. Then, the hair is chemically digested to extract drug metabolites embedded inside the hair shaft.
The extracted substances are analyzed using advanced techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These methods provide highly specific and sensitive detection of drugs and their metabolites.
The lab reports are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to verify results and address any medical or prescription explanations for positive findings.
Need a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
Contact AMH Nationwide to schedule your hair follicle drug test at a convenient location. We coordinate with five national labs and ensure certified Medical Review Officer oversight. Call (877) 731-6362.
How long after drug use can hair follicle testing detect substances?
Hair follicle drug testing can detect drug use typically within 7 to 10 days after ingestion, reflecting the time it takes for hair to grow out from the scalp and incorporate drug metabolites.
The test covers approximately a 90-day detection window by analyzing 1.5 inches of hair. Longer hair samples can extend the window but are less common and may complicate interpretation.
This makes hair follicle testing valuable for identifying patterns of drug use over several months rather than recent or one-time use.
Are there limitations or factors affecting hair follicle drug test results?
Hair color, cosmetic treatments like bleaching or dyeing, and hair texture can affect drug metabolite incorporation and test sensitivity, though labs account for these variables during analysis.
Passive exposure to drugs is unlikely to cause a positive hair test due to the washing steps and metabolite detection inside the hair shaft.
Hair follicle testing does not detect very recent drug use within the past week, so it is not suitable for instant screening needs.
Common Questions
Hair follicle testing analyzes drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft over a 90-day window, while urine testing detects recent drug use typically within days. Hair testing provides a longer detection period and is less susceptible to tampering.
Hair follicle tests detect many common drugs including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine. The specific panel depends on the requester’s needs and the testing lab capabilities.
No, the test involves cutting a small sample of hair from the scalp. It is painless and non-invasive, similar to getting a haircut.
If scalp hair is unavailable, body hair may be collected, but this can affect the detection window and interpretation. Discuss options with AMH Nationwide when scheduling.
Results generally take several days to a week depending on lab workload and testing panel. A certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative results before final reporting.
Cosmetic treatments may reduce drug metabolite levels in hair but labs use washing and sensitive methods to minimize impact. It is important to disclose any hair treatments during collection.
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.