--- title: "How is a hair follicle test performed" description: "Learn how is a hair follicle test performed for drug detection. AMH Nationwide provides reliable testing with certified Medical Review Officer review. Call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["how is a hair follicle test performed", "how is a hair follicle test performed | how is a hair follicle drug test performed"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/how-is-a-hair-follicle-test-performed/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # How is a hair follicle test performed **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 Learn how is a hair follicle test performed for drug detection. AMH Nationwide provides reliable testing with certified Medical Review Officer review. Call (877) 731-6362. --- How is a hair follicle test performed? This test involves collecting a small sample of hair, usually from the scalp, to detect drug use over the past 90 days. The sample is sent to one of five national lab networks for analysis and reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing information. OVERVIEW ## What is a hair follicle test and how is it performed? A hair follicle test is a drug screening method that detects drug metabolites embedded in hair strands. It is performed by collecting approximately 1.5 inches of hair from close to the scalp, usually from the crown area. This length represents about 90 days of drug use history. Once collected, the hair sample is sent to one of five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox for laboratory analysis. The results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and compliance with testing standards. COLLECTION PROCESS ## How is a hair follicle drug test performed during collection? The collection process for a hair follicle drug test is straightforward and non-invasive. A trained collector cuts a small sample of hair approximately the diameter of a pencil from the donor’s scalp, typically from the crown area. If scalp hair is unavailable, body hair may be collected, but this can affect the [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/). The hair sample is placed in a secure container and labeled to maintain chain of custody. The collector ensures proper documentation and seals the sample before it is sent to the designated lab network for testing. This process follows strict protocols to prevent contamination or tampering. LAB ANALYSIS ## How do labs analyze hair follicle samples for drugs? Labs use advanced techniques such as immunoassay screening followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to detect drug metabolites in hair samples. The analysis can detect a wide range of substances including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). The testing window typically covers drug use within the previous 90 days based on hair growth rates. Every non-negative result undergoes review by a certified Medical Review Officer who evaluates the findings and any relevant medical explanations before reporting final results. DETECTION WINDOW ## What detection window does a hair follicle test cover? A hair follicle test generally detects drug use within the past 90 days. Hair grows approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch hair sample can reveal drug metabolites deposited during that timeframe. This extended detection window makes hair follicle testing useful for employers, courts, and [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) agencies seeking long-term drug use history. It does not detect very recent use within the last 5 to 7 days because it takes time for drugs to incorporate into hair strands. ## Need a Hair Follicle Drug Test? Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule a test or get more information. AMH Nationwide directs you to a collection site near you with access to five major national lab networks. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) WHO ORDERS IT ## Who typically requests hair follicle drug testing? Hair follicle drug tests are commonly ordered by employers for [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/), random, or post-incident screening when long-term drug use history is relevant. Courts and probation departments may also use hair testing for compliance monitoring. Individuals may request this test for personal reasons or legal cases. AMH Nationwide facilitates all requests by providing lab orders and directing clients to nearby collection sites within our national network. TESTING PROTOCOLS ## Are there special protocols for hair follicle testing? Hair follicle testing is not regulated under the Department of Transportation (DOT) [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) testing rules, which require federally certified urine collection protocols under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Because hair testing is for non-DOT safety-sensitive roles, collection protocols focus on proper sample size, chain of custody, and lab accreditation. AMH Nationwide works with [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing)-aligned, CAP, and CLIA accredited labs to ensure reliable testing and certified Medical Review Officer oversight. 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-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 Yes, hair follicle tests can detect drug use typically up to 90 days prior because drugs are deposited in hair as it grows. No, the test only requires cutting a small hair sample from the scalp and is painless and non-invasive. Yes, body hair can be used but it may provide a less precise detection window due to different growth rates. Yes, every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm accuracy. No, AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. Call (877) 731-6362 to obtain a lab order and schedule collection. Hair follicle tests can detect substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP among others. 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-is-a-hair-follicle-test-performed/