--- title: "How long do drugs show up in hair follicle test" description: "Learn how long drugs show up in hair follicle test from AMH Nationwide. Understand detection windows and testing details. Call (877) 731-6362 for info." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["how long do drugs show up in hair follicle test", "how long do drugs show up in hair follicle test | how long do drugs show up on hair follicle test"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/how-long-do-drugs-show-up-in-hair-follicle-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # How long do drugs show up in hair follicle test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 Learn how long drugs show up in hair follicle test from AMH Nationwide. Understand detection windows and testing details. Call (877) 731-6362 for info. --- How long do drugs show up in hair follicle test depends on hair growth and drug use history, typically up to 90 days. Hair testing detects drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft, offering a long detection window. AMH Nationwide processes samples through five national lab networks with certified Medical Review Officers. Call (877) 731-6362. [DETECTION WINDOW](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) ## How long do drugs show up on hair follicle test? Drugs typically show up in a hair follicle test for up to 90 days after use. This is because hair grows approximately 0.5 inches per month, and standard testing analyzes the first 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp. The test detects drug metabolites that are deposited in the hair shaft from the bloodstream during hair growth, making it effective for identifying drug use over a three-month period. TESTING DETAILS ## What drugs can hair follicle testing detect and how accurate is it? Hair follicle testing can detect a variety of drugs including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamine, PCP, and synthetic opioids. It is highly accurate due to the stability of drug metabolites in hair. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to confirm accuracy and rule out potential false positives. Drugs detected: Marijuana, Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamines, PCP, Synthetic opioids Detection period: Up to 90 days Review: Certified Medical Review Officer evaluates all positives LAB NETWORKS ## Which labs process hair follicle drug tests for AMH Nationwide? AMH Nationwide routes hair follicle drug test collections through five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. This multi-lab approach ensures nationwide coverage and consistent testing standards aligned with [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing), CAP, and CLIA requirements. ORDERING & COLLECTION ## How do I get a hair follicle drug test through AMH Nationwide? AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs you to a collection site near you. There is no online ordering option for hair follicle tests. You must call (877) 731-6362 to initiate the process and schedule your collection appointment at one of over 20,000 nationwide sites. ## Ready to Schedule Your Hair Follicle Drug Test? Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to receive your lab order and find a collection site near you. Our nationwide network ensures convenient access and reliable testing. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) TESTING PROTOCOLS ## Is hair follicle testing used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions? Hair follicle testing is not accepted for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing, which requires federally certified [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair testing is primarily used for non-DOT roles due to its extended detection window and resistance to adulteration. LIMITATIONS ## Can a hair follicle test detect very recent drug use or one-time use? Hair follicle testing generally does not detect drug use within the first 5 to 7 days after consumption because the hair containing the drug metabolites must grow out from the scalp. One-time or very recent use may not be identified, but regular or repeated drug use within the past 90 days will be detected reliably. PRICING ## How much does a hair follicle drug test cost? Pricing for hair follicle drug tests varies depending on the test panel and detection window requested. To receive a specific quote, call (877) 731-6362 and discuss your testing needs with an AMH Nationwide representative. 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 Hair follicle testing usually detects drugs only after 5 to 7 days post-use, as the hair containing drug metabolites must grow out from the scalp. Standard hair follicle testing analyzes approximately 1.5 inches of hair, representing about 90 days of drug use history. Longer detection windows require special testing requests. Hair follicle tests detect drug metabolites incorporated into hair from the bloodstream, making passive exposure unlikely to produce positive results. Yes, all non-negative hair follicle test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and proper interpretation. Hair treatments may reduce the concentration of drug metabolites but generally do not prevent detection if drug use occurred within the detection window. Call (877) 731-6362 to receive your lab order and be directed to a nearby collection site. Online ordering is not available. 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-long-do-drugs-show-up-in-hair-follicle-test/