How long does drugs show up in hair follicle test
How Long Does Drugs Show Up in Hair Follicle Test for Accurate Detection
How long does drugs show up in hair follicle test depends on hair length and drug type, typically up to 90 days. Hair follicle testing detects drug use over months, unlike urine tests. AMH Nationwide processes samples through five national labs with certified Medical Review Officers. Call (877) 731-6362 for details.
How long does drugs show up on hair follicle test?
Drugs typically show up in a hair follicle test for up to 90 days after use. Hair grows about half an inch per month, and standard testing analyzes 1.5 inches of hair to detect drug metabolites deposited in the hair shaft.
This detection window is longer than urine or saliva tests, which only detect recent use. Hair testing is effective for identifying patterns of drug use over several months.
How does AMH Nationwide conduct hair follicle drug testing?
AMH Nationwide routes hair follicle samples through five national labs: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. This ensures consistent, reliable results.
The process begins with AMH providing the lab order and directing the requester to a nearby collection site. There is no online ordering for this test.
Once collected, samples are analyzed for drug metabolites. Any non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing.
Can hair follicle testing detect one-time drug use or passive exposure?
Hair follicle tests can detect one-time drug use if the drug metabolites have incorporated into the hair during the detection window. However, a single use may produce a lower concentration compared to repeated use.
Passive exposure to drugs, such as secondhand smoke, typically does not result in a positive hair test because the test detects metabolites inside the hair shaft, not external contamination.
Laboratories use wash procedures to remove external contaminants before analysis, improving test accuracy.
How does hair follicle testing compare to other drug tests in detection time?
Hair follicle testing has a longer detection window compared to urine, saliva, or blood tests. It detects drug use over months rather than days.
This makes hair testing suitable for employers, courts, or probation officers who require a comprehensive drug use history.
Urine tests detect recent drug use within 1 to 7 days, saliva tests within hours to a few days, and blood tests detect very recent use, usually within hours.
| Test Type | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Hair Follicle Test | Up to 90 days |
| Urine Test | 1 to 7 days |
| Saliva Test | Few hours to a few days |
| Blood Test | Hours |
Start Your Hair Follicle Drug Test Today
To schedule or learn more about hair follicle drug testing detection windows and procedures, call AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362.
Is hair follicle testing used for DOT-regulated drug testing?
Hair follicle testing is not used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive drug testing. DOT requires urine testing under the federally certified protocol specified in 49 CFR Part 40.
Hair testing may be used for non-DOT roles or other employment situations where a longer detection window is desired.
AMH Nationwide complies with all regulatory requirements and directs clients accordingly.
What does hair follicle drug testing cost?
Pricing for hair follicle drug testing varies depending on the drug panel selected and the detection window required.
To obtain a specific quote, please contact AMH Nationwide directly. There is no online ordering or pricing listing due to variable testing needs.
Call (877) 731-6362 to discuss pricing and testing options.
How do I get a hair follicle test through AMH Nationwide?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs you to a local collection site among over 20,000 nationwide locations.
There is no online ordering available for hair follicle testing. Contact AMH by phone to initiate the process and receive guidance on next steps.
After collection, samples are sent to one of five national labs for analysis with results reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer.
Common Questions
Hair follicle testing typically detects drug metabolites about 7 to 10 days after use, once the hair containing the metabolites emerges from the scalp.
Standard hair follicle testing analyzes 1.5 inches of hair representing roughly 90 days. Longer detection is possible with longer hair samples, but 90 days is standard.
Hair color may slightly influence drug binding, but certified labs use validated methods to ensure accurate detection regardless of hair color.
Hair follicle testing involves cutting a small sample of hair from the scalp. It is painless and non-invasive.
Hair follicle tests detect certain drugs but do not detect alcohol use. Other tests, such as blood or breathalyzers, are used for alcohol.
All non-negative hair follicle test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and interpret findings.
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.