How long does hair follicle test take
How Long Does a Hair Follicle Test Take for Accurate Results
How long does hair follicle test take depends on collection, lab processing, and review steps. Typically, results are available within 3 to 5 business days after sample collection. Hair follicle testing detects drug use over up to 90 days. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule testing or get more information.
How long does a hair follicle test take from collection to results?
A hair follicle test usually takes between 3 to 5 business days from the time the hair sample is collected until final results are reported. This timeframe includes sample collection at a designated site, transportation to one of five national lab networks (Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox), laboratory analysis, and review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO).
The testing process involves specialized laboratory techniques to detect drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft, providing a detection window of up to 90 days. After the lab completes the chemical analysis, every non-negative result undergoes medical review to confirm findings and rule out legitimate explanations.
What steps are involved in hair follicle drug test processing?
Hair follicle drug testing follows a strict multi-step procedure to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. The process includes:
1. Sample Collection: A small hair sample, typically 1.5 inches in length, is collected from the scalp or other body area at an authorized collection site.
2. Sample Shipment: The collected sample is securely sent to one of the five national lab networks for testing.
3. Laboratory Analysis: Labs use immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
4. Medical Review Officer Evaluation: Any positive or non-negative findings are reviewed by a certified MRO to validate results and consider medical explanations.
5. Reporting: Final results are issued to the requester, usually an employer, court, or authorized individual.
How long does a hair follicle drug test detect drug use?
Hair follicle drug tests detect drug metabolites deposited in the hair shaft, typically reflecting drug use over the previous 90 days. This makes hair testing effective for identifying long-term patterns of use rather than recent or one-time exposure.
The standard sample length of 1.5 inches corresponds to approximately 90 days of hair growth. Shorter hair samples can reduce the detection window proportionally. It is important to note that hair follicle tests do not detect drug use within the past 5 to 7 days due to the time required for metabolites to incorporate into hair.
Who typically orders hair follicle drug testing?
Hair follicle drug testing is commonly ordered by employers, legal entities, probation or parole officers, and individuals requiring long-term drug use verification. It is preferred when a comprehensive drug history over several months is needed.
Because hair testing detects drug use over an extended period, it is less useful for immediate or recent drug exposure detection compared to urine or oral fluid tests. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing does not use hair testing due to federal urine protocol requirements under 49 CFR Part 40.
Ready to schedule your hair follicle drug test?
Call (877) 731-6362 to get your lab order and locate a nearby collection site. AMH Nationwide ensures accurate, timely results reviewed by certified Medical Review Officers.
Can hair follicle test results be trusted for accuracy?
Hair follicle drug tests are highly reliable when performed by accredited laboratories adhering to SAMHSA-aligned protocols. The involvement of certified Medical Review Officers ensures non-negative results are medically reviewed to prevent false positives.
AMH Nationwide routes all hair follicle samples through five national lab networks with CAP and CLIA certifications, ensuring strict quality control. However, passive exposure to drugs is unlikely to produce positive results due to the nature of hair metabolite incorporation.
How do I schedule a hair follicle drug test with AMH Nationwide?
To arrange a hair follicle drug test, contact AMH Nationwide by calling (877) 731-6362. We will provide a lab order and direct you to one of over 20,000 nationwide collection sites.
AMH does not offer online ordering. Pricing varies depending on the testing panel and detection window required. Call to receive a personalized quote and schedule your appointment.
Common Questions
Hair drug tests detect drug metabolites incorporated into hair approximately 5 to 7 days after use. The standard detection window covers up to 90 days, depending on hair length.
Hair follicle testing typically takes 3 to 5 business days for results after collection, which is generally longer than urine tests that can return results in 24 to 48 hours.
Yes, hair follicle tests can detect single instances of drug use if the drug metabolites have incorporated into the hair shaft during the detection window.
Yes, the standard 1.5 inch hair sample reflects about 90 days of drug use. Shorter samples reduce the detection window accordingly.
Hair follicle testing is not used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing, which requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40.
All non-negative hair follicle test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to verify results and consider any legitimate medical explanations.
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.