--- title: "How long does meth stay in a hair follicle test" description: "Learn how long meth stays in a hair follicle test. Hair testing detects meth use up to 90 days. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing info and scheduling." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["how long does meth stay in a hair follicle test"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/how-long-does-meth-stay-in-a-hair-follicle-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # How long does meth stay in a hair follicle test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 Learn how long meth stays in a hair follicle test. Hair testing detects meth use up to 90 days. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing info and scheduling. --- How long does meth stay in a hair follicle test? Meth can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days after use, making hair testing a reliable method for identifying past methamphetamine consumption. AMH Nationwide partners with five national lab networks to ensure accurate results. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule a test or learn more. [DETECTION WINDOW](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) ## How long does meth stay detectable in a hair follicle test? Methamphetamine stays detectable in hair follicles for approximately 90 days following use. Hair follicle testing analyzes a small sample of hair, typically from the scalp, to identify drug metabolites deposited in the hair shaft as it grows. This extended detection window is longer than [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or blood tests, which detect meth for a shorter period after use. Detection window: up to 90 days Sample: usually 1.5 inches of scalp hair Test type: identifies drug metabolites embedded in hair shaft Because hair grows about half an inch per month, a standard 1.5-inch hair sample reflects drug use over about three months. This makes hair follicle testing effective for employers, courts, or [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) officers who need to verify methamphetamine use over an extended timeframe. TESTING PROCESS ## What is involved in meth hair follicle testing? Meth hair follicle testing requires collecting a small hair sample from the individual, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. AMH Nationwide directs clients 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. The labs use advanced techniques to detect meth metabolites in the hair sample. Collection at nationwide sites Sample sent to certified labs Each non-negative result reviewed by a Medical Review Officer AMH Nationwide does not provide online ordering. To arrange testing or discuss specific panels, call (877) 731-6362. The process complies with [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing), CAP, and CLIA standards ensuring reliable and accurate results. PASSIVE EXPOSURE ## Can passive exposure to meth cause a positive hair follicle test? Passive exposure to methamphetamine, such as being in the same environment as meth smoke, is unlikely to result in a positive hair follicle test. Hair testing detects drug metabolites incorporated into the hair from the bloodstream, not external contamination. The lab’s washing procedures remove external contaminants before analysis. Metabolites detected are from bloodstream incorporation Lab washes hair samples to remove external contamination Passive environmental exposure rarely causes positive results This scientific approach ensures hair follicle tests specifically detect actual meth use rather than incidental contact. For accurate interpretation, a certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative results. TEST RELIABILITY ## How reliable is a hair follicle test for meth detection? Hair follicle testing is a reliable method for detecting methamphetamine use over a 90-day period. The test’s sensitivity to drug metabolites embedded in hair provides a longer detection window than urine or blood testing. AMH Nationwide’s use of five national lab networks ensures high-quality testing with strict chain-of-custody protocols. Long detection window up to 90 days High specificity for meth metabolites Certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative results This comprehensive approach minimizes false positives and ensures that results are accurate and legally defensible for employers, courts, and individuals. ## Schedule Your Meth Hair Follicle Test Today To arrange a methamphetamine hair follicle test or get more information, call (877) 731-6362. AMH Nationwide will connect you with a certified collection site and accredited lab for reliable results. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) DOT AND NON-DOT TESTING ## Is hair follicle testing used for DOT-regulated methamphetamine testing? Hair follicle testing is not used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions. The Department of Transportation requires urine testing following the federally certified protocol under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) for methamphetamine screening. Hair testing is available for non-DOT roles when longer detection windows are needed. DOT testing requires urine under 49 CFR Part 40 Hair testing is for non-DOT safety-sensitive roles AMH Nationwide offers both testing types through national labs For DOT compliance, methamphetamine testing must follow urine protocols. For other purposes like probation or employment screening outside DOT, hair follicle testing is an effective option. Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to discuss your testing needs. PRICING AND ORDERING ## How much does meth hair follicle testing cost and how do I schedule it? Pricing for meth hair follicle tests varies depending on the specific testing panel and detection window required. AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. To get a price quote or schedule a hair follicle test, call (877) 731-6362. Our team will direct you to a nearby collection site affiliated with one of the five national lab networks. Cost varies by panel and detection window No online ordering available Call (877) 731-6362 for quotes and scheduling All samples are processed at certified labs with results reviewed by a Medical Review Officer. This ensures accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards for drug testing. 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 can detect meth metabolites approximately 7 to 10 days after use because it takes time for the hair containing the drug to grow above the scalp surface. Yes, a single use of methamphetamine can be detected in a hair follicle test if enough hair is collected and the test panel is sensitive enough to identify low levels of metabolites. Hair color does not significantly affect meth detection. Labs analyze drug metabolites within the hair shaft, which is consistent across different hair colors. Hair treatments such as bleaching or dyeing can reduce the concentration of drug metabolites but usually do not eliminate all evidence of meth use in hair testing. Results typically take 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives the hair sample. All non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer. Hair follicle testing provides a longer detection window than urine testing but both are accurate when performed by certified labs. Hair testing is less invasive and detects use over months rather than days. 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-does-meth-stay-in-a-hair-follicle-test/