--- title: "how long does opiates stay in hair" description: "How long does opiates stay in hair? Hair drug tests detect up to 90 days. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing info and lab locations nationwide." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["how long does opiates stay in hair"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/how-long-does-opiates-stay-in-hair/" last_updated: "2026-08-31" --- # how long does opiates stay in hair **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 How long does opiates stay in hair? Hair drug tests detect up to 90 days. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing info and lab locations nationwide. --- How long does opiates stay in hair? Hair drug tests can detect opiates for up to 90 days after use due to drug incorporation in the hair shaft. AMH Nationwide uses accredited labs and certified Medical Review Officers to ensure accurate results. Call (877) 731-6362 for assistance. [DETECTION WINDOW](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) ## What is the detection window for opiates in hair? The detection window for opiates in hair extends up to approximately 90 days from the last use. Hair grows roughly one centimeter per month, and standard testing analyzes a 1.5-inch hair sample closest to the scalp, representing about three months of exposure. Unlike [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or blood, which detect recent use over hours or days, hair testing provides a historical record of drug intake, making it useful for identifying patterns over an extended period. Factors such as hair length, growth rate, and the segment tested influence the detection timeframe. Opiates detected in hair include substances such as morphine, codeine, heroin metabolites, and synthetic derivatives, with thresholds aligned to [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing) guidelines to control for environmental contamination. SCIENTIFIC BASIS ## How do opiates incorporate into hair and get detected? Opiates enter the hair matrix primarily through bloodstream diffusion during hair formation in the follicle. The drugs or metabolites bind to the hair’s keratin structure and remain stable over time. Additional minor incorporation routes include sweat and sebum deposition on the hair shaft, but these are secondary and controlled for in laboratory analysis. Laboratories use advanced techniques such as immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Cutoff levels for opiates in hair tests generally follow SAMHSA criteria, typically 1.0 pg/mg for morphine and codeine, to distinguish true positives from external contamination. FACTORS AFFECTING DETECTION ## Which factors affect how long opiates stay in hair? Several factors influence the detection duration and sensitivity of hair tests for opiates: – Hair color and type: Darker, coarse hair can bind more drug molecules than lighter hair. – Hair treatments: Bleaching, dyeing, or chemical straightening may reduce detectable drug levels, but laboratories account for this variability. – Frequency and quantity of drug use: Occasional use might produce lower concentrations, while chronic use results in more pronounced incorporation. – External contamination: Laboratories employ washing procedures and confirmatory tests to differentiate contamination from ingestion. – Individual metabolism and hair growth rate also contribute to variability. Hair Color: Dark hair binds opiates more readily than light hair. Chemical Treatments: Can reduce drug concentrations but do not eliminate detection. Use Patterns: Chronic use shows stronger, more consistent signals. External Contamination: Lab protocols minimize false positives. LAB NETWORKS ## How does AMH Nationwide ensure accurate opiates hair testing? AMH Nationwide routes all hair drug test specimens through five nationally recognized lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. This approach leverages their combined expertise and capacity. Each lab follows strict SAMHSA-aligned protocols under CAP and CLIA accreditation to maintain high standards of accuracy and reliability. A certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) reviews every non-negative hair test result to verify medical explanations and prevent false positives before reporting. AMH Nationwide directs clients to over 20,000 collection sites nationwide, ensuring professional sample collection and chain of custody. Because hair testing for opiates is not used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing, the federally certified urine protocol under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) is not required here. ## Need Accurate Opiates Hair Testing? Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule a hair drug test with AMH Nationwide. Access 20,000+ collection sites and reliable lab networks for definitive, SAMHSA-aligned results. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) CHOOSING HAIR TESTING ## When should you choose hair drug testing for opiates? Hair drug testing for opiates is ideal when you need a long-term drug use history, up to 90 days, rather than recent use detection. Employers conducting [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/) or forensic screening may prefer hair tests to monitor chronic use patterns. Courts and [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) agencies use hair testing for ongoing compliance verification over months rather than days. Individuals seeking a comprehensive overview of exposure can also benefit, provided they understand hair testing reflects longer-term use, not recent ingestion. Choose hair testing if you require a sample that is difficult to adulterate compared to urine and if the testing timeline aligns with your monitoring needs. TESTING PROCESS ## How does AMH Nationwide’s hair collection and testing process work? AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering; instead, clients call (877) 731-6362 to request a lab order and receive directions to the closest collection site. At the collection site, a trained professional collects approximately 50-100 strands of hair from the crown, cutting close to the scalp to secure the most recent growth segment. Samples are labeled, sealed, and sent to one of the five national labs for analysis under chain of custody procedures. Test results undergo initial immunoassay screening with confirmatory GC-MS or LC-MS/MS testing for any positive or inconclusive screens. Non-negative findings are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer who contacts the individual if necessary before releasing the final report. Typical turnaround times vary but generally range from 3 to 7 business days. 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 tests can detect opiates from a single use, but detection is more reliable with repeated or chronic use. Opiates incorporate into hair as it grows, so results depend on timing relative to the consumption and hair growth. Hair testing typically detects opiates about 5 to 7 days after use, which is the time required for the hair containing the drug to grow above the scalp surface for collection. Regular hair washing and shampooing have minimal impact on test results because drugs are incorporated inside the hair shaft. However, extreme chemical treatments like bleaching can reduce detectable levels. Yes, hair drug tests are widely accepted by courts, employers, and probation agencies due to their long detection window and reliable chain of custody procedures when conducted by accredited labs. Hair tests detect natural opiates such as morphine and codeine, as well as heroin metabolites like 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM). Some labs also test for synthetic opioids depending on the panel requested. Labs use extensive washing protocols and confirmatory testing with specific cutoff levels to ensure detected opiates result from ingestion rather than environmental contamination, reducing false positives. 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-opiates-stay-in-hair/