--- title: "How much is a hair follicle drug test" description: "How much is a hair follicle drug test? Costs vary by panel and detection window. Call (877) 731-6362 for detailed pricing and scheduling." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["how much is a hair follicle drug test", "how much is a hair follicle drug test | how much is a hair follicle test | how much hair for hair follicle drug test | how much hair for a hair follicle test | how much is a hair drug test | how much are hair follicle drug tests | how much for hair follicle drug test | how much is hair follicle drug test | how much is a hair test for drugs | how much is hair drug test"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/how-much-is-a-hair-follicle-drug-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # How much is a hair follicle drug test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 How much is a hair follicle drug test? Costs vary by panel and detection window. Call (877) 731-6362 for detailed pricing and scheduling. --- How much is a hair follicle drug test depends on the specific drug panel and detection period required. Hair follicle drug tests detect drug use over a 90-day window using a small hair sample. Pricing varies; call (877) 731-6362 to get a quote and schedule testing. COST FACTORS ## How much is a hair follicle drug test and what affects the cost? The cost of a hair follicle drug test varies based on the number of drugs tested, [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/), and lab network used. AMH Nationwide routes 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. Each lab may have slightly different pricing. The drug panel selected directly affects price. A basic panel testing for common drugs like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP costs less than an expanded panel including synthetic or prescription drugs. Detection window and urgency can also influence cost. Hair follicle tests detect drug use typically up to 90 days prior to collection, which is longer than [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) tests but requires specialized lab analysis. Number of drugs tested: more drugs increase cost Detection window length: standard is 90 days Lab network: five national labs used Turnaround time: expedited results may cost more SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS ## How much hair is needed for a hair follicle drug test? A hair follicle drug test requires approximately 1.5 inches of hair length, cut close to the scalp, and about 100 strands or the diameter of a pencil. This amount allows labs to analyze drug metabolites deposited in the hair shaft over about a 90-day period. If head hair is unavailable or insufficient, body hair may be collected but this can affect detection windows and test interpretation. AMH Nationwide guides collection sites on proper sampling. Proper sample collection and handling are critical to ensure accurate results and avoid contamination. Hair length: 1.5 inches from scalp Hair amount: roughly 100 strands or pencil thickness Sample location: head hair preferred, body hair alternative Collection method: precise cutting close to scalp WHO ORDERS ## Who orders hair follicle drug tests and why? Employers, courts, [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) officers, and individuals order hair follicle drug tests for their ability to detect long-term drug use. Employers use them for [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/) screening and random testing, especially in safety-sensitive roles not regulated by DOT. Courts and probation agencies order hair follicle tests to monitor compliance over months. Individuals may seek testing for personal knowledge or legal reasons. AMH Nationwide provides lab orders and directs clients to local collection sites. There is no online ordering; all test requests require contacting AMH at (877) 731-6362. LAB PROCESS ## What happens to hair samples during testing at the lab? Once collected, hair samples are sent to one of AMH Nationwide’s five national lab partners for analysis. Labs use advanced immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Every non-negative screen is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to interpret results, check for legitimate medical explanations, and ensure accuracy before reporting. This rigorous process ensures reliable, defensible results for employers and legal entities. ## Get Accurate Hair Follicle Drug Testing Pricing Pricing for hair follicle drug tests varies by panel and detection window. Call (877) 731-6362 to discuss your testing needs and receive a quote. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) DETECTION WINDOW ## How long can hair follicle drug tests detect drug use? Hair follicle drug tests typically detect drug use within the previous 90 days because drugs incorporated into the hair shaft remain stable over time. The 1.5-inch hair sample represents approximately 3 months of growth. This detection window is longer than urine or saliva tests, which detect recent use only within days. However, hair testing cannot reliably detect drug use within the past week due to the time it takes for hair with drug metabolites to emerge above the scalp. TEST LIMITATIONS ## Can hair follicle drug tests be affected by external factors or passive exposure? Hair follicle drug tests are highly accurate and resistant to tampering or passive exposure. External contamination is minimized by washing procedures in the lab before analysis. While passive exposure to drugs like marijuana smoke is unlikely to cause a positive result, heavy environmental exposure could theoretically deposit trace amounts, but confirmatory testing and MRO review help distinguish this. Hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing can affect results but do not invalidate 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](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing)-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 Costs vary depending on the drug panel and detection window. Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 for a specific price quote. Approximately 1.5 inches of hair length and about 100 strands, roughly the diameter of a pencil, are needed for accurate testing. Hair tests typically detect drug use within the past 90 days but cannot reliably detect use within the last 7 days due to hair growth timing. A certified Medical Review Officer reviews every non-negative screen to ensure accurate interpretation and to consider legitimate medical explanations. Hair treatments like bleaching or dyeing may affect test sensitivity but do not invalidate the test. Labs account for such factors during analysis. No. AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. All tests require contacting (877) 731-6362 to schedule and obtain lab orders. 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-much-is-a-hair-follicle-drug-test/