--- title: "How to remove metabolites from hair" description: "Learn how to remove metabolites from hair with facts from a certified lab. Understand detection limits and testing protocols. Call (877) 731-6362 for guidance." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["how to remove metabolites from hair"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/how-to-remove-metabolites-from-hair/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # How to remove metabolites from hair **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 Learn how to remove metabolites from hair with facts from a certified lab. Understand detection limits and testing protocols. Call (877) 731-6362 for guidance. --- How to remove metabolites from hair is a common question, but hair drug testing detects drug use through metabolites embedded in the hair shaft and cannot be reliably altered or removed once present. Hair testing covers a detection window of up to 90 days. For accurate information and testing services, call (877) 731-6362. INTRODUCTION ## What are metabolites in hair and why are they tested? Metabolites in hair are chemical byproducts of drug substances that become incorporated into the hair shaft from the bloodstream. Hair drug testing detects these metabolites to determine drug use over a period of up to 90 days. The test is used by employers, courts, and [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) agencies to obtain a longer-term drug use history compared to [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or saliva tests. [Detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/): up to 90 days Metabolites are drug breakdown products Incorporated via bloodstream into hair cortex Used for workplace, legal, and probation testing TESTING PROCESS ## How does hair drug testing detect metabolites? Hair drug testing involves collecting a small sample of hair, usually from the crown, which is then sent 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 sensitive analytical methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify specific drug metabolites embedded in the hair matrix. Sample collected at authorized site Analyzed by certified national labs Uses GC-MS or LC-MS/MS technology Results reviewed by certified Medical Review Officer REMOVAL MYTHS ## Can metabolites be removed from hair to alter test results? Metabolites are chemically bound within the hair structure, making them extremely resistant to removal or alteration. Attempts to remove metabolites using shampoos, bleach, or other home remedies do not reliably eliminate metabolites and often damage the hair without affecting test results. Hair testing is designed to detect such tampering. Laboratories also perform checks for hair damage or adulteration. Metabolites chemically bound in hair cortex Home remedies do not remove metabolites Tampering often detected by labs No reliable method to remove metabolites DETECTION WINDOW ## What is the detection window for metabolites in hair? Hair drug testing typically detects metabolites from drug use within approximately 7 to 90 days before the test. Hair grows about 0.5 inches per month, and the standard 1.5 inch sample covers roughly three months. Metabolites remain stable in the hair shaft and cannot be washed out or removed over time until the hair grows out and is cut. Standard sample length: 1.5 inches Detection period: up to 90 days Hair grows approx. 0.5 inch/month Metabolites remain until hair is cut ## Contact AMH Nationwide for Hair Drug Testing For accurate hair drug testing and answers about how to remove metabolites from hair, call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative and schedule your test. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) TESTING ACCURACY ## How reliable is hair drug testing for metabolites? Hair drug testing is highly reliable and specific due to advanced laboratory techniques and strict chain-of-custody procedures. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer who considers medical explanations and prescription drug use. The use of five nationally accredited labs ensures standardized testing quality and compliance with [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing), CAP, and CLIA guidelines. Advanced analytical methods used Five national lab networks involved Certified Medical Review Officer reviews results Compliance with SAMHSA, CAP, and CLIA ORDERING AND COLLECTION ## How do I get hair drug testing for metabolites? AMH Nationwide provides lab orders and directs individuals to one of over 20,000 nationwide collection sites for hair drug testing. There is no online ordering of tests; all orders must be placed by phone or through authorized requesters. Collection sites follow strict protocols to ensure sample integrity and proper chain of custody. Call (877) 731-6362 to request testing No online ordering available Access to 20,000+ nationwide collection sites Collection follows strict protocols 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 No, hair treatments like bleaching or shampooing do not remove drug metabolites embedded in the hair cortex. Labs can detect tampering and the metabolites remain present until the hair grows out. Metabolites can be detected in hair for up to 90 days after drug use, depending on hair length. The standard test uses 1.5 inches of hair, reflecting approximately three months of growth. Hair tests provide a longer detection window and are less susceptible to short-term abstinence or dilution than urine tests. Both have different uses depending on testing needs. Since hair testing detects drug use over weeks to months, recent use will generally be detected unless the hair sample is taken before metabolites reach the hair shaft, typically about 7 days after use. All non-negative hair drug test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer who verifies medical explanations and prescription drug use before final reporting. Yes, employers and other authorized requesters can contact AMH Nationwide by calling (877) 731-6362 to arrange hair drug testing and be directed to approved collection sites. 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-to-remove-metabolites-from-hair/