--- title: "Nail Drug Test vs Hair Follicle Test" description: "Compare nail drug test vs hair follicle test near you with AMH Nationwide. Access 20,000+ collection sites and certified MRO. Call us now at (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-20" tags: ["follicle drug test near me"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/nail-vs-hair-follicle-drug-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-26" --- # Nail Drug Test vs Hair Follicle Test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 20, 2026 Compare nail drug test vs hair follicle test near you with AMH Nationwide. Access 20,000+ collection sites and certified MRO. Call us now at (877) 731-6362. --- Nail drug test vs hair follicle test differ mainly in sample type and detection window. Nail tests analyze fingernails or toenails to detect drug use over several months, similar to hair follicle tests but with some unique advantages. Both tests are processed through national labs and reviewed by certified Medical Review Officers. Call (877) 731-6362 for guidance on which test fits your needs. TEST BASICS ## What is the difference between a nail drug test and a hair follicle test? A nail drug test analyzes substances deposited in the keratin of fingernails or toenails, while a hair follicle test examines drugs embedded in hair shafts. Both tests detect drug use over extended periods, typically up to 90 days or more. Nail tests can sometimes detect drug use beyond the typical hair test window due to slower nail growth. [DETECTION WINDOW](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) ## How do detection windows compare for nail vs hair drug tests? Nail drug tests typically detect drug use from 7 days up to 6 months prior, depending on nail growth and sample length. Hair follicle tests generally detect drug use within the last 90 days, using a standard 1.5-inch hair sample. Nail tests may extend the detection window slightly longer because nails grow slower than hair. Nail Test: Detects drug use from 1 week to 6 months Hair Test: Detects drug use within 90 days Both tests analyze keratinized tissue where drugs accumulate SAMPLE COLLECTION ## How are nail and hair samples collected for drug testing? Nail samples are collected by clipping fingernails or toenails, typically requiring a minimum length to ensure accurate analysis. Hair samples are cut close to the scalp, usually from the crown, to provide a 1.5-inch length representing approximately 90 days of growth. Both collections are done at authorized sites directed by AMH Nationwide. Nail collection: Clipped nails, may include multiple nails Hair collection: Cut close to scalp, standard 1.5 inches Samples sent to one of five national labs: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, ExperTox TEST ACCURACY ## Which test is more accurate, nail or hair drug testing? Both nail and hair drug tests provide accurate long-term drug use detection when processed by certified labs. Each test type is reviewed by a Medical Review Officer to confirm results. Nail drug testing may be less susceptible to external contamination than hair testing, but hair testing is more established in employment and legal contexts. ## Need Help Choosing Between Nail and Hair Drug Tests? Contact AMH Nationwide to discuss your testing needs and get directed to an authorized collection site. Call (877) 731-6362. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) WHO USES THESE TESTS? ## Who typically orders nail drug tests compared to hair follicle tests? Hair follicle tests are commonly ordered by employers, legal entities, and rehabilitation programs for long-term drug use screening. Nail drug tests are often used when hair samples are unavailable or insufficient, or when extended detection beyond 90 days is desired. Both tests are non-DOT; DOT-regulated testing requires [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) under federal protocols. ORDERING PROCESS ## How do I order a nail or hair drug test through AMH Nationwide? AMH Nationwide provides lab orders and directs clients to local collection sites for both nail and hair drug tests. There is no online ordering; all requests require contacting AMH by phone. The collected samples are sent to a national lab network including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox for analysis. Call (877) 731-6362 to request a test AMH issues the lab order and directs to collection site No online ordering available Certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative results PRICING ## What are the cost differences between nail and hair drug tests? Pricing for nail and hair drug tests varies based on the specific drug panel and detection window required. Costs depend on the complexity of the test and laboratory fees. For an accurate quote and to discuss which test fits your needs, call (877) 731-6362. 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 Yes. Nail drug tests can detect drug use up to 6 months due to slower nail growth, slightly longer than the 90-day window of standard hair follicle tests. No. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair and nail tests are used for non-DOT purposes. If hair is insufficient or unavailable, a nail drug test can be used as an alternative since nails provide a similar long-term detection window. All non-negative drug test results from nail and hair samples are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as standard procedure. No. AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. You must call (877) 731-6362 to request lab orders and be directed to a collection site. Turnaround time varies by lab but typically ranges from several days to one week after sample collection and receipt by the lab. 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/nail-vs-hair-follicle-drug-test/