What comes up in a hair follicle drug test
Understanding What Comes Up in a Hair Follicle Drug Test for Reliable Results
What comes up in a hair follicle drug test includes a range of commonly abused substances such as opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, cannabinoids, and PCP. This test detects drug use within approximately 90 days by analyzing hair samples at certified labs. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange testing through AMH Nationwide.
What drugs come up on a hair follicle drug test?
A hair follicle drug test detects metabolites of several drug classes in a hair sample, reflecting drug use over about three months. Common drugs detected include: opioids (like heroin, morphine), cocaine, amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA), cannabinoids (THC), phencyclidine (PCP), and sometimes benzodiazepines or barbiturates depending on the testing panel.
The test analyzes the hair shaft where drug metabolites are deposited from the bloodstream during hair growth. This provides a longer detection window than urine or saliva tests.
How long after drug use can substances be detected in hair?
Hair follicle drug tests typically detect drug use within approximately 90 days. Hair grows about 0.5 inches per month, and labs usually test 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp to assess recent drug exposure.
This extended detection window is due to drugs being incorporated into the hair shaft from the bloodstream as hair grows. Unlike urine tests that detect recent use within days, hair tests provide a historical record of drug exposure.
How is a hair follicle drug test collected and processed?
Collection involves cutting a small sample of hair, typically from the crown of the head. If head hair is unavailable, body hair may be used. The sample is sent to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox for analysis.
Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to ensure accuracy and to verify legitimate medical explanations before reporting results.
Can a hair follicle drug test detect one-time or passive drug exposure?
Hair follicle tests are less sensitive to one-time or very recent drug use, as it takes approximately 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair above the scalp. Repeated or chronic use is more reliably detected.
Passive exposure, such as environmental smoke, rarely causes a positive result because the test detects drug metabolites inside the hair shaft, not external contamination. Labs use washing procedures to reduce false positives due to external exposure.
Need Accurate Hair Follicle Drug Testing?
Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your hair follicle drug test with AMH Nationwide and receive reliable results from certified labs.
Who orders hair follicle drug testing and why?
Employers, courts, probation agencies, and individuals may request hair follicle testing for its extended detection window and resistance to tampering. It is especially useful for monitoring long-term abstinence or verifying drug history.
DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine protocols; hair testing is typically used for non-DOT employment or legal purposes.
How do I get a hair follicle drug test through AMH Nationwide?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs you to one of over 20,000 nationwide collection sites. There is no online ordering; to schedule your hair follicle drug test, call (877) 731-6362.
Pricing varies by panel and detection window. Contact AMH for a quote. All testing is performed through accredited labs, with results reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer.
Common Questions
Hair follicle tests are less likely to detect a single drug use event because drugs take several days to appear in hair. Repeated or chronic use is more reliably detected over the 90-day window.
Results typically take 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives the hair sample. Complex panels or confirmatory tests may take longer.
Hair treatments and shampooing have minimal effect on drug metabolites inside the hair shaft. Labs also wash samples to remove external contaminants, maintaining test accuracy.
Hair follicle tests detect drug use over a longer period than urine tests, which reflect recent use. Both have high accuracy when properly collected and analyzed at certified labs.
Non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer who may contact the individual for medical explanations before releasing a final report.
Passive exposure rarely causes a positive result because the test detects metabolites inside the hair, not external residues. Labs use washing steps to reduce false positives.
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.