What does a court ordered hair follicle test for
Understanding What a Court Ordered Hair Follicle Test For Detects and Its Benefits
A court ordered hair follicle test for detects drug use by analyzing hair samples for drug metabolites, providing a detection window of up to 90 days. It is highly accurate and reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange testing through AMH Nationwide.
What does a court ordered hair follicle test for detect?
A court ordered hair follicle test detects the presence of drug metabolites in a hair sample, indicating drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. It is designed to identify substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP).
This test is commonly used by courts, probation officers, and employers to monitor compliance with drug use restrictions.
How long after drug use can a hair follicle test detect substances?
Hair follicle testing can detect drug use for approximately 90 days prior to sample collection. This extended detection window is due to drugs and their metabolites being deposited in the hair shaft as it grows.
Unlike urine or saliva tests which detect recent use, hair testing provides a longer-term overview of drug consumption.
Who typically orders a court ordered hair follicle test?
Courts and probation departments frequently order hair follicle tests to monitor individuals for drug use compliance during legal proceedings or supervision.
Employers may also request this test when long-term drug use history verification is necessary, especially in safety-sensitive or legal contexts.
AMH Nationwide facilitates these tests by providing lab orders and directing individuals to one of five national lab networks for sample collection.
What is the process for a court ordered hair follicle test at AMH Nationwide?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order for the hair follicle test and directs the individual to a collection site within one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox.
A trained collector takes approximately 1.5 inches of hair from the scalp, usually from the crown area. The sample is sent to the lab for analysis, and every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and validity.
Arrange Your Court Ordered Hair Follicle Test Today
Contact AMH Nationwide to obtain your lab order and schedule your hair follicle drug test at one of over 20,000 collection sites nationwide. Call (877) 731-6362.
Is hair follicle testing used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions?
Hair follicle testing is not accepted for Department of Transportation (DOT)-regulated safety-sensitive testing, which requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40.
However, hair follicle tests may be used for non-DOT roles where long-term drug use history is relevant.
Can a court ordered hair follicle test be beaten or affected by passive exposure?
Hair follicle tests are highly reliable and difficult to evade due to their long detection window and scientific analysis of drug metabolites within the hair shaft.
Passive exposure to drugs is unlikely to produce a positive result because the test detects metabolites formed inside the body, not just external contamination.
Attempts to cheat the test are detected during laboratory processing or by the Medical Review Officer’s review.
Common Questions
A small sample of hair, about 1.5 inches long, is cut close to the scalp, typically from the crown area. This sample reflects drug use over the prior 90 days.
Commonly tested drugs include marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Panels can vary, so contact AMH Nationwide for specific test options.
Results usually take several days to a week, depending on the lab network. Every non-negative result undergoes Medical Review Officer evaluation before reporting.
Hair treatments like dyeing or bleaching may reduce drug metabolite levels but generally do not prevent detection. Labs account for such factors during analysis.
The test is non-invasive and painless, involving only a small hair sample cut from the scalp without discomfort.
Call (877) 731-6362 to receive a lab order and directions to a nearby collection site within one of five national lab networks. AMH does not offer online ordering.
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.