What does a hair follicle test for
What Does a Hair Follicle Test Detect? Reliable Long-Term Drug Screening
What does a hair follicle test for? This test detects drug use by analyzing hair samples for drug metabolites, covering approximately 90 days of use. It is used by employers, courts, and individuals for accurate long-term drug screening. Collection is done at national lab sites. Call (877) 731-6362.
What does a hair follicle test for?
A hair follicle test detects the presence of drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft, reflecting drug use over the past 90 days. It is commonly used to screen for various substances including opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, cannabinoids, and PCP.
The test analyzes a small hair sample, typically 1.5 inches long, which represents about three months of hair growth. This method provides a longer detection window than urine or saliva tests.
What drugs does a hair follicle test for?
Hair follicle drug tests screen for multiple drug classes, including:
The standard panel includes opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana (THC), and phencyclidine (PCP). Additional panels may test for benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and synthetic opioids depending on the requester’s requirements.
How does a hair follicle drug test work?
During a hair follicle drug test, a small sample of hair is collected close to the scalp. The sample is sent to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox.
The labs analyze the hair for drug metabolites that have been absorbed into the hair shaft from the bloodstream. A certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative results to confirm findings and rule out legitimate medical explanations.
What is the detection window for a hair follicle drug test?
Hair follicle tests detect drug use typically within a 90-day window. This is because hair grows approximately 0.5 inches per month and the test examines about 1.5 inches of hair closest to the scalp.
This long detection window makes hair testing useful for employers, courts, and probation programs seeking to identify patterns of drug use rather than recent use alone.
Arrange Hair Follicle Drug Testing with AMH Nationwide
To schedule a hair follicle drug test, call (877) 731-6362. AMH Nationwide directs you to collection sites affiliated with major national labs ensuring accurate and certified testing.
How does a hair follicle test compare to urine drug tests?
Hair follicle tests provide a longer detection window than urine tests but do not detect very recent drug use within the past 1-7 days.
Urine tests detect recent drug use typically within 1-3 days for most substances. Hair tests detect use over months but cannot specify the exact timing of use within that period.
| Test Type | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Hair Follicle Test | Up to 90 days |
| Urine Drug Test | 1 to 3 days (varies by drug) |
Who orders hair follicle drug tests and why?
Employers use hair follicle tests for pre-employment screening and random testing to identify long-term drug use. Courts and probation agencies use them to monitor compliance over extended periods.
Individuals may also request hair testing for personal reasons or as part of legal or employment requirements. AMH Nationwide facilitates lab orders and directs clients to collection sites nationwide.
Common Questions
Yes, hair follicle tests can detect even a single use of many drugs because metabolites become embedded in hair. However, detection depends on hair length and timing relative to drug use.
Hair color can influence drug metabolite incorporation due to melanin content, but accredited labs use validated methods to minimize bias and provide reliable results.
Results typically take 3 to 5 business days after the lab receives the sample. Non-negative results undergo Medical Review Officer evaluation, which may add additional time.
Hair follicle testing for alcohol is possible but not standard. Specialized tests detect ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in hair to indicate chronic alcohol use rather than occasional drinking.
No, DOT-regulated drug testing requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair tests are used for non-DOT roles and other screening purposes.
Contact AMH Nationwide by calling (877) 731-6362. We provide the lab order and direct you to one of over 20,000 nationwide collection sites affiliated with major national labs.
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.