What drugs are detected in a hair follicle test
What Drugs Are Detected in a Hair Follicle Test and Why It Matters
What drugs are detected in a hair follicle test depends on the substances used in the past 90 days. Hair follicle testing identifies drug metabolites from substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. This method offers an extended detection window compared to urine tests. Call (877) 731-6362 for testing details.
What drugs are detected in a hair follicle test?
A hair follicle test detects drug metabolites deposited in hair shafts from approximately the past 90 days. Commonly detected drugs include marijuana (THC), cocaine, opiates (such as heroin, morphine, codeine), amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA), and phencyclidine (PCP).
The test analyzes a small sample of hair, typically about 1.5 inches from the scalp, reflecting roughly three months of drug use. This method is effective for detecting chronic or repeated drug use rather than a single incident.
Which laboratories process hair follicle drug testing for AMH Nationwide?
AMH Nationwide routes hair follicle specimens through a network of five national laboratories: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Each lab meets strict accreditation standards such as SAMHSA, CAP, and CLIA.
This multi-lab approach ensures geographic availability and consistent, reliable results reviewed by certified Medical Review Officers.
How does hair follicle testing detect drugs?
Drugs consumed enter the bloodstream and deposit metabolites into the hair follicle as hair grows. These metabolites remain in the hair shaft and can be chemically extracted and identified using advanced techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Because hair grows approximately 0.5 inches per month, analyzing the first 1.5 inches of hair provides a detection window of about 90 days. This timeframe is longer than urine or saliva tests, which detect more recent use.
Can hair follicle testing detect one-time drug use or passive exposure?
Hair follicle testing is less sensitive to very recent or one-time drug use because it takes time for metabolites to incorporate into hair. Typically, drugs are detectable in hair within 7 to 10 days after use.
Passive exposure to drugs, such as secondhand smoke, is unlikely to produce a positive hair test result since metabolites must be metabolized internally and deposited into hair follicles.
Need a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
Contact AMH Nationwide to schedule your hair follicle drug test. Call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a testing coordinator today.
Is hair follicle testing used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions?
No, hair follicle testing is not approved for Department of Transportation (DOT) regulated safety-sensitive roles. DOT requires federally certified urine drug testing under 49 CFR Part 40 protocols.
Hair testing is used primarily for non-DOT employment, probation, legal cases, and individual requests where a longer detection window is desired.
How do I arrange a hair follicle drug test with AMH Nationwide?
AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering. To arrange a hair follicle test, you must contact AMH directly by calling (877) 731-6362. We will provide a lab order and direct you to a nearby collection site.
All non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accurate interpretation and reporting.
Common Questions
Hair follicle testing typically detects drug use within the past 90 days, based on hair growth rates and metabolite incorporation.
Yes, hair follicle tests detect marijuana metabolites such as THC-COOH incorporated into hair shafts.
Hair color and type can slightly influence drug metabolite absorption, but accredited labs account for these variables to ensure reliable results.
Standard hair follicle drug tests do not detect alcohol, but specialized tests for ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in hair are available separately.
Any non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer who may contact the individual to verify legitimate prescriptions or explanations before final reporting.
Costs vary depending on the drug panel and detection window. Call (877) 731-6362 for a detailed quote based on your testing needs.
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.