--- title: "What is a hair follicle drug test" description: "What is a hair follicle drug test? It detects drug use over months with high accuracy. Call (877) 731-6362 for lab testing info and scheduling." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["what is a hair follicle drug test", "what is a hair follicle drug test | what is hair follicle testing | what is a hair follicle test | what do hair follicle drug tests test for | what's a hair follicle drug test | what do hair drug tests test for | what is a hair drug test | what is a hair follicle test for drugs | what is a hair test | what is a hair test drug screening"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/what-is-a-hair-follicle-drug-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # What is a hair follicle drug test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 What is a hair follicle drug test? It detects drug use over months with high accuracy. Call (877) 731-6362 for lab testing info and scheduling. --- What is a hair follicle drug test? It is a laboratory analysis that detects drug use by examining a small sample of hair, revealing substance use over a period of up to 90 days. This test is highly accurate and used by employers, courts, and probation agencies. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule a test or get more information. INTRODUCTION ## What is a hair follicle drug test? A hair follicle drug test is a type of drug screening that analyzes a small sample of hair to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites. Unlike [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or saliva tests that detect recent use, hair testing can identify drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. Hair follicle drug tests are commonly used by employers, courts, [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) officers, and individuals who need reliable long-term drug detection. The test involves collecting a small hair sample, usually from the scalp, which is then sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. [Detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/): up to 90 days Sample type: hair strands, usually scalp hair Use cases: employment, legal, probation, individual screening Lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, ExperTox TESTING PROCESS ## How does hair follicle testing work? Hair follicle testing works by detecting drug metabolites that enter the hair shaft from the bloodstream after drug consumption. As hair grows approximately 0.5 inches per month, the test can reveal drug use over several months by analyzing the length of the hair sample. The collection process involves cutting a small amount of hair close to the scalp, typically about 1.5 inches, which corresponds to roughly a 90-day detection window. The sample is then sent to one of five national labs for analysis. Every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and proper interpretation. Hair grows about 0.5 inches per month Typical sample length: 1.5 inches Detection window: up to 90 days Sample collection: painless, non-invasive Lab review: certified Medical Review Officer oversight SUBSTANCES TESTED ## What do hair follicle drug tests test for? Hair follicle drug tests screen for a range of commonly abused substances. The specific drugs tested depend on the panel ordered but typically include: Testing can detect drugs and their metabolites incorporated into the hair shaft, providing evidence of use over weeks to months. The tests do not detect alcohol use but can identify drugs such as opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, cannabinoids, and more. Amphetamines (including methamphetamine) Cocaine and its metabolites Opiates (morphine, codeine, heroin) Phencyclidine (PCP) Cannabinoids (THC metabolites) Benzodiazepines (when included) Synthetic opioids (like fentanyl, if panel ordered) TESTING LIMITATIONS ## What are the limitations of hair follicle testing? Hair follicle drug tests offer a long detection window but have limitations. They do not detect very recent drug use within the past 5 to 7 days because the hair containing the drug metabolites has not yet grown above the scalp. Additionally, hair color, texture, and cosmetic treatments can affect test results but laboratories use scientifically validated methods to minimize these impacts. Passive exposure to drugs in the environment is unlikely to cause a positive result due to the metabolites needing to be incorporated internally through the bloodstream. No detection of drug use within 5-7 days prior to test Cosmetic treatments may affect results but labs adjust for this Passive exposure does not produce positive results Not suitable for detecting alcohol use Hair sample length limits detection window ## Schedule Your Hair Follicle Drug Test Today Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange your hair follicle drug test at a nearby collection site. AMH Nationwide will provide the lab order and guide you through the process. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) WHO ORDERS THIS TEST ## Who uses hair follicle drug testing? Hair follicle drug tests are used by employers for [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/) and random drug screening, especially when long-term drug use history is relevant. Courts and probation agencies use these tests to monitor compliance with drug-free mandates. Individuals may also request hair drug testing for personal reasons such as family safety or legal cases. DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing does not use hair testing; it requires federally certified urine testing under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Employers for pre-employment and random screening Courts and probation monitoring Individuals for personal or legal purposes Not used for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing HOW TO TEST ## How do I get a hair follicle drug test? AMH Nationwide facilitates hair follicle drug testing by providing the laboratory order and directing you to one of over 20,000 nationwide collection sites. There is no online ordering; you must call to arrange testing. The collected hair sample is sent to one of five national labs: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. Results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer before reporting. Pricing varies by test panel and detection window. Call (877) 731-6362 for scheduling or more information. 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 Hair follicle drug tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days prior to the test by analyzing hair growth containing drug metabolites. No, hair follicle tests generally cannot detect drug use within the past 5 to 7 days because the hair containing metabolites has not yet emerged from the scalp. Hair follicle drug tests do not detect alcohol consumption. Other tests like blood or urine are used to assess alcohol use. Cosmetic treatments like bleaching or dyeing may impact results, but certified labs use validated methods to minimize these effects. No, DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing requires federally certified urine testing under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair testing is for non-DOT roles. All non-negative hair follicle drug test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and proper interpretation. 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/what-is-a-hair-follicle-drug-test/