--- title: "What is tested for in a hair follicle test" description: "Learn what is tested for in a hair follicle test including common drugs detected. Understand the process and detection window. Call (877) 731-6362 for details." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["what is tested for in a hair follicle test", "what is tested for in a hair follicle test | what drugs are tested for in a hair follicle test | what drugs are tested for in a hair test | what drugs are tested for in hair follicle test | what drugs are tested in a hair follicle test | what drugs are tested in hair follicle test | what drugs are tested for hair follicle | what is tested in a hair follicle drug test | what is tested for in a hair follicle drug test"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/what-is-tested-for-in-a-hair-follicle-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # What is tested for in a hair follicle test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 Learn what is tested for in a hair follicle test including common drugs detected. Understand the process and detection window. Call (877) 731-6362 for details. --- What is tested for in a hair follicle test includes a panel of common drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. This test detects drug use over a 90-day period by analyzing hair samples. The process is reliable and results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362. TEST BASICS ## What is tested for in a hair follicle test? A hair follicle test screens for a variety of drugs by analyzing a small sample of hair. The primary substances tested include marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). The test detects drug metabolites embedded in the hair shaft, reflecting use over approximately 90 days. Hair follicle testing is often used by employers, courts, and [probation](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-probation/) officers due to its extended [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) compared to [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or saliva tests. DRUGS DETECTED ## What drugs are tested for in a hair follicle test? The standard hair follicle drug test panel includes multiple drug classes. Specifically, it tests for: Additional substances may be included depending on the testing panel requested by the ordering party. Marijuana (THC metabolites) Cocaine and its metabolites Opiates such as morphine, codeine, and heroin metabolites Amphetamines including methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy) Phencyclidine (PCP) TESTING PROCESS ## How does a hair follicle drug test work? A technician collects a small sample of hair, usually from the crown of the head, about 1.5 inches long which reflects approximately 90 days of drug use. The sample is sent to one of five national labs: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox. The labs analyze the hair for drug metabolites using advanced methods. If the initial screen is non-negative, a certified Medical Review Officer reviews the results to verify accuracy and rule out legitimate medical explanations. DETECTION WINDOW ## What is the detection window for drugs in a hair follicle test? Hair follicle tests can detect drug use typically within the last 7 to 90 days. The detection window begins approximately one week after drug use since it takes time for metabolites to be deposited in hair follicles. This extended window makes hair testing useful for identifying repeated or historical drug use rather than recent or one-time use. ## Need a Hair Follicle Drug Test? Contact AMH Nationwide to schedule your hair follicle drug test or discuss testing options. Call (877) 731-6362 for assistance. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) TEST LIMITATIONS ## Can hair follicle tests detect passive exposure or one-time use? Hair follicle testing is designed to detect active drug use, not passive exposure. Passive exposure generally does not result in sufficient metabolite levels to trigger a positive test. One-time or very infrequent drug use may be below detection thresholds, but repeated use will accumulate metabolites in the hair, increasing detection likelihood. ORDERING & COLLECTION ## Who orders hair follicle tests and how is collection arranged? Hair follicle tests are ordered by employers, courts, probation agencies, or individuals. AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to one of over 20,000 nationwide collection sites. There is no online ordering. To arrange testing or get a quote, call (877) 731-6362. Pricing varies by panel and detection window. REGULATORY ## Is hair follicle testing used for DOT-regulated drug screening? Hair follicle testing is not approved for Department of Transportation (DOT) safety-sensitive roles. DOT requires urine testing under the federally certified protocol outlined in [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Hair testing is used primarily for non-DOT roles and situations requiring longer detection periods. 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 tests detect drugs including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP by analyzing metabolites in hair samples. Hair follicle tests detect drug use from about 7 days up to 90 days after consumption due to the time needed for metabolites to embed in hair. Passive or secondhand exposure typically does not produce enough metabolites in hair to cause a positive result on a hair follicle test. No, DOT-regulated drug screenings require urine testing under strict federal protocols. Hair follicle tests are for non-DOT purposes. All non-negative hair follicle test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer to ensure accuracy and interpret findings. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange testing. AMH provides the lab order and directs you to a nearby collection site. 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-tested-for-in-a-hair-follicle-test/