Accurate. Non-Invasive. Court-Admissible Testing with Test Smartly Labs
If you’re seeking fast, reliable drug testing that can detect long-term substance use, hair follicle testing is the gold standard. With detection windows of up to 90 days, hair drug tests are widely trusted by employers, courts, probation officers, and families alike.
At Test Smartly Labs, with multiple walk-in testing centers across Kansas City, MO and KS, we offer confidential, accurate, and professional hair drug testing—available for individuals and businesses.
What Is a Hair Follicle Drug Test?
Hair follicle testing detects drug and substance use by analyzing small samples of hair, typically taken from the scalp. This test identifies drug metabolites that are embedded in the hair’s keratin protein—allowing it to track substance use history for up to 90 days after ingestion.
Unlike urine or saliva tests, which offer a shorter detection window (24–72 hours), hair testing provides a long-term overview of drug use, making it ideal for:
-
Workplace drug testing
-
Court-mandated screenings
-
Child custody cases
-
Personal accountability
-
Substance abuse treatment programs
How Hair Follicle Drug Testing Works
When drugs are used, the active ingredients and their byproducts enter the bloodstream and are absorbed into the hair follicles. As hair grows, traces of these substances are “locked in” and can later be detected through lab analysis.
Collection Process:
-
A certified technician collects a small sample of hair (usually 100–120 strands)
-
Hair is cut as close to the scalp as possible
-
Head or body hair may be used (body hair provides a longer window but less precision on dates)
-
The sample is sent to a certified lab for analysis using GC/MS or LC/MS-MS technology
-
Results typically return within 3–5 business days
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing?
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 90-Day Detection Window | Most effective for identifying consistent or chronic drug use |
| Tamper-Proof | Difficult or impossible to cheat compared to urine or saliva testing |
| Non-Invasive Collection | No need to provide a bodily fluid sample |
| Court-Admissible | Meets strict chain-of-custody requirements for legal cases |
| Fast Results | Most tests return results in 3–5 business days |
| Multiple Substances Detected | Screens for cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, and more |
Find Hair Follicle Testing Near You
We proudly serve Greater Kansas City with walk-in and scheduled drug testing services. Visit one of our convenient Test Smartly Labs locations:
-
Kansas City (MO)
-
Independence
-
Overland Park (KS)
Find your nearest location here
What Can a Hair Follicle Test Detect?
Hair drug testing can identify use or misuse of:
-
Illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin)
-
Prescription drugs (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines)
-
Over-the-counter medications
-
Nicotine
-
Alcohol (optional ETG hair test)
Who Uses Hair Drug Testing?
Hair testing is widely used by:
-
Employers (DOT and non-DOT) for pre-employment, random, or post-incident testing
-
Family law attorneys and courts in child custody or parental fitness cases
-
Probation/parole officers and legal teams
-
Substance abuse counselors and clinics
-
Parents or concerned loved ones for private, non-legal testing
What to Expect & What to Bring
Prepare for Your Hair Drug Test:
-
Bring your government-issued photo ID
-
Bring any test authorization paperwork (if required by employer or court)
-
Be sure your hair is dry and free of excessive products
-
No artificial hair or wigs in the testing area
-
No nail polish if completing nail testing on the same visit
-
Walk-ins are welcome, but arrive 1–2 hours before closing to allow sufficient time
Note: We do not require your prescription information for collection. However, a licensed Medical Review Officer (MRO) may contact you post-test to verify prescription drug use.
Schedule Hair Testing for Your Workforce
Whether you’re screening for safety, compliance, or ongoing monitoring, Test Smartly Labs can bring hair follicle drug testing to your business—saving time and boosting efficiency. Learn more about our on-site drug testing for businesses.
Contact Us Today
For accurate, court-admissible hair follicle drug testing in Kansas City, trust the team at Test Smartly Labs. Call us, schedule online, or walk into any of our 5 local testing centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Your Hours?
All Test Smartly Labs are open Monday through Friday, from 9am – 5pm
Do We Need To Have An Appointment?
No appointment is required to come into our labs, and all of our locations are on a walk-in basis. However, it is recommended you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing. If your situation requires special time considerations, please call us to determine if it would be better to arrange an appointment time.
Do I Need Doctors’ Orders For Testing?
No doctors’ orders needed, we are a Direct-Access Testing Center. You are encouraged to consult your medical professional with your lab test results.
What’s The Turnaround Time For Lab Work?
Average turnaround time is 2-5 business days depending on the complexity of the lab work. Most tests are available in 2-3 days.
Do You Need A List Of My Medications For A Drug Test?
Per protocol, the lab techs are not allowed to receive or ask for your medications. A medical review officer or MRO, a licensed physician who specializes in toxicology, will call you and ask for your medications and your physician’s phone number if it’s detected in your sample during testing. The MRO will then call your physician to verify your medications.
Related Information
Understanding Drug Testing Types, Methods And Specimen Collection
Examining the wide assortment of drug testing options available and exploring the potential pros and cons of each method
There are several reasons or circumstances that can lead to the necessity of a drug test.
Prescription Drug Abuse: Signs, Symptoms and Statistics
Prescription drug abuse implies taking prescription medication was not given to you by the doctor, or taking your prescription medication in a manner that differs from the instructions. While taking prescription medication is not perceived as equivalent to taking illegal street drugs, the consequences can be equally harsh.
Why Do Businesses Need Random Employee Drug Tests?
Do you remember the last time you applied for a new job? Or perhaps you are a hiring manager at the business who has accepted many applications and interviewed potential hires. One common part of the hiring process is the pre-employment drug test. No matter what side of the process you are on, this drug test is designed to ensure that the company ends up with the best employees possible who will be able to perform their duties safely and successfully.
Whatever Lab Test, Drug Test Or DNA Test You Need, We’re Here To Help!
Test Smartly Labs is your one-source for a Direct-Access Lab Testing in Greater Kansas City. We partner with only the leading laboratories in the USA to provide accessible, affordable, and accurate lab tests, drug & alcohol tests, and advanced DNA testing. We specialize in local access for ALL TYPES of testing, and we make it super easy for you! Helping you take control of your health through lab testing is our only business!
