Drug Testing

What is a drug test?

Drugs are chemical substances that can change how your body and mind work. A drug test looks for signs of one or more illegal drugs or certain prescription medicines that can be misused. The test is usually done with a sample of your urine (pee). Less commonly, drug testing uses a sample of your blood, saliva (spit), hair, sweat, fingernails, or breath. The purpose of a drug test is to look for drug use and misuse, which includes:

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• Using any illegal drugs, such as cocaine or club drugs.
• Misusing prescription medicines, which means taking prescription medicines in a different way than you are supposed to. This can include crushing or snorting tablets, taking more than the prescribed dose, or taking it more often than prescribed. It also includes taking the medicines for a nonmedical purpose, such as to get high. Examples of drug misuse include using a prescription pain reliever to relax or taking someone else's prescription.

A drug test can check for a single drug or for a group of drugs in your body. Drug tests commonly test for:

• Alcohol
• Amphetamines, such as methamphetamine and Ecstasy (MDMA)
• Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital and secobarbital
• Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam or clonazepam
• Cocaine
• Marijuana (cannabis, THC)
• Opioids and opiates, such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Anabolic steroids

Drug tests can find signs of drugs that you took hours to several days or more before the test. How long a drug lasts in your body depends on:

• The type of drug
• How much you used
• How long you were using it before the test
• How your body reacts to the drug

Other names: drug screen, drug test, drugs of abuse testing, substance abuse testing, toxicology screen, tox screen, sports doping tests

What is it used for?

Drug testing is used to find out whether you have been using or misusing one or more drugs but can't diagnose a drug use disorder (addiction).

A drug test may be used for different purposes, including:

• Employment. Employers may require that you pass a drug test before they will hire you. The testing may be part of a drug-free workplace program. After you're hired, they may test you to check for on-the-job drug use. If you have a work accident, you may be tested to see whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
• Sports. Professional and other athletes are often tested for drugs that are used to improve performance, such as anabolic steroids that help build muscle.
• Substance use disorder treatment. Drug testing may be used to monitor treatment in programs for drug or alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• Legal evidence. Testing may be part of a criminal or motor vehicle accident investigation. Drug screening may also be ordered as part of a court case.
• To prevent prescription drug misuse. If you take a prescription medicine that can be addictive, such as opioids for chronic (long-term) pain, your provider may order a drug test to make sure you're taking the medicine correctly.

Drug testing may be scheduled ahead of time or done randomly without notice.

Why do I need a drug test?

You may be asked to take a drug test for a job, to participate in certain organized sports, or as part of a police investigation or court case. In a hospital emergency room, a health care provider may order a drug test if you have signs of a possible drug overdose. Newborns can also be tested for possible prenatal exposure to illegal drugs.

What happens during a drug test?

Drug testing may be done in many different locations, including labs, hospitals, drug treatment centers, and workplaces.

Urine is the most commonly used sample for drug testing. You will be given instructions for how to collect your sample. In certain cases, a health care professional or other person may need to be present while you provide your sample. This is to make sure the urine is yours and isn't contaminated with anything that might affect the test results.

If a blood sample is used to test for drugs, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

Be sure to tell the testing professional if you are taking any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or supplements, because these substances may affect your test results. Also, you should avoid foods with poppy seeds, which can show up as opiates in a drug test.

Are there any risks to the test?

There are no known physical risks to having a drug test. But if drugs show up in your results, it may affect your job, your eligibility to play sports, the outcome of a legal matter, or other parts of your life.

Before you take a drug test, make sure you know:

• What you are being tested for
• Why you are being tested
• How the results will be used

If you have questions or concerns about a drug test, talk with your provider or the person or organization that is asking for the test.

What do the results mean?

If a drug test result is positive, it means that one or more drugs were found in amounts that suggest drug use or misuse. If you have a positive test result, you'll usually have a follow-up test to make sure the first test was correct. That's because the type of urine testing that's often done first can have false positive results.

A false positive means that the test showed you had a drug in your sample when it really wasn't there. False positives can happen if the test reacts with other chemicals in your body from certain over-the-counter medicines, prescriptions, and foods.

The follow-up drug test after a false positive result is called a confirmatory test. It is a more sensitive test that provides more accurate results.

If a drug test result is negative, it means that either:

• The drugs that were tested were not found in your sample.
• A very small amount of drugs was found, but not enough to count as a positive test result for drugs.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Is there anything else I need to know about a drug test?

If you test positive for a legal drug prescribed by your provider, your employer can't punish you, unless the drug is affecting your ability to perform your job.

If you test positive for marijuana and live in a state where it is legal, employers may still be able to punish you in some states. Employers may do this because they want a drug-free workplace. Also, marijuana is still illegal under federal law.

The company is the world’s best Drug Of Abuse Tests supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

You can buy home tests for many illegal and prescription drugs. There are two types of tests:

• At-home tests let you do the entire test at home and get rapid results. But if the test result is positive for drugs, you'll need to have a follow-up lab test to check the accuracy of the result. Before you buy an at-home test, check to see if it includes a kit for collecting a sample, often urine or saliva, to send to a lab in case the home test is positive.
• A self-collection test has a kit for gathering urine, saliva, or another type of sample to send to a lab for testing. The price of some self-collection tests includes the cost of a follow-up lab test to check the accuracy of the test if it has positive results.

When using home tests, be careful to follow all the instructions. It's best to talk with your provider about using home drug testing so you can decide if it's right for your situation.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic: Health Library: Diagnostics & Testing [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c. Blood Tests; [reviewed Dec 06; cited Nov 11]; [about 16 screens]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/-blood-tests
2. FDA: US Food and Drug Administration [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Drugs of Abuse Home Use Test; [current as of Sep 27; cited Nov 13]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/drugs-abuse-tests/drugs-abuse-home-use-test
3. Drugs.com [Internet]. Drugs.com; c-. Drug Testing FAQs [updated Jun 10; cited Nov 13]; [about 11 screens]. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/article/drug-testing.html
4. Merck Manual Professional Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co., Inc.; c. Drug Testing [reviewed Dec; cited Nov 13]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/illicit-drugs-and-intoxicants/drug-testing
5. National Institute on Drug Abuse [Internet]. Gaithersburg [MD]: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Drug Testing; Nov [cited: Nov 13]; [about 12 screens]. Available from: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/drug-testing#drug-testing
6. Nemours KidsHealth [Internet]. Jacksonville (FL): The Nemours Foundation; c-. Getting a Blood Test; [reviewed Sep; cited Nov 11]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/blood-tests.html
7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [Internet]. Rockville (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Drug Testing Resources [updated Jul 19; cited Nov 13]; [about 8 screens]. Available from: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/drug-free-workplace/drug-testing-resources
8. Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c. 10-Panel Drug Test; [modified Sep 26; cited Nov 13]; [about 11 screens]. Available from: https://www.testing.com/tests/10-panel-drug-testing/
9. Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c. The Best At-Home Drug Tests of ; [modified Aug 14; cited Nov 13]; [about 29 screens]. Available from: https://www.testing.com/tests/at-home-drug-test/
10. Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c. Drug Testing; [modified Aug 4; cited Nov 13]; [about 9 screens]. Available from: https://www.testing.com/drug-testing/
11. Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c. Urine Drug Tests; [modified Feb 2; cited Nov 13]; [about 16 screens]. Available from: https://www.testing.com/tests/urine-drug-test/
12. Workplace Fairness [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): Workplace Fairness; c. Drug Testing; [cited Nov 13]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: https://www.workplacefairness.org/drug-testing-workplace

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

Drug Use Screening Tests

What are drug use screening tests?

Drug use screening tests are questionnaires you answer about your drug use. Drugs are chemical substances that can change how your body and mind work. They include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, tobacco, and illegal drugs.

Drug use can cause problems in your work, relationships, and health. Drug use can include taking illegal drugs or misusing prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Misusing medicines means that you are taking them for a nonmedical reason, such as to get high. It can include taking more than your prescribed dose or taking someone else's medicine. It can also mean taking medicine in a different way than you are supposed to, such as crushing and snorting tablets.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable, chronic mental disorder. The disorder may affect your brain and behavior. Symptoms of SUD include a pattern of using drugs or alcohol, even if it causes a problem in your life. The most severe form of SUD is addiction. If you have an addiction, you may continue to use the substance even though you know it can cause you harm. A drug use screening test can help your health care provider check for a substance use disorder, and if you have one, make an effective treatment plan for you.

Commonly used drugs include:

• Marijuana.
• Prescription opioid pain relievers, which include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine.
• Club drugs, which are drugs that are most often used by young adults at bars, concerts, nightclubs, and parties. Some types include:
  • Methamphetamines, which are stimulant drugs.
  • Hallucinogens, which are drugs that cause hallucinations (seeing, hearing, and/or feeling things that are not real). They include LSD and Ecstasy (MDMA).
• Cocaine, another type of stimulant drug.
• Heroin, an illegal opioid.

Substance use can also refer to the misuse of other substances, including alcohol and inhalants. Inhalants contain substances that people inhale (breathe in) to get high. They are often products easily bought and can be found in the home or workplace, such as paint thinner and certain types of glue.

Other names: Drug Abuse Screen Test (DAST); DAST-10; Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use (TAPS), substance abuse screening; Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT); Cut down Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener (CAGE) tool; Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble (CRAFFT) Screening Tool

What are they used for?

Drug use screening tests are used to check your risk of drug use or misuse and determine the best treatment for you. Some tests can also show if you are at low, moderate, or high risk for complications from drug use.

Why do I need a drug use screening test?

You may need a screening test if you have symptoms or behaviors that may be a sign that you are at risk for a substance use disorder. These include:

• An urgent need to take the drug on a daily or regular basis.
• Hiding your drug use from others.
• Making excuses to take the drug.
• Continuing to take the drug even if it causes problems in your personal relationships, work, school, and/or health.
• Building up a tolerance to the drug. That means you need more and more of the drug to feel its effects.

Many people who use or misuse drugs don't know or want to admit they have a problem. If your family, friends, or co-workers express concerns about your drug use, talk to your provider about getting a screening. Your provider may also recommend a screening if they notice signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder.

What happens during a drug use screening test?

Your primary care provider or a mental health provider may do a drug use screening. A mental health provider is a health care professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. Some mental health providers specialize in treating substance use disorders.

There are different types of drug use screening tests. Most of these questionnaires are also available online for self-testing. Each includes questions about your drug use and how it affects your life. The most commonly used drug use screening tests include:

• Drug Abuse Screen Test (DAST, also known as DAST-10). This test contains 10 yes or no questions about how much and how often you take drugs. It also asks if the drugs are causing problems in your life and health. The answers are scored on a point system. A score of 8 or more may indicate that you have a problem with drug use.
• Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use (TAPS). This test has two parts. The first section asks questions about your tobacco, alcohol, and other substance use in the past year. If you answer yes to using any of these substances, you will have additional questions in the second part. Your score will determine a risk level per substance.
• Cut-down Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener (CAGE). This test is often used to check for alcohol misuse, but it is also used for drug use. But it's no longer recommended because there are better tests available. The test contains the following yes or no questions:
  • Have you ever felt the need to cut-down on your drug use?
  • Do you ever feel annoyed when people criticize your drug use?
  • Have you ever felt embarrassed or guilty about your drug use?
  • Eye-opener: Have you ever used drugs first thing in the morning?
  Two or more "yes" answers may indicate signs of a substance use disorder.
• Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble (CRAFFT). This test is designed for teens and includes yes or no questions about drug and alcohol use, such as:
  • Have you ever ridden in a car driven by someone (including yourself) who was high or had been using alcohol or drugs?
  • Do you ever use alcohol or drugs to relax, feel better about yourself, or fit in?
  • Do you ever use alcohol/drugs while you are alone?
  • Do you ever forget things you did while using alcohol or drugs?
  • Do your family or friends ever tell you that you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?
  • Have you gotten into trouble while you were using alcohol or drugs?
  Two or more "yes" answers to these questions may indicate signs of a substance use disorder.

These questionnaires may be used along with an approach called Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). SBIRT helps to identify, reduce, and prevent risky substance use and find the best treatment. It focuses on helping you understand how substance use may affect your life, so you can make positive changes. If your test shows you have or are at risk for a serious drug use problem, a long-term treatment plan may be recommended.

Other screening tools may be available for specific groups, such as adolescents or pregnant women.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You don't need any special preparations for a drug use screening test.

Are there any risks to the test?

There is no risk in taking a questionnaire.

What do the results mean?

Results may show whether you have a substance use disorder and the severity of the problem. The results can help your provider develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Is there anything else I need to know about drug use screening tests?

Treatment for drug use depends on the type of drug and the severity of your substance use disorder. Treatment options may include:

• Brief or long-term counseling from a mental health provider who specializes in treating drug use.
• Support groups. There are different approaches and formats to drug use support groups. Talk with your provider to find a group and approach that's right for you.
• Medicine. Certain medicines can help establish normal brain function and decrease cravings for the drug. This may help prevent a relapse or return to the use of the drug. Medicines can also make it safer to handle the unpleasant and sometimes dangerous symptoms of withdrawal (symptoms that can happen when you cut back or stop taking drugs).
• Residential treatment programs. If you have a more serious drug problem, you may be helped by a stay in a facility that specializes in treating drug use. These facilities offer a range of treatment services. Stays can last anywhere from one month to a year, depending on your condition.

References

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

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