A comprehensive drug test is a screening method designed to detect a variety of substances, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs. A comprehensive drug test can identify hundreds of substances, including those that go undetected during routine testing. These tests play a crucial role in employment screening and are useful for identifying and treating addiction.
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In this blog, we look at what comprehensive drug testing entails, the science behind it, how to interpret test results, and more.
A comprehensive drug test is designed to look for hundreds of prescription and non-prescription medications, as well as illicit drugs and even alcohol. These highly sensitive and specific tests can easily identify substances in blood and urine that other tests fail to detect, making them a powerful tool for workplace and overall health screening.
Comprehensive drug panels detect many more substances than other targeted drug tests, which may only discover a certain subset of drugs or medications. Thus, these tests are considered &#;comprehensive&#; because they screen for a wide range of substances.
Some of the drugs that comprehensive drug screens detect include:
There are many reasons employers may wish to consider implementing comprehensive drug testing for their workforces. Comprehensive drug tests can reveal whether an employee or prospective employee is using substances that could impact their ability to do their jobs effectively, resulting in greater worker productivity. They can also be an effective tool for maintaining a safe and happier working environment for everyone.
Comprehensive drug screening can also help organizations reduce liability and save money. The National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence estimates that substance use disorders cost companies $81 billion annually through lost productivity and absenteeism, turnover and recruitment costs, workplace accidents, healthcare expenses, and more. Testing can identify employees who might be engaging in substance abuse and mitigate these costs.
Most importantly, comprehensive drug tests can lead to employees getting the treatment they need to help them become healthier. Thus, comprehensive drug testing does not just improve a company&#;s bottom line; it can improve employees&#; lives.
There are several types of comprehensive drug tests, each with its own unique processes, benefits, and limitations. Here, we&#;ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of comprehensive urine and blood tests, as well as a few other lesser-known testing methods.
A urine drug screen is the most commonly used comprehensive drug test method. They are painless, easy, and cost-effective.
With a urine test, a person simply urinates into a plastic container and provides the sample to a technician or doctor. The person collecting the sample then measures the temperature of the sample to ensure it is suitable for testing. If it is, the sample is sealed in a plastic bag and sent to a laboratory for a urinalysis. Results are usually available within a few days or, in some cases, on the same day.
A physician or medical review officer will evaluate the test results and explain their findings to the test subject. In the case of a positive test, the subject may be asked to re-test to ensure that the results are accurate.
Urine tests are not the only type of comprehensive drug screen. Other methods include:
Urine drug screens are usually very accurate, but false positives are possible. In general, immunoassay (IA) urine tests are more prone to false positive results than gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) tests. In fact, GC-MS tests are often used to confirm the results of IA tests. GC-MS tests can also detect more substances, making them the most comprehensive of all urine drug screens.
GC-MS combines gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify various substances in a test sample. Gas chromatography separates and analyzes compounds in a mixture; mass spectrometry measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions. When put together, the two analytical processes can positively identify even very small amounts of substances in a person&#;s system. This makes the GC-MS test the &#;gold standard&#; when it comes to comprehensive drug testing.
However, GC-MS testing is more expensive than an IA test, and the results take longer to retrieve. Therefore, IA tests are more commonly used.
An IA test measures the presence of macromolecules through the use of an antibody or antigen. These antibodies can detect the presence of drugs and other substances. IA testing is usually considered the frontline when it comes to comprehensive drug testing because of its ease, cost-effectiveness, and ability to deliver results quickly.
Interpreting the results of a comprehensive drug test can sometimes be challenging. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who misuse drugs are adept at finding ways to mask their drug use, via methods such as adulteration, urine substitution, and urine dilution. It&#;s important that physicians and medical review officers know what to look for, including:
Assuming the sample has not been tampered with, the actual interpretation of test results is straightforward. That&#;s because drug screen results are reported as either positive or negative. Some tests will state the concentration of the drug or metabolite contained in the sample.
There are many factors that can affect the results of a comprehensive drug screen. Some of the most prominent ones include:
A comprehensive drug test is a test designed to detect hundreds of possible medications and illicit drugs in a person&#;s system. Comprehensive drug tests look for both prescription and non-prescription medications, illegal substances, and, in some cases, alcohol. They are generally performed through urinalysis, but blood tests, hair follicle tests, and others can also be performed.
The most comprehensive urine drug test is a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) test, which positively identifies even very small amounts of substances in a person&#;s system. This makes the GC-MS test the &#;gold standard&#; when it comes to comprehensive drug testing.
A 12-panel comprehensive drug test is a urine drug test that tests for 12 different metabolites in a person&#;s system. It can accurately detect substances&#;including painkillers, opiates, and stimulants&#;that may be more difficult to detect on smaller panel drug tests.
Comprehensive drug testing is a critical tool for ensuring a safe and productive workplace. With comprehensive drug testing, employers can proactively tell if employees and prospective employees are using substances that could impact their job performances&#;and their overall well-being. Proactive drug testing can also help organizations avoid the costs and liability associated with drug use in the workplace, which costs companies billions of dollars every year.
Acuity&#;s comprehensive drug testing services are available 24/7, wherever and whenever they are needed. Featuring Medical Review Officers and Medical Review Officer Assistants with decades of experience, Acuity&#;s drug testing services are ideal for all industries, whether they require regulated or unregulated testing.
Learn more about how Acuity can help you meet your drug testing needs.
Best Overall
TypeSelf-collection of urine
Test for1-5 days for lab results
Insurance Accepted?No
Who should use itAnyone self-screening for 12 legal and illegal substances
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You get your results on LetsGetChecked&#;s personalized online dashboard, which highlights any abnormal results and provides a detailed breakdown, including factsheets and next steps. If a result does come back abnormal, you&#;ll be contacted by a registered nurse who can walk you through next steps and arrange for treatment options, if needed.
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Best for Affordability
TypeSelf-collection of urine
Test for5 minutes
Insurance Accepted?No
Who should use itAdults looking for an affordable at-home drug test option.
Let&#;sGetChecked offers a simple STD test that screens only for chlamydia and gonorrhea for $99. Or you can do the most comprehensive test, which provides a complete STD panel, screening for eight different STDs, including gardnerella and mycoplasma, and costs $249. You can get a 25% off discount here. A subscribe and save option is also available that lets you have kits mailed to you every three, six, or 12 months for a discounted price. Let&#;sGetChecked accepts FSA and HSA payments.
You get your results on LetsGetChecked&#;s personalized online dashboard, which highlights any abnormal results and provides a detailed breakdown, including factsheets and next steps. If a result does come back abnormal, you&#;ll be contacted by a registered nurse who can walk you through next steps and arrange for treatment options, if needed.
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Best for THC
TypeSelf-collection of urine
Test for5 Minutes
Insurance Accepted?No
Who should use itAnyone looking for a THC at-home drug test, especially if you're interested in regular at-home testing.
Let&#;sGetChecked offers a simple STD test that screens only for chlamydia and gonorrhea for $99. Or you can do the most comprehensive test, which provides a complete STD panel, screening for eight different STDs, including gardnerella and mycoplasma, and costs $249. You can get a 25% off discount here. A subscribe and save option is also available that lets you have kits mailed to you every three, six, or 12 months for a discounted price. Let&#;sGetChecked accepts FSA and HSA payments.
You get your results on LetsGetChecked&#;s personalized online dashboard, which highlights any abnormal results and provides a detailed breakdown, including factsheets and next steps. If a result does come back abnormal, you&#;ll be contacted by a registered nurse who can walk you through next steps and arrange for treatment options, if needed.
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Best for Bulk Purchases
TypeSelf-collection of urine
Test for5 minutes
Insurance Accepted?No
Who should use itAdults who want to test for 12 common substances.
Let&#;sGetChecked offers a simple STD test that screens only for chlamydia and gonorrhea for $99. Or you can do the most comprehensive test, which provides a complete STD panel, screening for eight different STDs, including gardnerella and mycoplasma, and costs $249. You can get a 25% off discount here. A subscribe and save option is also available that lets you have kits mailed to you every three, six, or 12 months for a discounted price. Let&#;sGetChecked accepts FSA and HSA payments.
You get your results on LetsGetChecked&#;s personalized online dashboard, which highlights any abnormal results and provides a detailed breakdown, including factsheets and next steps. If a result does come back abnormal, you&#;ll be contacted by a registered nurse who can walk you through next steps and arrange for treatment options, if needed.
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The purpose of drug testing is to determine if there&#;s been recent use of illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs. Drug testing may be performed for a variety of reasons, including:
There are several options when looking for evidence of drug use, including physician-ordered and at-home drug tests. The following sections provide further information about both at-home and physician-ordered options.
Many types of drugs can be detected through at-home drug testing. Test options vary in the drug(s) they look for as well as the sample used for testing.
Some at-home drug tests identify the drug itself while other tests check for drug metabolites, which are byproducts that remain as the drug is broken down in the body.
Drug tests can detect evidence of drug use only within a specific time frame that can range from minutes after exposure to several days, weeks, or months. This period of time, called a detection window, depends on several factors, including:
At-home drug tests are available that detect a wide variety of illegal, over-the-counter, and prescription drugs including:
At-home drug tests may focus on only one drug of concern or can test for several drugs simultaneously in a panel test. There are many different drug panels available for at-home use. One such panel, the 10-panel drug test is available as an at-home kit and detects 10 commonly abused drugs.
Which at-home drug test should I choose?
There are a variety of options for at-home drug testing, including tests that use samples of urine, saliva, breath, or hair.
Urine drug tests: are the most common way to look for evidence of drug use at home. At-home urine testing involves collecting urine in a container and testing it using a paper test strip, cassette, or other device according to instructions contained in the package.
Saliva drug tests, also called oral fluid drug tests, are less common but offer a non-invasive option for saliva sample collection. These tests are conducted in a manner similar to urine drug tests.
At-home breathalyzers are small devices that use a sample of air exhaled from the lungs to estimate the amount of alcohol in the blood, called blood alcohol content (BAC). While breathalyzers provide quick estimates of alcohol use, they are not as accurate as drawing a blood sample and performing alcohol blood tests, so confirmation testing may be needed.
Hair follicle drug tests: have a longer detection window than other types of drug tests. A standard sample of hair from the scalp has a detection window of up to 90 days. Hair samples can also be taken from other parts of the body where hair grows more slowly, providing a detection window of up to 12 months.
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In the following sections, you can find information about several at-home urine drug tests that are currently available.
At-home drug testing offers both pros and cons compared to tests conducted in a medical setting. Consider the following benefits and downsides of at-home drug testing when deciding if this approach is right for you.
Potential benefits of at-home drug testing include:
Some of the potential downsides of at-home drug testing include:
If you&#;re considering using an at-home drug test, your doctor can review these pros and cons with you to help decide what testing option best matches your needs.
There are many different types of at-home drug tests available, and it&#;s important to consider what type of drug testing you&#;re looking for when selecting an at-home drug test. The following sections provide information about top picks for at-home drug testing:
At-home drug tests were reviewed based on value, convenience, and availability of tests. These overall factors are based on data including price, insurance acceptance, comprehensiveness of tests, and how quickly you can get results and speak to a doctor. Drug test selections have been screened by Testing.com&#;s Medical Review Board.
Best Overall
At-Home Drug Test
Price$99 for one test
TypeSelf-collection of urine
SampleUrine
Results timeline1-5 days for lab results
Tests forCLIA Waived
Accepts insuranceNo
Physician follow upNo
Prescriptions offeredNo
The myLab Box at-home drug test is accurate, easy-to-use, and effective at detecting the 12 legal and illegal narcotics included in pre-employment screenings. To take the test, follow the simple instructions for urine self-collection. Once you're finished, you'll mail your sample to myLab Box. Most people receive their results within 5 business days.
You may order the test online. Each shipment includes a single test. You may take the test if you anticipate a 5-panel of 10-panel drug test for future employment. This test is also suitable for professional and collegiate athletes, and court-related drug screenings.
In the event of positive results, scheduling a follow-up consultation with a doctor is the test-taker's responsibility. This test is not intended to diagnose or treat addiction, nor is it meant to substitute for a physical exam performed by a licensed physician. You can pay full price for a single test, or sign up for a subscription and receive a new test every 3 months. If you opt for the latter, myLab Box gives you a discount on your initial and subsequent orders.
The myLab Box at-home drug test is effective at detecting all legal and illegal narcotics included in 12-panel pre-employment drug screenings. Completing the test is a quick and easy process, and most people receive their results in one week or less. You may pay for the test using HSA or FSA accounts.
myLab Box is suitable for anyone who wants to self-screen before starting a job where they will be tested for narcotics. Professional and collegiate athletes can also use the test.
Best for Affordability
At-Home Drug Test
Price$13 for a 5-pack on Amazon
TypeSelf-collection of urine
SampleUrine
Results timeline5 minutes
Tests forCLIA waived and 510k cleared for home use
Accepts insuranceNo
Physician follow upNo
Prescriptions offeredNo
The 5 Panel Instant Drug Test Kit from Easy@Home is our pick for the most affordable at-home drug test. The test combines simplicity, accuracy, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to conduct regular drug testing without breaking the bank.
This test has been cleared for at-home use by the FDA and has also received a federal waiver for professional use in laboratories. As with any at-home drug test, it&#;s important to remember that results are preliminary and should be confirmed by an additional lab-based test.
To conduct the test, start by collecting a small amount of urine in a clean collection cup. Then open the sealed pouch containing the test panel and remove the cap that protects the absorbent end. Submerge that end in the urine sample, making sure not to immerse it past the max fill line. Leave the absorbent end of the test panel in the sample for exactly 10 seconds, then lay the test flat on a clean, dry surface. Note that this procedure is a bit less secure than the one used by Identify Diagnostics, which was entirely self-contained in the collection cup.
After five minutes, the results can be interpreted based on instructions provided in the test kit. Don&#;t try to read the results beyond the five-minute mark, as they may become inaccurate after this point. If you have any questions while conducting the test, Easy@Home responds to inquiries by or through its toll-free customer service line.
Easy@Home&#;s 5 Panel Instant Drug Test Kit is the most affordable option on our list and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if you try it and don&#;t like it, you can get your money back.
Adults looking for an affordable at-home drug test option.
Best for THC
At-Home Drug Test
Price$11 for 15 strips on Amazon
TypeSelf-collection of urine
SampleUrine
Results timeline5 Minutes
Tests for510(k) cleared for at-home use and CLIA waived for professional use
Accepts insuranceNo
Physician follow upNo
Prescriptions offeredNo
If you&#;re only interested in testing for marijuana, the FDA-cleared Exploro Highly Sensitive THC Test does just that. It can detect THC metabolites in urine for up to 35 days.
As the name suggests, this test is highly sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, and displays a positive reading for a THC level of 50 nanograms per milliliter or higher. This cutoff is the same level used in federal drug-free workplace programs for initial drug screenings.
To use the Exploro Highly Sensitive THC Test, dip one of the provided test strips into a sample of urine, immersing it up to the max fill line. Results are displayed within five minutes and can be interpreted according to instructions provided in the test kit.
If you&#;ll be testing for THC regularly, Exploro also offers bulk packages of 25 test strips. Each strip has a shelf life of 24 months.
Exploro&#;s THC test can detect THC metabolites in urine at the same level as federal drug-free workplace programs.
Anyone looking for a THC at-home drug test, especially if you&#;re interested in regular at-home testing.
Best for Bulk Purchases
At-Home Drug Test
Price$30 for 5 cups on Amazon
TypeSelf-collection of urine
SampleUrine
Results timeline5 minutes
Tests forCLIA Waived/510k Cleared
Accepts insuranceNo
Physician follow upNo
Prescriptions offeredNo
With its simple design, built-in temperature strip, and ability to detect a broad range of drugs, the 12 Panel Drug Test Cup from Identify Diagnostics is our pick for best overall at-home drug test.
This all-in-one test features a collection cup and drug test strips combined into one device. This means that after collecting a urine sample in the cup, you just screw on the cap and wait to read the results.
Test results are viewable after five minutes using the built-in test strips. The results are only accurate for a short time, so it&#;s important to discard the test after 10 minutes.
Tampering with samples can affect the results of drug tests, so Identity Diagnostics includes a temperature strip that ensures the sample is freshly collected. Within 2 to 4 minutes of collection, the temperature strip should register between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Test kits are available from a variety of retailers in several quantities, from 5-packs all the way up to boxes of 200 tests.
Identify Diagnostics 12-Panel Drug test is easy and comprehensive, testing for 12 different substances in five minutes with over 99% accuracy. Shoppers seeking bulk purchases can save a significant amount of money.
Individuals or businesses looking for a tamper-proof, quick and easy at-home drug test for 12 common substances.
Interpreting the results of your at-home drug test depends upon the type of test used and whether the at-home test kit included laboratory confirmation testing.
For self-test kits and other at-home drug tests that do not include confirmation testing, results are often interpreted by checking the test strip for the presence of a colored band according to instructions in the test package. Possible test results include:
For self-collection kits and other at-home drug tests that include confirmation testing, test results are provided by the laboratory. Results often include information about the specific test conducted, the amount of a substance that was found, and the laboratory&#;s interpretation. Interpretations of laboratory test results include:
With self-tests and self-collection tests, there are several factors to consider that can affect the accuracy of the results.
False positive results occur when a drug test is positive even though you haven&#;t used the drug that the test is designed to detect. False positive results may occur because certain foods, beverages, supplements, and medicines can affect test results. For example:
False negative results occur when a drug test is negative even though you have used the drug that the test is designed to detect. False negative results may occur due to improper sample collection, expired test materials, or drug use that falls outside of the test&#;s detection window. Misleading results may also occur due to use of a new or modified version of the drug, or because of tampering in which the test sample is adulterated or substituted before testing.
Another common reason for misleading drug test results is that many tests aren&#;t able to detect all drugs in a certain class. For example, many amphetamine tests aren&#;t able to detect MDMA, MDA or methamphetamine. Other potential drugs of abuse that aren&#;t commonly available in initial drug tests include:
If you have questions about the accuracy of at-home drug testing, it&#;s important to discuss your concerns with a doctor or health professional who is experienced in interpreting drug test results.
After a self-test or another drug test that doesn&#;t provide confirmation testing, follow-up testing is necessary to confirm positive test results. This is especially important in situations in which a positive test result could negatively affect a person&#;s life, such as in a legal case or employment testing.
If a confirmation drug test is positive, a health professional may follow-up by evaluating the patient for a substance use disorder. An evaluation for a substance use disorder involves asking the patient several questions to assess the pattern and effects of their drug use.
Problematic or unhealthy drug use can lead to a variety of health risks, including addiction. Addiction is a complex disease that is marked by drug-seeking behaviors and drug use that is difficult to control despite negative consequences. Effective treatment is available for drug use and addiction.
It may be helpful to consider the following questions when discussing your at-home drug test results with your doctor:
An important difference between at-home drug tests and drug tests conducted in a medical setting is the types of tests available.
Most at-home drug tests are self-tests, which mean that they provide only preliminary results. Follow-up confirmation testing by a laboratory is necessary to confirm the results of initial self-tests. Some self-test kits come with materials needed to mail the sample to a laboratory for confirmation testing. At-home self-collection tests often include confirmation testing in the cost of testing.
Laboratory drug testing is most appropriate when reliable test results are needed, especially in situations in which there are consequences for a positive test result. Health care providers take several steps that aren&#;t possible with at-home tests to ensure that testing is accurate and that the sample is not tampered with. These steps include:
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