Which urine drug test is most accurate?

13 May.,2024

 

4 Best At-Home Drug Tests of 2023

The Best At-Home Drug Tests Compared

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Single Drug Urine Rapid Test. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

myLab Box Inc. 12-Panel Drug Test

Best Overall

Type

Self-collection of urine

Test for
  • Marijuana
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • 7-aminoclonazepam
  • 7-aminoflunitrazepam
  • Alprazolam
  • Buprenorphine
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines
  • Oxycodone
  • Methadone
  • Morphine
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Heroin
  • Amobarbital/Pentobarbital
  • Butalbital
  • Phenobarbital
  • Ecstasy
  • Propoxyphene Fentanyl Tramadol
Results in

1-5 days for lab results

Insurance Accepted?

No

Who should use it

Anyone self-screening for 12 legal and illegal 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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Easy@Home 5 Panel Instant Drug Test Kit

Best for Affordability

Type

Self-collection of urine

Test for
  • Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Opiates
  • Amphetamines
  • Benzodiazepines
Results in

5 minutes

Insurance Accepted?

No

Who should use it

Adults 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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Exploro Highly Sensitive THC Test

Best for THC

Type

Self-collection of urine

Test for
  • Marijuana
Results in

5 Minutes

Insurance Accepted?

No

Who should use it

Anyone 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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Identify Diagnostics 12 Panel Drug Test Cup

Best for Bulk Purchases

Type

Self-collection of urine

Test for
  • Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Morphine/Opiates
  • Amphetamines
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Oxycodone
  • Ecstasy
  • Buprenorphine
  • Barbiturates
  • Methamphetamines
  • Methadone
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
Results in

5 minutes

Insurance Accepted?

No

Who should use it

Adults 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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About At-Home Drug Tests

Purpose of at-home drug tests

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:

  • Legal or forensic testing
  • Drug treatment programs
  • Athletic testing
  • Medical testing
  • Monitoring for prescription drug misuse
  • Military testing

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.

What do the tests measure?

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:

  • The type of drug
  • The amount and frequency of use
  • The type of sample being tested
  • The rate at which the drug is metabolized and eliminated from the body

At-home drug tests are available that detect a wide variety of illegal, over-the-counter, and prescription drugs including:

  • Alcohol
  • Nicotine
  • Amphetamines
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Opioids
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)

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.

In the following sections, you can find information about several at-home urine drug tests that are currently available.

Benefits and Downsides of At-Home Drug Tests

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:

  • Convenience: At-home drug tests are generally convenient, allowing you to look for evidence of a variety of drugs without having to make an appointment at a laboratory or testing facility.
  • Noninvasive collection: Collecting a sample of urine, saliva, breath, or hair for at-home drug testing is easy and doesn’t require the monitoring or strict protocols that are used for laboratory-based tests.
  • Quick Results: If you’re looking for preliminary drug test results, there are numerous options for rapid, self-test kits that provide results in a matter of minutes.

Some of the potential downsides of at-home drug testing include:

  • Requires confirmation testing: A self-test does not provide definitive results and inaccurate results do occur. When purchasing an at-home drug test, it’s important to see if the test includes laboratory-based confirmation testing. Many self-test kits don’t provide this service and only offer preliminary results.
  • Doesn’t test for all drugs: Drug testing is complex, and no single drug test can look for all potential drugs of abuse. Additionally, newer and less common drugs may not be detectable using at-home drug tests.
  • Not recommended for minors: Testing a child or adolescent for drug use is not recommended by expert groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics. There isn’t enough evidence that at-home drug testing reduces drug use in minors. This option also comes with risks such as misinterpreting test results and damaging the relationship between children and their parents.

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.

The Best At-Home Drug Tests

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:

Methodology

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

myLab Box Inc.

Visit Website

At-Home Drug Test

Price

$99 for one test

Type

Self-collection of urine

Sample

Urine

Results timeline

1-5 days for lab results

Tests for
  • Marijuana
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • 7-aminoclonazepam
  • 7-aminoflunitrazepam
  • Alprazolam
  • Buprenorphine
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines
  • Oxycodone
  • Methadone
  • Morphine
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Heroin
  • Amobarbital/Pentobarbital
  • Butalbital
  • Phenobarbital
  • Ecstasy
  • Propoxyphene Fentanyl Tramadol
Accuracy

CLIA Waived

Accepts insurance

No

Physician follow up

No

Prescriptions offered

No

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.

WHAT’S GREAT?
  • Tests for 12 different legal and illegal narcotics
  • Samples are screened in CAP- and CLIA-certified labs
  • Most people receive their results in less than a week
WHAT’S NOT SO GREAT?
  • While subject to change, New York residents may not order the test at this time
  • Above-average pricing for a single-cup test
  • Health insurance is not accepted as payment

Why is myLab Box's at-home drug test the best overall?

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.

Who should use myLab Box's at-home drug test?

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

Easy@Home

Visit Website

At-Home Drug Test

Price

$13 for a 5-pack on Amazon

Type

Self-collection of urine

Sample

Urine

Results timeline

5 minutes

Tests for
  • Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Opiates
  • Amphetamines
  • Benzodiazepines
Accuracy

CLIA waived and 510k cleared for home use

Accepts insurance

No

Physician follow up

No

Prescriptions offered

No

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 email or through its toll-free customer service line.

WHAT’S GREAT?
  • Toll-free customer service line
  • Lab grade quality
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
WHAT’S NOT SO GREAT?
  • Only tests for 5 substances
  • Requires a test strip rather than being self-contained in a collection cup
  • Does not test for Fentanyl

Why is Easy@Home's at-home drug test the best for affordability?

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.

Who should use Easy@Home's at-home drug test?

Adults looking for an affordable at-home drug test option.

Best for THC

Exploro

Visit Website

At-Home Drug Test

Price

$11 for 15 strips on Amazon

Type

Self-collection of urine

Sample

Urine

Results timeline

5 Minutes

Tests for
  • Marijuana
Accuracy

510(k) cleared for at-home use and CLIA waived for professional use

Accepts insurance

No

Want more information on Alcohol Saliva Rapid Test Strip manufacturer? Feel free to contact us.

Physician follow up

No

Prescriptions offered

No

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.

WHAT’S GREAT?
  • Highly sensitive THC test
  • Same cutoff as federal drug-free workplace programs
  • Can detect THC metabolites for up to 35 days
WHAT’S NOT SO GREAT?
  • Only tests for Marijuana
  • Reviewers note a prevalence of false negatives
  • Users may find results hard to read

Why is Exploro’s at-home drug test the best for THC?

Exploro’s THC test can detect THC metabolites in urine at the same level as federal drug-free workplace programs.

Who should use Exploro’s at-home drug test?

Anyone looking for a THC at-home drug test, especially if you’re interested in regular at-home testing.

Best for Bulk Purchases

Identify Diagnostics

Visit Website

At-Home Drug Test

Price

$30 for 5 cups on Amazon

Type

Self-collection of urine

Sample

Urine

Results timeline

5 minutes

Tests for
  • Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Morphine/Opiates
  • Amphetamines
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Oxycodone
  • Ecstasy
  • Buprenorphine
  • Barbiturates
  • Methamphetamines
  • Methadone
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
Accuracy

CLIA Waived/510k Cleared

Accepts insurance

No

Physician follow up

No

Prescriptions offered

No

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.

WHAT’S GREAT?
  • Tests for 12 different substances
  • Results ready in five minutes
  • Easy to read strips
WHAT’S NOT SO GREAT?
  • Users note inaccurate results
  • May not be shipped in discreet packaging
  • More expensive than other options

Why is Identify Diagnostics’ at-home drug test the best for bulk purchase?

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.

Who should use Identify Diagnostics’ at-home drug test?

Individuals or businesses looking for a tamper-proof, quick and easy at-home drug test for 12 common substances.

Interpreting At-Home Drug Test Results

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:

  • Positive: A positive result on an initial drug test provides only preliminary evidence of drug use and requires confirmation testing. A positive result does not mean that you are currently intoxicated or have a substance use disorder.
  • Negative: A negative result indicates that no evidence of drug use was detected in the sample. A negative test applies only to the drugs included in the test. A negative result can occur if you aren’t using drugs, if you last used a drug outside of the timeframe of the detection window, or if the test kit was expired.
  • Invalid: Self-test kits usually have a way of indicating invalid test results. In many tests, checking the validity of the test result requires looking for the presence of a specific colored band on the test strip.

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:

  • Positive: A positive test result means that the confirmation testing found levels of drugs or drug metabolites in the sample that were above the laboratory’s established cutoff value. A positive result typically specifies which drug or drugs were detected in the sample.
  • Negative: A negative confirmation test indicates that no evidence of the drug use was found or that the amount of drugs or their metabolites did not exceed the laboratory’s established cutoff value. As with initial testing, a negative confirmation test may indicate that you haven’t used the drugs included in the test or that you last used drugs outside of the detection window.
  • Invalid: An invalid result means that the test was not able to identify whether drugs were present in the sample. Invalid results may be reported for many reasons including evidence of tampering or adulteration that occurred during the collection process. Many laboratories provide information about why a test was determined to be invalid.

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:

  • Consuming poppy seeds may cause false positive results for opioids.
  • Taking antidepressants and other medications can cause false positive results for amphetamines or opioids.
  • Using cold medicines can cause false positive results for PCP.
  • Eating foods containing hemp and taking some over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause false positive results for marijuana.

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:

  • Meperidine and fentanyl
  • Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
  • Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
  • Mescaline
  • Inhaled hydrocarbons

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.

Do I need follow-up tests?

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.

Questions for your doctor after at-home drug testing

It may be helpful to consider the following questions when discussing your at-home drug test results with your doctor:

  • Can you help me understand the result of my at-home drug test?
  • Do you recommend any follow-up or confirmation testing?
  • What other reasons could there be for this test result?

At-home drug testing vs. drug testing in a medical setting

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:

  • Evaluating whether any medications or supplements may affect test results
  • Providing tamper-proof packaging
  • Monitoring or observing sample collection
  • Preserving evidence through tracking the sample’s chain of custody

Sources

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Urine drug tests: Uses, procedure, detection times, and ...

A urine drug test can detect both illegal and prescription drugs in a person’s system. Doctors, sports officials, and many employers require these tests regularly. Urine tests are quick, easy, painless, and cost-effective.

They are a common method of screening for drugs.

Signs of drug use can remain in a person’s system long after the physical effects wear off. The analysis can determine whether a person used specific drugs days or weeks before testing.

In this article, we take a close look at urine drug screens. We describe what they can detect and how long these substances remain traceable in urine.

Help is available

Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.

If you believe that you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, you can contact the following organizations for immediate help and advice:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 800-662-4357 (TTY: 800-487-4889)
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

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Procedure and types of urine test

A doctor or trained technician usually performs a urine drug screening.

There are several types of these tests. An immunoassay (IA) test is most common because it is the quickest and most cost effective.

However, IA tests can give false-positive results. In this case, the results indicate the presence of a drug that the person has not used. False-negative results can also occur.

Another type can confirm the results of an IA test. This is called gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A GC-MS test is more reliable than an IA test, and it can detect more substances.

Usually, people only request GC-MS tests as follow-ups because they are more expensive, and the results take longer.

How reliable are urine drug tests?

Generic IA tests can show cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, cannabinoids, and PCP. A doctor may require a more specialized IA test to check for synthetic and semisynthetic opioids, such as methadone.

It is important to note that consuming certain legal substances can lead to false-positive IA test results. For example, consuming high enough quantities of dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in cough syrups, can cause a positive result for PCP on this type of test.

To minimize the risk of false positives, urine drug screens have cut-off levels. This means that a result is only positive when the test detects an amount of a drug that is above a certain level. Cut-offs also reduce the likelihood of testing positive due to only passive exposure to a drug. Secondhand smoke is one example of passive exposure.

Also, both IA and GC-MS tests can produce false-negative results. These fail to indicate recent drug use. A false-negative result can occur when urine is very diluted, for example.

Detection times

Many factors can affect when a test can detect a certain drug. Some factors include:

  • the person’s body mass
  • their hydration levels
  • the acidity of their urine
  • how long ago the drug use occurred

Overall, the more frequently and heavily drug use occurs, the longer the drug will be detectable.

Below, for example, we show how long urine tests can detect cannabis.

Frequency of cannabis useDetection times after usesingle use2 days3 times a week2 weeksdaily use2-4 weeksheavy daily useup to 12 weeks

Other typical drug detection ranges include:

DrugDetection times after usealcohol7–12 hoursamphetamines2–3 daysshort-acting benzodiazepines3–5 dayslong-acting benzodiazepinesup to 30 daysbuprenorphineup to 11 dayscocaine metabolites2–4 dayscodeine1–2 daysfentanyl2–3 daysheroin or morphine1–3 daysmethadone3–4 daysoxycodone1–3 days

How to prepare for a urine test

The test requires little preparation. Usually, a person just has to urinate into a plastic container and return the urine sample to the technician or doctor.

They then measure the temperature of the urine sample to make sure it is suitable for testing. They seal the sample in a plastic bag. If a person cannot return their sample to a medical professional within 1 hour, they should seal it in a plastic bag and store it in a refrigerator.

A technician may accompany the person to make sure that they are giving the sample correctly. The technician should explain the reason for this supervision.

It is important to note that certain medicines and supplements can cause false-positive results.

A person should tell the test provider if they are taking any:

  • prescription medications
  • over-the-counter medicines
  • herbal remedies
  • supplements

Interpreting the results

Urine drug screen results usually come back within a few days or on the same day.

If a result is positive, a person may need to take a second test for confirmation. This may be a GC-MS test, which gives more accurate results.

The person who carried out the test or a medical review officer will explain the results.

Summary

A urine drug screen can quickly, effectively detect some illegal and prescription drugs. Doctors, sports officials, and employers may request this type of test for various reasons.

The screening can detect a range of substances, including cannabis, nicotine, barbiturates, and opioids such as heroin and methadone. Some remain traceable in the body longer than others.

If an initial result is positive, a person may need to take a second, more accurate test.

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