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Common Drug Testing

The most common drug test panels are the 5 and 10 panel urine drug tests but there are many other drugs that can be tested for such as expanded opiates, fentanyl, and others.

Specimen Types

For years, urine drug testing has been the standard in the United States. Over the past several years, additional specimen types and expanded testing panels have become more commonplace. Many employers are combining the use of urine, hair, oral fluid, and even fingernail drug testing for more effective programs.

Drugs We Test For

Although individual drugs can be tested for, drug testing is typically conducted using panels or groups of drugs. Below are some of the most commonly tested drugs.

Amphetamines

Barbiturates

Benzodiazepines

Cocaine

Codeine

Fentanyl

Heroin

Hydrocodone

Hydromorphone

Marijuana

Meperidine

Meth

Methadone

Methaqualone

Morphine

Opiates

Opioids

Oxycodone

Oxymorphone

Phencyclidine

Propoxyphene

Suboxone

Alcohol Testing

Alcohol testing can sometimes be complicated and confusing. There are several methods available for alcohol testing. Some show use only while others reveal current impairment or intoxication.

Common Questions

Drug Testing can be confusing. You have questions, we have accurate answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our FAQ section, please contact our team at 866-843-4545.

What Are the Different Kinds of Drug Testing Services?

Drug testing services come in various formats to help ensure workplace and community safety. Choosing the right drug test for your needs is essential for generating accurate and useful results. To help you select the correct screening method, we’ve detailed the proper use cases for each of the following:

Urine drug testing
Hair follicle drug testing
Oral Fluid (Saliva) drug testing

Urine drug testing is the most widely used drug testing service thanks to its straightforward process and effectiveness in detecting recent drug use. This test type is used in almost every environment, including the workplace, legal system, and hospitals. It can be tailored to detect a wide range of substances and provides quick results. Despite its simplicity, it’s highly accurate. The only drawback to urine testing is its shorter testing window. The body quickly cycles through urine — most drug compounds become undetectable after five days. The notable exception to this rule is THC (cannabis/marijuana), which can remain detectable for up to a month, depending on the subject’s usage patterns. Those with high usage of marijuana typically have longer detection times.

Hair follicle drug testing involves analyzing a hair sample, typically taken from the head, arms, chest, legs, or underarms. It offers a longer detection window than urine tests and is used in more stringent testing scenarios. Some drug compounds can be detected via hair follicle tests for up to 90 days after consumption. This makes hair follicle drug tests more difficult to evade. However, in situations where detecting recent drugs is paramount, hair follicle testing isn’t ideal, as the compounds take quite a bit of time to show up. Hair drug testing is more of a test for a lifestyle pattern.

Oral fluid or saliva drug testing is gaining popularity because it’s non-invasive, delivers quick results, and can detect recent drug use. This testing method is valuable in scenarios where immediate screening is necessary, such as roadside police checks, random workplace checks, reasonable suspicions testing, or post-accident testing. Oral fluid or saliva tests can detect recent drug use, usually within the past 24-48 hours, and require no specialized administration equipment.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of drug testing services and their applications is essential for selecting the most suitable method. Each has unique benefits and limitations, from urine and hair follicle tests to blood and saliva tests. Selecting the most suitable testing service ensures you receive accurate results that meet your needs.

Advanced Technical Procedure for Implementing Various Drug Testing Services

Assess your needs: Identify the purpose behind your drug test. For example, is it for insurance, employment, personal, or regulatory purposes?
Research regulations: Understand local and federal regulations related to drug testing to ensure compliance.
Select a provider: Choose an expert accredited drug testing provider that offers the specific services you require.
Determine sample type: Decide on the type of sample needed (urine, hair, oral fluid (saliva), or point-of-care kits) based on the detection window and situation.
Identify target drug compounds: Know the drugs that you plan to test for. In some cases, you may have specific requirements, such as the five-panel DOT test for transportation industry employers. Other drugs outside of the five-panel test include fentanyl, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqualone, methadone, and/or propoxyphene.
Establish protocols: Follow your provider’s standard operating procedures for collecting and handling samples to maintain integrity.
Train personnel: Ensure that personnel involved in sample collection are adequately trained in the chosen methods and protocols.
Collect samples: Collect samples using the appropriate method. Following the guidelines given by your testing provider will help ensure accuracy.
Handle transportation: Securely transport samples to the laboratory if testing is not conducted on-site. Follow chain-of-custody procedures.
Perform initial analysis: Conduct an initial screening test to quickly identify concerning substances.
Confirm results: If the initial test is positive, perform a confirmatory test using more precise methods like GC-MS or LC-MS/MS.
MRO verification: The medical review officer will review and verify laboratory drug test results.
Review outcomes: Analyze the results to determine the presence and concentration of drugs.
Report findings: Generate a detailed report of the findings, including any positive results and their concentrations.
Consult with experts: If needed, seek expert interpretation of the results to understand the implications.
Implement actions: Based on the results, decide on the necessary actions, such as disciplinary measures, medical intervention, or legal procedures.
Maintain records: Keep a secure and confidential record of all test results and related documentation.
Notify relevant parties: Communicate the results to relevant stakeholders, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to legal guidelines.
Review procedures: Periodically review and update drug testing procedures and protocols to incorporate new technologies and best practices.
Stay updated: Stay abreast of new developments and innovations in drug testing technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Ensure legal compliance: Regularly audit testing practices to ensure ongoing compliance with legal standards.
Evaluate effectiveness: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the testing program and make improvements, as necessary.
Review and revise policy: Regularly assess and update the overall drug testing policy based on outcomes, feedback, and industry advancements.

Choosing the right drug test for your needs isn’t always straightforward. To maximize the effectiveness of drug testing services, you should always work with a reputable screening provider like National Drug Screening. We can help you choose the correct drug test for your situation. Call today or order a drug test online to get started.