Urine Drug Testing
Because drug use is almost immediately detectable in an individual’s urine, hundreds of thousands of urine drug tests are administered every year. Tests may be administered to detect a single substance or up to a dozen classes of drugs.
While many companies have begun utilizing the hair follicle test for pre-employment, the 5 panel urine test continues to be the most commonly used test for pre-employment, random, post accident and reasonable suspicion test.
The majority of illegal substances remain in the urine for up to a week, with the exception of marijuana which can leave detectable traces for up to a month, particularly in the case of heavy users.
Urine Drug Screening 101:
Numerous factors influence how long drugs remain present in the system given that every body functions differently. Some of these factors include the amount of drugs that were consumed, metabolic rate, and the volume of fluids that have been excreted after the drug use.
Various types of urine drug tests exist, each one designed to test for a different combination of substances. The standard test screens for the most predominant street drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, amphetamine, PCP, and opiates. Prescription drugs, performance enhancing drugs, date rape drugs, club drugs and alcohol usage can also be detected with a simple urine drug test at a Smart Drug Testing center.
Prior to releasing the results, findings of all urine drug tests are reviewed by a licensed medical review officer. This period allows time for individuals taking legally prescribed medicine to provide the necessary medication documentation before the final report is released. Typically results of a negative urine drug test are released within 48 hours of the specimen reaching the laboratory. If a urine sample requires any further confirmation testing, additional analysis time may be required.
Looking for a Department of Transportation (DOT) Test?
All Smart Drug Testing Locations are prepared to follow DOT mandated protocols for collection procedures, collection facility environment, and collector certification. In addition to urine drug tests as well as breath alcohol testing. Our certified technicians are available for on-site testing, meaning that employees can complete their urine drug tests within their usual shifts. Discount pricing is also available for multiple tests and prepayment.
DOT only recognizes a 5 panel urine drug test and a breath alcohol test. All DOT drug tests must utilize a “Federal Chain of Custody form” DOT does not permit instant result test. All DOT drug tests must be sent to a SAMHSA certified laboratory for analysis and reviewed by a Medical Review Officer(MRO)
What Are the Pros & Cons of Urine Drug Testing?
- Urine drug tests are ideal for detecting recent drug use as chemical compounds are immediately present in the urine.
- Detectable compounds may pass through the body in a matter of days.
- Observed collection diminishes chances of cheating, though this can be more challenging to ensure.
- Urine drug tests are generally more affordable than hair drug screening.
Urine Drug Test Myth Busters:
- Passive exposure to an illegal substance (second hand smoke, for example) can be detected in urine, however actual consumption of the drug will appear at significantly higher concentrations.
- While drinking large quantities of liquids in an effort to dilute urine samples may reduce the overall concentration, no beverages contain metabolite reducing or negating abilities able to “cover up” drug usage.
- Observed collection diminishes chances of cheating, though this can be more challenging to ensure.
Confidential urine drug tests can be conducted at any location utilizing the Smart Drug Testing mobile on-site program service.
Need a Urine Drug Screening Analysis?
The urine analysis is the most frequently used drug test due to its low cost and the fact that most illegal drugs can be detected in a person’s urine after analysis by a laboratory. Illegal drugs can usually be detected in a donor’s urine up to 3-5 days from use and chronic marijuana users may have detection periods up to 30 days with Urine Drug Testing. While suggestions have been made that a urine test can be adulterated by a donor, SAMHSA certified laboratories have added safe guards and additional testing procedures over the years to rule out the likely hood of a false test result and ensure that the accuracy of a urine test has a high percentage rate.
All positive urine tests analyzed by a laboratory are sent for confirmation testing and in most cases a positive test is verified by a Medical Review Officer who will attempt to contact the donor and conduct an interview to determine if there is any lawful or legitimate reason why the test is positive.
What is the Urine Drug Testing Procedure?
The procedure for a urine drug test is simple. A donor provides a urine specimen in a cup to a drug testing collection specialist who will then seal the specimen cup, complete various documentation including a chain of custody form, have the donor initial the specimen cup seal, provide identification and upon completion of the collection and paperwork the specimen will be sent in a secure manner by Currier to the laboratory for testing.
Negative results are usually reported within 24 hours after receipt of the specimen from the laboratory. Positive results are generally reported in approximately 3 business days due to confirmation testing and additional procedural requirements.
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) currently only recognizes a 5 panel urine test for DOT drug testing requirements of Part 40.
Urine drug testing can also be used for instant result testing; this procedure is used when a specimen is analyzed by the collector or at the drug testing center without a laboratory analysis. Instant drug tests have a higher degree of false positives due to the sensitivity of an instant test cup reading. Any instant test which has a positive result should be sent to a laboratory for confirmation testing. Drug testing utilizing urine still remains the most common method for employers and individuals needing a drug test.
For information regarding the effects of drug abuse – Click Here
For information on a drug free work place – Click Here
For information on substance abuse programs – Click Here
For information on DOT Drug / Alcohol Testing requirements – Click Here
