What is a drug test?

A drug test looks for the presence of one or more illegal or prescription drugs in your urine, blood, saliva, hair, or sweat. Urine testing is the most common type of drug screening. The drugs most often tested for include:

• THC Marijuana
• Opioids, such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl
• amps, including met
• Cocaine
• Steroids
• Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital and bar
• PCP

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

What is it used for?

Drug screening is used to find out whether or not a person has taken a certain drug or drugs. It may be used for:

• Employment. Employers may test you before hiring and/or after hiring to check for on-the-job drug use.
• Sports organizations. Professional and collegiate athletes usually need to take a test for performance-enhancing drugs or other substances.
• Legal or forensic purposes. Testing may be part of a criminal or motor vehicle accident investigation. Drug screening may also be ordered as part of a court case.
• Monitoring opioid use. If you've been prescribed an opioid for chronic pain, your health care provider may order a drug test to make sure you are taking the right amount of your medicine.

Why do I need a drug test?

You may have to take a drug test as a condition of your employment, in order to participate in organized sports, or as part of a police investigation or court case. Your health care provider may order drug screening if you have symptoms of drug abuse. These symptoms include:

• Slowed or slurred speech
• Dilated or small pupils
• Agitation
• Panic
• Paranoia
• Delirium
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• Changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm

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

Be sure to tell the testing provider or your health care provider if you are taking any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or supplements because they may give you a positive result for certain illegal drugs. Also, you should avoid foods with poppy seeds, which can cause a positive result for opioids.

Why do we choose rapid test kit?

Rapid screening can allow detection of drugs that might metabolize quickly and not be detectable at a later screening. Screening for most drugs of abuse and alcohol can be performed. Rapid tests can be performed at an employers workplace or at a local, specified laboratory clinic. A breath alcohol confirmation may be required for a positive screen for alcohol with the instant test.

Rapid tests often utilize urine or saliva for testing. One advantage to rapid tests is that they provide a screening result within 4 hours on average. Any specimens that screen positive would still require a confirmatory test. Confirmatory test results are typically available in 2 to 3 days.