HEALTH
Drug Screen: Everything You Need to Know
A drug screen is a test used to detect the presence of drugs in a person’s body. Drug screens are commonly used by employers to test employees for drug use, and by law enforcement agencies to test suspects for drug use. Drug screens can also be used to test athletes for banned substances, and to test patients for compliance with their medication regimens. Even though drug screens are common, many people do not know how they work or what they test for. In this article, we will answer some common questions about drug screens.
What is drug screening?
Drug screening is the process of testing for the presence of drugs in a person’s body. It can be used to detect illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and other substances. Drug screening is often used as part of a pre-employment background check or for probationary drug testing. Everything from a 12 panel drug test to a standard 5-panel drug test can be used for drug screening. Not only does it test for different types of drugs, but also the frequency of drug use.
Additionally, drug screening can be used to test for the presence of drugs in a person’s environment. This can be done through the use of drug-sniffing dogs or by testing for traces of drugs in a person’s home or car. This way of drug screening is often used in cases where there is suspected drug activity. Not to mention, environmental drug screening can also be used to test for the presence of drugs in a person’s body.
What types of drugs are screened for?
There are a variety of drugs that can be screened for in a drug test. The most common drugs that are screened for include: marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, PCP, and alcohol. However, there are many other drugs that can be included in a drug screen depending on the specific test being used. Some of the other drugs that may be screened for include: barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, tricyclic antidepressants, and propoxyphene.
Keep in mind that not all drug tests are created equal. The specific drugs that are screened for may vary depending on the type of test being used. For example, some tests may only screen for the presence of illegal drugs, while others may also include prescription and over-the-counter medications.
How is drug screening done?
There are two main types of drug screens: urine tests and hair follicle tests.
Urine Tests: A urine test is the most common type of drug screen. It is usually done at a lab or collection site. The person being tested will be asked to provide a sample of their urine in a cup or container. The urine will then be tested for the presence of drugs or alcohol.
Hair Follicle Tests: A hair follicle test is less common than a urine test, but it can be used to detect drugs that have been used over a longer period of time. This type of test is usually done at a lab. A small sample of hair will be taken from the person being tested and then analyzed for the presence of drugs or alcohol.
Additionally, there are some drug screens that can be done at home. These tests usually involve a urine sample and can be purchased at most pharmacies. Not only will these tests save you time and money, but they will also give you the peace of mind of knowing that your results are private and confidential.
How long do results take?
When it comes to drug screens, how long results take can vary depending on the type of test being performed. For instance, a urine test is usually the most common and quickest method, with results generally taking 24-48 hours. Blood tests may take a bit longer, with results typically coming back within 2-5 days. And finally, hair follicle tests may take the longest out of all three options, with results often taking up to two weeks to come back.
Also, keep in mind that it may take a little longer for results to come back if your test is sent to a certified laboratory for confirmation. That being said, most drug tests these days are performed on-site, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long to get your results. Plus, your employer will usually let you know ahead of time what type of test they’ll be conducting, so you can know exactly how long it will take to get your results. Keep in mind that you can also call and check on your results if you’re worried about the status of your drug test.
False positives and false negatives
False positives and false negatives can occur with any type of drug test. A false positive occurs when a substance is incorrectly identified as being present when it is not. This can happen if the test is not performed correctly, or if the person being tested has been exposed to a substance that can cause a false positive result. A false negative occurs when a substance is incorrectly identified as not being present when it actually is. This can happen if the test is not performed correctly, or if the person being tested has been exposed to a substance that can cause a false negative result.
For example, if a person uses a drug that is not on the list of drugs tested for, they may still get a false positive result. Similarly, if a person uses a drug that is on the list of drugs tested for, but does not have enough of the drug in their system to trigger a positive result, they may still get a false negative result.
There you have it! Everything you need to know about drug screens. If you are ever faced with the prospect of having to take one, hopefully, this article has given you some peace of mind and helped you prepare for what to expect. The bottom line is that drug screens are nothing to stress about, as long as you know what you’re being tested for and how the test works.
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
