FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Drug Testing
Drug testing involves analyzing biological specimens to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites. Below is a comprehensive list of commonly asked questions regarding procedures, detection windows, testing methods, and result interpretation.
Q: What is drug testing?
A: Drug testing is the process of analyzing biological samples—such as urine, saliva, blood, or hair—to detect the presence of specific drugs or their metabolites in the body.
Q: Why is drug testing done?
A: Drug testing may be conducted for pre-employment screening, workplace safety, legal or court requirements, compliance with DOT regulations, athletic programs, or monitoring substance use in rehabilitation or treatment settings.
Q: What drugs can be detected in a standard drug test?
A: Standard panels typically test for marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opioids (including heroin and prescription painkillers), benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and phencyclidine (PCP). Expanded panels may include alcohol, fentanyl, K2/spice (synthetic cannabinoids), tramadol, and others.
Q: How long do drugs stay in the system?
A: Detection windows vary based on the drug type, usage frequency, dosage, individual metabolism, and the testing method. For example, THC may be detected in urine for up to 30 days in chronic users, while cocaine typically clears within 2–4 days.
Q: What is the difference between urine and hair drug testing?
A: Urine tests are the most common and detect recent drug use (typically 1–7 days). Hair tests detect long-term drug use—up to 90 days—but may not reflect very recent use.
Q: Are saliva tests reliable?
A: Yes. Saliva (oral fluid) tests are effective for detecting recent drug use, usually within the past 24–72 hours. They are non-invasive and increasingly used for employment and roadside testing.
Q: What is a CLIA-waived test?
A: A CLIA-waived test is a diagnostic test approved by the FDA for use in non-laboratory settings. These tests are simple to administer, provide rapid results, and are suitable for use in clinics, workplaces, and point-of-care environments.
Q: What is the difference between a screening test and a confirmation test?
A: Screening tests (e.g., immunoassay) are used to quickly identify the presence of drugs. Positive results are typically followed by confirmation testing (e.g., GC-MS or LC-MS/MS) for higher specificity and legal defensibility.
Q: Can prescription or over-the-counter medications cause a false positive?
A: Yes. Some medications, such as certain antidepressants, decongestants, and antibiotics, may trigger false positives. Always disclose any prescription or OTC medications to the testing provider.
Q: Can passive exposure to drugs cause a positive result?
A: It is unlikely, but possible in rare cases, particularly with marijuana. Most modern tests have established cutoff levels to minimize the risk of a positive result from secondhand exposure.
Q: What is a cutoff level?
A: A cutoff level is the concentration threshold set by laboratories to determine a positive result. Results below this threshold are reported as negative, even if small traces are detected.
Q: Can I refuse a drug test?
A: Yes, but refusal may carry consequences depending on the context. For example, refusal during employment screening or DOT-regulated testing may result in disqualification or termination.
Q: How accurate are drug tests?
A: Most drug tests are highly accurate when administered correctly. However, confirmatory testing is necessary for legal or employment actions to rule out false positives.
Q: How long does it take to get drug test results?
A: Instant tests provide results within minutes. Lab-based testing may take 24–72 hours, depending on the method and whether confirmatory testing is required.
Q: Can drug tests be tampered with?
A: Attempts to adulterate or substitute samples are possible, especially with urine tests. However, modern collection procedures, temperature checks, and adulterant testing significantly reduce this risk.
Q: What happens if I test positive?
A: Depending on the testing program, a Medical Review Officer (MRO) may contact you to verify prescriptions or explanations. Employment or legal consequences may follow based on program policies.
Q: What types of drug tests are available?
A: Common testing types include urine tests, saliva (oral fluid) tests, hair follicle tests, and blood tests. Urine and saliva tests are most widely used for workplace, clinical, and forensic applications due to ease of use and quick turnaround times.
Q: What is an observed collection, and when is it required?
A: An observed collection is when a collector directly observes the specimen being provided. This may be required in cases of suspected tampering, return-to-duty testing, or as part of certain legal or DOT-mandated protocols.
Q: Can drug tests detect alcohol?
A: Yes. Some drug test panels include alcohol (ethanol), or EtG (ethyl glucuronide) testing, which can detect alcohol use up to 80 hours after consumption. Saliva and breath tests are also used for recent alcohol detection.
Q: What is EtG testing?
A: EtG (ethyl glucuronide) is a metabolite of ethanol and is used to detect recent alcohol consumption, even after the effects have worn off. It is commonly used in monitoring programs, treatment centers, and court settings.
Q: Are there drug tests for synthetic drugs like K2 or bath salts?
A: Yes. Specialty panels are available to detect synthetic cannabinoids (K2/spice) and synthetic cathinones (bath salts). These are often included in expanded panel tests or ordered separately.
Q: Do drug tests have FDA approval?
A: Many drug testing devices are FDA-cleared for professional use, and some are also CLIA-waived. It’s important to verify product credentials, particularly when compliance with federal or workplace standards is required.
Q: What is a Medical Review Officer (MRO)?
A: An MRO is a licensed physician responsible for reviewing and interpreting drug test results. They verify positive results and contact individuals to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation, such as a prescription.
Q: Can I order drug tests for personal use?
A: Yes. Many of our drug tests are FDA-approved for over-the-counter (OTC) use, which includes CLIA-waived status. This designation allows the products to be used safely and effectively in both clinical and home settings without a prescription. These tests are ideal for individuals, families, schools, and workplace programs seeking convenient, confidential, and reliable screening.
Q: Are instructions included with the test kits?
A: Yes. All of our test kits include detailed instructions for use, storage, and interpretation. For professional use kits, we also provide downloadable Instructions for Use (IFUs) on our website.
Q: Do your tests comply with employment or DOT testing standards?
A: Many of our products meet the requirements for employment screening, but DOT-regulated testing typically requires lab-based testing with chain-of-custody procedures. Contact us for product recommendations specific to your application.
Additional Customer Support FAQs
Q: What happens if a test is defective?
A: While defects are rare, we stand behind the quality of our products. If a test appears to be damaged or non-functioning, please contact us immediately. We will replace the item at no charge and assist with any necessary documentation.
Q: Do you offer same-day shipping?
A: Yes. Most in-stock orders received by 2:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, ship the same day. Orders received after the cutoff will ship the following business day. Expedited shipping options are also available at checkout.