What is a Drug Screen Exam and Who Should Be Doing It?
A drug screen test is a type of test used to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in a person’s body. This is usually done by collecting a sample of urine, saliva, hair, or blood, although other samples may also be used.
The person performing the drug screen test must be a qualified medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse. The person should also have experience administering drug tests, as well as knowledge of the legal implications of drug testing.
What happens during a drug test?
During a drug test, a sample of an employee’s urine, saliva, or hair is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will then test the sample for the presence of drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates. Depending on the type of test being conducted, the laboratory may also check for the presence of alcohol and other substances.
In some cases, a healthcare professional or another individual may be required to be present while you provide your sample. This is to ensure that the urine is yours and not contaminated with anything that could interfere with the test results.
A blood test for drugs is performed by a healthcare professional who draws blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. Following the insertion of the needle, a small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. When the needle goes in or out, you may feel a slight sting. This usually takes under five minutes.
Once the results are received, they will be reviewed by the employer or a designated representative to determine if the employee has tested positive for any drugs. If the employee tests positive, they may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
The Different Types of Drug Screen Tests & When to Use Them
1. Urine Drug Screen: This is the most common type of drug screen. It is used to detect the presence of drugs and their metabolites in a person’s urine. This type of test is usually used to detect the use of illicit drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and other drugs. It is usually ordered as part of a pre-employment screening or when there is suspicion of drug abuse.
2. Saliva Drug Screen: This type of drug screen is used to detect the presence of drugs and their metabolites in a person’s saliva. It is used to detect the use of the same drugs that are detected in a urine drug screen. This type of test is generally more accurate than urine drug screens and is often used as an alternative to urine drug screens.
3. Hair Drug Screen: Hair testing is considered one of the most reliable types of drug tests due to its cheat-proof nature. It also has the longest detection window. Because hair testing can identify substances up to 90 days after use, it is often used to detect repeat drug use.
4. Blood Drug Screen: This type of drug screen is used to detect the presence of drugs and their metabolites in a person’s blood. It is usually used when there is a suspicion of current drug use. It is also more accurate than urine or saliva tests and is often used in cases where the results of other tests may be inconclusive.
What Happens After You Take A Drug Test & How Long Until The Results Are Available?
Once a drug test has been taken, the sample is typically sent to a lab for analysis. Depending on the type of drug test, the results may be available within 24 to 72 hours. Tests that are sent to a lab may take anywhere from 1 to 7 days to be processed and analyzed.