Understanding Drug Testing Types, Methods And Specimen Collection
Examining the wide assortment of drug testing options available and exploring the potential pros and cons of each method
There are several reasons or circumstances that can lead to the necessity of a drug test.
Whether you are adhering to a court order, hiring an employee for a high-risk job, or any of the other myriad of scenarios that require drug testing, it is important to understand the different drug testing methodologies and specimen collection types that can be utilized. With each different method comes drawbacks and benefits and understanding how each one functions will help you choose the drug screening that is best for your specific purpose.
Information On This Topic
Efficient Mobile Testing To Meet Your Busy Schedule
While a lot of what we do is run out of our office during business hours, we also have a fully-trained staff that’s mobile and available 24/7. Many of our clients find it extremely convenient that we can come to you. You’ll save time, limit the lost productivity and have a much more efficient process for your organizational testing needs.
Benefits of On-site Employee Drug Testing
In addition to performing pre-employment drug testing on new employees during the hiring process, many companies require employees to participate in their mandated random drug testing programs. This is essential for developing a drug-free workplace and as a result, ensuring the safety and productivity of the workplace.
Flu Shots
The Flu virus is the major problem that the world is facing nowadays. Every year millions of people get flu but by using vaccine the risk of getting flu can easily be lowered. So getting the vaccine yearly is the best solution to protect yourself from the flu which can cause serious problems in your life. Mostly the flu is caused due to a virus and the symptoms of flu include runny nose, severe headache, cough, body pain, fever and feeling tiredness all the time.
Promotes a Safer Working Environment
One of the biggest benefits of mobile drug testing is that it promotes a safer working environment. After all, it is a fact that employees using or abusing drugs pose a threat to others in the workplace. This is particularly true for safety-sensitive tasks including dealing with risky chemicals, running heavy machinery, etc. Accidents can happen if your employee does the job while high on drugs.
Maintains Your Contracts
Let’s take an example - you have just got a major contract from a regulated industry or government and you have to take numerous steps to guarantee that your worksite and employees are fulfilling all the necessary standards. And one of the threats of sending your employee to get those drug tests is that you’ll need to go through a lengthy contract document to make sure that you pick a drug center that follows the standards particular to your industry.
Or, you can pick a mobile drug testing service that will come to you, that will make sure all testing is performed according to your company standards so that you can maintain your vital contracts.
Be prepared for your drug test!
- Bring your Government Issued Picture ID
- Bring Drug Test Paperwork or Authorization
- Complete TSL Intake Form & HIPAA Disclosure
- Pay for your test on site
- Make sure you are hydrated if you are performing a Urine Test
- Expect to have your nail polish removed if getting a Nail Drug Test
- We do not need your prescription information but a Medical Review Officer (MRO) may contact you after collection to verify your medications.
- For urine testing, plan on arriving 3 hours before we close (1 hr minimum) to provide a cushion of time for a shy bladder situation.
- For hair testing, be sure to dry your hair completely before arriving.
- For nail testing, be sure to clean your nails with soap and water before arriving. Also, artificial nails and polish must be removed.
What Are Your Hours?
- All Test Smartly Labs are open Monday through Friday, from 9am - 5pm
Do We Need To Have An Appointment?
- No appointment is required to come into our labs, and all of our locations are on a walk-in basis. However, it is recommended you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing. If your situation requires special time considerations, please call us to determine if it would be better to arrange an appointment time.
Do I Need Doctors’ Orders For Testing?
- No doctors’ orders needed, we are a Direct-Access Testing Center. You are encouraged to consult your medical professional with your lab test results.
What’s The Turnaround Time For Lab Work?
- Average turnaround time is 2-5 business days depending on the complexity of the lab work. Most tests are available in 2-3 days.
Do You Need A List Of My Medications For A Drug Test?
- Per protocol, the lab techs are not allowed to receive or ask for your medications. A medical review officer or MRO, a licensed physician who specializes in toxicology, will call you and ask for your medications and your physician’s phone number if it’s detected in your sample during testing. The MRO will then call your physician to verify your medications.
Understanding the Differences Between Methods
As you consider which drug testing or screening method will best meet your needs, you need to consider several factors:
- What am I testing for?
Some methods are better suited for identifying long-term drug use, as would be used in employment or custody scenarios. Other methods determine if an individual has used drugs in recent history, which is best suited for parole officers or recovery testing. Some tests are less likely to be subjected to adulteration, while others are operated more on the honor system. Understanding the purpose and outcomes of each method is critical when choosing which drug test to administer. - How soon do I need results?
Perhaps you need the rapid response of an instant drug screen for a pre-employment check. Maybe you need a more in-depth examination of the full panel after a car accident and can wait longer. For some prolonged screenings, it can take up to two weeks to gather the necessary data. Depending on your timeline, different methods might suit your needs better. - Will this need to be admissible in a court of law?
Not all drug tests are considered equal in the courtroom. If you need results that are Federally approved and permissible in court, you need to consider what specimen you choose to test and where you choose to test it. - Which drugs am I testing for?
While many of the mainstream drugs are testable through a variety of methods, there are literally hundreds of controlled or illegal substances that can be tested for. Additionally, some drugs have a rapid metabolism rate in various specimens – knowing what drugs you’re looking for will help inform which test you should consider. - What is the likeliness of adulteration or tampering?
Some tests have a significantly higher rate of manipulation and meddling. For some pre-employment drug screens for positions of reduced safety risk, the potential for tampering might be reduced and therefore a better fit for unobserved testing. However, a police officer administering a drug test to a parolee might choose a method that has a reduced risk of interference by having the screening be fully observed.
Below we haveidentified the five most common methods and specimens utilized in drug screening and testing. Each method carries with it differing detection windows, different levels of intrusion, and different drug types to be tested for – all factors in choosing the right screening option for your needs.
Saliva/Oral Fluid
- How It Works and What When It Is Best Used
The second most utilized drug screening process, saliva is collected through a mouth swab test, and is either sent off to a lab or tested instantly. The individual being screened should be instructed not to eat or drink for 10-15 minutes prior to testing. This method is typically difficult to meddle with, and often observed directly. Saliva testing is a low-cost option; however, it is not effective in identifying long-term drug use. The mouth swab test is best used in scenarios where immediate screening of drugs is necessary, such as an accident or safety situation. - Drug Detection Window for Saliva / Oral Fluid
The shortest window of all methods, the saliva drug detection window is roughly one hour to two days after use. - Observed Collection
This method is almost always observed and administered by another individual to ensure no substitution or tampering occurs. - On-Site or Mobile/Lab-Based or Instant
Saliva testing can be administered anywhere necessary, and the compact size of the testing apparatus makes it easy to transport to any location. This can be analyzed in a lab or with an instant drug screening test. - Common Drugs Tested
Saliva/ Oral Fluid screening and testing can typically identify the following drugs: Marijuana, cocaine, barbiturates, ecstasy, amphetamines, methamphetamines, benzodiazepines, opiates (such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, and chemicals indicative of heroin use such as 6-acetylmorphine), PCP (phencyclidine), as well as alcohol and nicotine.
Hair Follicle
- How It Works and When It Is Best Used
With the ability to test accurately for drug use in the previous 90 days, the hair follicle test is the best method for identifying long-term drug use while significantly reducing the risk of substitution or adulteration. A screening administrator will cut roughly 100-150 strands of hair as close to the scalp as possible. The hair follicles will be sent to a lab for drug use within the previous three months. However, drugs used in the 15 days prior to testing will not appear in the hair follicle – and as such, this test should not be used for short-term or recent testing of substance use. This test is often used for custody or legal proceedings or other circumstances where long-term use needs to be identified or discounted. - Drug Detection Window
The hair follicle is the slowest to metabolize drugs, and will remain in the hair for up to three months after consumption. The hair follicle test is not effective for substances consumed in the 15 days prior to testing. - Observed Collection
Always administered by a screener and fully observed. - On-Site or Mobile/Lab-Based Test or Instant Screen
Typically administered in a lab or medical facility and within full view of the lab staff. There is no instant option for hair follicle testing. - Common Drugs Tested
Hair Follicle testing can typically identify the following drugs: Marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, opiates (such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, and chemicals indicative of heroin use such as 6-acetylmorphine), PCP (phencyclidine), ecstasy, as well as alcohol and nicotine.
Reduce lost productivity
Companies offering mobile drug testing services can gather and screen urine, saliva, nail and hair samples from applicants and employees and manage the drug testing program. Samples don’t have to travel for screening and results can be given immediately. Considering this fact, your employees won’t have to leave the workplace and travel for screening. Therefore, you’ll naturally have greater involvement and fewer visits if the drug test brings to the workplace when you like.
Nail (Fingernail or Toenail)
- How It Works and When It Is Best Used
With the ability to test accurately for drug use in the previous 2-8 months, the nail test is a great method for identifying long-term drug usage that extends beyond the timeframe of the standard hair follicle which only examines the last 90 days. There is no chance of specimen substitution or adulteration as it is professionally collected. A screening administrator will cut nails exclusively from fingernails or toenails but will never mix the two because of the different growth rates of the nails. The nail samples will be sent to a lab for drug use within the previous 2-8 months. However, drugs used in the 2 months prior to testing will not appear in the nail sample as it has not grown to a level where it can be clipped and tested – and as such, this test should not be used for short-term or recent testing of substance use. This test is often used for custody or legal proceedings or other circumstances where long-term use needs to be identified or discounted. - Drug Detection Window
The hair follicle is the slowest to metabolize drugs, and will remain in the hair for up to three months after consumption. The hair follicle test is not effective for substances consumed in the 15 days prior to testing. - Observed Collection
Always administered by a screener and fully observed. - On-Site or Mobile/Lab-Based Test or Instant Screen
Typically administered in a lab or medical facility and within full view of the lab staff. There is no instant option for hair follicle testing. - Common Drugs Tested
Nail testing can typically identify the following drugs: Marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, opiates (such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, and chemicals indicative of heroin use such as 6-acetylmorphine), PCP (phencyclidine), ecstasy, as well as alcohol and nicotine.
Blood
- How It Works and When It Is Best Used
The most invasive method, but also the method with the least risk for adulteration or substitution. While also the most expensive of testing options, this method of testing is typically used only in circumstances where active use and consumption needs to be determined. The cost, the inconvenience, and the intrusive nature of this test make it the rarest of the five methods identified – typically used only by law enforcement or if large sums of money are at stake in a legal scenario. - Drug Detection Window
Whereas the majority of illicit substances and drugs are rapidly metabolized in the bloodstream, the detection window in blood tests is extremely short. Through blood tests, drugs can be identified within the first few minutes of consumption and can last up to six hours. - Observed Collection
Always an observed collection as a medical professional must collect the specimen. - On-Site or Mobile/Lab-Based Test
Where some law enforcement professionals have the ability to administer this test and the results are considered relatively fast, this test is neither mobile or an instant drug screening option.
Sweat Patch
- How It Works and When It Is Best Used
Similar to a band-aid in appearance, the sweat patch is topically administered to the user and worn anywhere from 24 hours up to two weeks. Made out of a specific material that cannot be reapplied if tampered with or removed, the sweat patch collects accumulating sweat on a pad. At the completion, the pad is removed by the test administrator and sent away for analysis. Used to monitor drug use, this is often used for individuals in recovery, on parole, or under other supervision. - Drug Detection Window
In addition to the timeframe the sweat patch is worn, drug use can be detected for up to three days prior to application. - Observed Collection
The patch is applied and later removed by a trained administrator, however, the actual day to day use of the sweat patch is largely unobserved. - On-Site or Mobile/Lab-Based or Instant
The sweat patch can be applied at any location and is then sent away for lab-based screening at the conclusion of the testing window. - Common Drugs Tested
Testing can typically identify the following drugs: Amphetamine, cocaine, heroin, morphine, methadone, methamphetamine, PCP (phencyclidine), and alcohol.
Ultimately, the method of drug screening you choose to utilize depends entirely on the potential outcome, what you are looking for, and what you intend to do with the information after testing. Careful consideration and research can help you make an educated and effective choice for whatever your need for drug screening options may be.
The experts at Test Smartly Labs specialize in helping you determine the best way to test. Please contact us…
Our Popular Products
5-Panel Oral Fluid / Saliva Drug Panel
Price: $74 / Online Prepay Price: $69 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
EtG Hair Follicle Alcohol Test
Price: $249 / Online Prepay Price: $239 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
Breath Alcohol Test (BA) + Confirmation
Price: $39 / Online Prepay Price: $37 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
Instant / Rapid Screen 5-Panel + Lab Confirmation/MRO
Price: $49 / Online Prepay Price: $45 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
7-Panel Drug Test + Narcotic Panel
Price: $69 / Online Prepay Price: $67 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
5-Panel / OXY Drug Test + EtG Alcohol Test
Price: $109 / Online Prepay Price: $99 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
5-Panel Urine Drug Test
Price: $49 / Online Prepay Price: $45 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
Find your nearest location
- Overland Park
Test Smartly Labs ofOverland Park6600 College Blvd, Suite 205
Overland Park, KS 66211,
United StatesOpening Hours :
Mon - Fri : 9am - 5pm | Sat : Closed | Sun : Closed - Kansas City
- Kansas City North
- Independence
- Belton-Raymore
- Anywhere In The USA