Types of drug tests
Urine drug test
The most commonly administered drug test by far is the urine test or urinalysis. This process involves analyzing a urine sample for the presence of toxins left by the use of drugs. The preferred method in most drug testing facilities, the urine test is inexpensive and easy to implement. It also has the advantage of being highly effective at picking up traces of most drugs long after they have disappeared from the blood or saliva.
Some people try to get around urine tests by diluting the urine. This is done either by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the test or by surreptitiously diluting the sample itself at the testing facility. These methods aren’t as effective as they might seem, since diluted urine typically has a colorless appearance that is a clear sign that the urine has been tampered with. Diluted urine also has a much lower concentration of creatinine, which is another commonly recognized sign that the sample has been tampered with.
Blood drug tests
Blood tests are not as commonly administered as urine tests and most other types of drug tests. They are generally considered invasive, which makes them a less appealing option for companies who would rather avid any legal complications. Blood tests are also less effective at detecting drug use long after the fact, although they are pretty effective at detecting toxins present a short time after ingestion.
Hair drug test
Another drug test that is becoming increasingly common nowadays is the hair test. They are considered less invasive than urine tests, and the test has a fairly high degree of accuracy. Hair tests can also detect the presence of drugs within 90 days after use, although these types of tests cannot be used to determine current drug use.
Saliva test
One other drug test that seems to hold a lot of promise is the saliva test. A fairly non-invasive procedure, the test involves the analysis of saliva collected from the mouth via swabbing. Saliva tests can detect drug use anywhere from a few hours to a few days after last use.
If you are required to take a drug test, it would be a good idea to be aware of the laws regarding such tests in your state. This will help ensure the protection of your right to privacy and reduce the chances of being tested inappropriately. Awareness of local drug testing laws will also let you know how often you will be required to undergo testing, the specific procedure involved, and the consequences you can expect based on the results of the test.
