Exploring Drug Test Methods

What are the different types of drug test methods, how do they differ, and when should they be used? Click here to learn more.

Are you concerned that a prospective employee might be taking drugs? Capacity and drug use are two things most employers are concerned about.

If you are an employer, you must be prepared for drug testing for positions. You want to know that the employees you hire will work efficiently and safely. While each company has different drug test methods, most work similarly.

By having employees undergo drug tests, and by understanding the DOT alcohol and drug testing rules, employers protect employee and customer safety. You also protect your business from liability. In this article, we explore in more detail about drug testing and the different methods and how they work.

Fingernail Drug Test

Fingernail tests may detect the parent drug and its metabolites for up to 6 months from the time of ingestion; this may be longer or shorter depending on the medicine and the user’s metabolism.

Fingernail tests are also more cost-effective than urine tests, and you can use them when urine testing is unsuitable. You can use the fingernail test to detect drug use in those who cannot produce a urine sample.

This test shows promise in providing an accurate snapshot of someone’s many drug exposures and uses patterns over a prolonged period. See this fingernail drug test info for details.

Urine Test

Urine tests are popular because they are inexpensive, accessible, and you can finish in almost any setting. Urine tests allow employers to detect the abuse of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and opioids.

The test looks for specific drug metabolites in the urine sample. These metabolites can remain present for days after taking the drug, allowing employers to detect long-term drug abuse.

Urine tests are also beneficial because the procedures used to administer the test are difficult to tamper with or adulterate. While only some urine tests have the same level of accuracy, they remain the drug test method of choice in most workplaces.

Blood Test

During a blood test, they will take a sample of the patient’s blood and then analyze it to determine what substances are in the patient’s body. Blood tests detect drugs’ presence or absence since drugs tend to remain in the bloodstream for a few days after taking them.

The results of a blood test will return in as little as 12-24 hours, making it a convenient way to check for drug use. Currently, the blood test is the most reliable and efficient way to detect the presence of drugs, as they can only see trace amounts through a blood test.

Hair Test

Hair testing can detect the presence of drugs used over the past 90 days. It does not need a urine or blood sample—the test works by looking for traces of drugs in a sample of a person’s hair follicles.

This method can identify drugs, including cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and more. Hair follicle drug test appeal to employers as they provide an accurate and thorough test that can detect any medications used in the past 90 days.

Try These Drug Test Methods Today

Drug testing methods continue to evolve with technological advances, providing employers and organizations with quicker and more efficient ways of screening for drug use.

From saliva tests to hair follicle samples, organizations and employers have a wide range of options when it comes to testing drugs. Try several different drug testing methods and analyze what works best for your workplace.

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