The most common drug test panels are the 5 and 10 panel urine drug tests but there are many other drugs that can be tested for such as expanded opiates, fentanyl, and others.
For years, urine drug testing has been the standard in the United States. Over the past several years, additional specimen types and expanded testing panels have become more commonplace. Many employers are combining the use of urine, hair, oral fluid, and even fingernail drug testing for more effective programs.
Although individual drugs can be tested for, drug testing is typically conducted using panels or groups of drugs. Below are some of the most commonly tested drugs.
Alcohol testing can sometimes be complicated and confusing. There are several methods available for alcohol testing. Some show use only while others reveal current impairment or intoxication.
Drug Testing can be confusing. You have questions, we have accurate answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our FAQ section, please contact our team at 866-843-4545.
Drug testing services come in various formats to help ensure workplace and community safety. Choosing the right drug test for your needs is essential for generating accurate and useful results. To help you select the correct screening method, we’ve detailed the proper use cases for each of the following:
Urine drug testing is the most widely used drug testing service thanks to its straightforward process and effectiveness in detecting recent drug use. This test type is used in almost every environment, including the workplace, legal system, and hospitals. It can be tailored to detect a wide range of substances and provides quick results. Despite its simplicity, it’s highly accurate. The only drawback to urine testing is its shorter testing window. The body quickly cycles through urine — most drug compounds become undetectable after five days. The notable exception to this rule is THC (cannabis/marijuana), which can remain detectable for up to a month, depending on the subject’s usage patterns. Those with high usage of marijuana typically have longer detection times.
Hair follicle drug testing involves analyzing a hair sample, typically taken from the head, arms, chest, legs, or underarms. It offers a longer detection window than urine tests and is used in more stringent testing scenarios. Some drug compounds can be detected via hair follicle tests for up to 90 days after consumption. This makes hair follicle drug tests more difficult to evade. However, in situations where detecting recent drugs is paramount, hair follicle testing isn’t ideal, as the compounds take quite a bit of time to show up. Hair drug testing is more of a test for a lifestyle pattern.
Oral fluid or saliva drug testing is gaining popularity because it’s non-invasive, delivers quick results, and can detect recent drug use. This testing method is valuable in scenarios where immediate screening is necessary, such as roadside police checks, random workplace checks, reasonable suspicions testing, or post-accident testing. Oral fluid or saliva tests can detect recent drug use, usually within the past 24-48 hours, and require no specialized administration equipment.
In conclusion, understanding the different types of drug testing services and their applications is essential for selecting the most suitable method. Each has unique benefits and limitations, from urine and hair follicle tests to blood and saliva tests. Selecting the most suitable testing service ensures you receive accurate results that meet your needs.
Choosing the right drug test for your needs isn’t always straightforward. To maximize the effectiveness of drug testing services, you should always work with a reputable screening provider like National Drug Screening. We can help you choose the correct drug test for your situation. Call today or order a drug test online to get started.
