Different Types of Drug Testing and What They Are Used For

A drug test is a technical analysis performed to determine the presence of one or more prescription or
illegal drugs in your system: blood, hair, saliva, sweat, or urine. Drug tests are typically used in pre-
employment screening, DOT physicals, legal or forensic investigations, and sports screening.

There are different methods for drug testing: oral, urine, blood, hair, and sweat tests. In these
procedures, specimens are usually taken and sent to laboratories for analysis.

Urine Test

A urine test is one of the most established drug testing methods that have a detection window of up to
30 days. In this test, your urine sample is checked for metabolites, which are a byproduct of when your
body breaks down a drug substance.

A urine test also analyzes antigen-antibody complexes, which form when your immune system releases
antibodies in the event a drug substance enters your system. The substances commonly tested in a urine
sample are as follows:

Alcohol

Amphetamines

Benzodiazepines

Opiates

Cocaine

Cannabis

Although urine is the most commonly used specimen for point-of-care testing, there have been
concerns about the slight likelihood that urine samples may be tampered with or substituted. To reduce
this risk, an observer may directly watch the sample being collected.

Blood Test

A blood test is usually performed during emergencies but can also be used to detect drug compounds
for pre-employment tests. Blood tests are usually an integral part of annual physicals.

Compared to other testing methods, collecting the specimen is more invasive, since it requires drawing a
small amount of blood from the vein. It is also limited to recent substance use—within 2 to 12 hours
prior to the test.
Hair Test

A hair or follicle test needs a strand of your hair from your face, head, or armpit. It’s useful in providing
information on a person’s cumulative substance use. It can detect the following:

Cocaine

Phencyclidine (PCP)

Amphetamines

Opioids

3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)

Of all testing methods, a hair test offers the longest window of detection. Hair from your scalp has a
detection window of three months, while body hair has a window of up to 12 months. This long
detection window is attributable to the tendency of drug metabolites to remain in the hair from one
week after drug use up until the hair grows. As such, a hair test can offer a timeline into how long a
person has been using an illicit substance.

However, it is not without limitations. A hair test may not be highly capable of detecting low-level or
single-use cases.

Oral Fluid Test

During an oral fluid test, your mouth is swabbed to collect saliva, which is then analyzed to detect the
concentration of orally consumed substances. In some cases, it can catch same-day use or residual drugs
in the mouth.

However, a saliva test is not without disadvantages. Saliva production may be limited due to drug use. It
also has a short window of detection of approximately 24 to 48 hours after last use.

Sweat Test

During this test, you may be required to have either an absorbent pad placed on your skin for less than
24 hours or wear a sweat patch for seven to 14 days. Like a hair test, a sweat test gives an insight into a
person’s cumulative substance use. Compared to urine samples, sweat specimens are difficult to tamper
with and possibly more affordable.

Drug Testing in North Richland Hills, TX

A drug test may be presumptive or definitive, the former having a shorter turnaround time but lower
specificity and sensitivity. Depending on the initial findings, your clinician may order a confirmatory test
to ensure the test results’ accuracy.

If you would like to schedule a drug test for your employees, visit EMC Express Care today. Our very own
Dr. Greg Gardener performs efficient drug tests to ensure your employees are in the best condition they
can be.

Our walk-in clinic is open seven days a week from 10 am to 8 pm. Call us at (817) 503-8800 or fill out our
easy-to-use online form to let us know you’re coming. We look forward to serving you.