Frequently asked questions about drug test and testing

Q1 What is an instant Drug Test Kit and how does it work?

A1 - An instant Drug Test Kit is a self-contained urinalysis drug test that detects the presence of drug metabolites in urine within minutes. The cup contains detection strips each designed to test a particular drug at NIDA cut-off levels. It provides instant results using a technology similar to that found in home pregnancy tests. Through the patented delivery system, urine reacts with the reagents and antigens on the strip to produce a colormetric reading indicating either positive or negative test results. Go to the products page to see a UA Test Kits demonstration.

Q2 How does the instant Drug Test Cup compare to the other cups and testing procedures?

A2 - The leading cups require significant manipulation or handling of the cup in order to activate the test. You must either tilt the cup or insert detection strips into the cup in order to initiate contact with the specimen. During testing, these cups are not sealed which puts the tester at greater risk of specimen exposure, accidents, tampering, and retesting. Should the specimen deliver a positive reading, further handling of the cups or split-samples are needed in order to prepare them for shipping to a confirmation lab. Other urine drug testing products, such as testing strips, require direct handling of urine via pipettes, can take up to 45 minutes for results and also require split-sampling. DrugTest Cup, on the other hand, doesn't require any steps to activate the test. Simply void urine into the cup and wait for the results. The cup is also ready to be shipped should it be necessary to confirm a positive reading. It's a simpler, safer, and saner approach to drug testing. For a side by side comparison of UA Test Kits™ against the leading drug test cups, please see our comparison chart.

Q3 How can my business benefit from using instant Drug Test Kits

A3 - Instant Drug Test Kits are ideal for businesses that conduct pre-employment, random, and/or post-accident drug testing. Because of its ability to deliver instant results, Instant Drug Test Kits allow your new employees to begin work immediately. (Compare that to waiting 24 - 72 hours for laboratory drug testing.) It also allows you to proceed both timely and knowledgeably during post-accident investigations. This is especially true for those companies conducting remote site testing. Not only do instant Drug Test Kits allow you to be more productive, but it also saves you money. While the average test can cost upwards of $35.00, Instant Drug Test Kits are about half the cost. Those who conduct a lot ofdrug tests and order in greater quantities, realize even greater savings through generous volume discounts. Furthermore, businesses can receive premium discounts up to 15% on their worker's compensation coverage with the implementation of a drug-testing program.

Q4 Are there any legal medications that can trigger positive results?

A4 - Yes. the most common problem is the pseudoephedrine in many over-the-counter sinus and cold medications, which can cause a positive result for methamphetamine. Some forms of the drugs we test for may be available legally under prescription as well. Click on the "Specifications" link above for a complete list of "Non-cross reading compounds"

Q5 A urine sample that tested positive with an instant drug screen test came back as negative after I sent it to the lab!

A5 - Keep in mind that our tests are drug SCREENS, and to be used for preliminary testing only. Our tests are designed to reduce the number of samples you have to send in to the lab for confirmation. There are several reasons a lab might disagree with a preliminary test result: the lab may be testing for a different amount, or a very specific form of the drug being tested for. The urine sample sent to the lab might not be the same one that was pre-tested - check your own internal procedures.

Q6 Are Morphine, Opiates, and Heroin the same kind of drug?

A6 Yes, they are all tested using the Opiates test. These drugs are from the same family of drugs.

Q7 How long will drugs stay in my system?

Q8 Which drugs do you test for?

Q9 What is the shelf life of the on-site test devices?

A9 - Our test devices have a shelf life of 18 months from the date of manufacture. The expiration date of each Lot of devices is indicated on each individual foil pouch and can be used up until that date.

Q10 Do the results hold up in court?

A10 - Instant Drug Test Kits provide only a preliminary analytical test result. A more specific alternate chemical method must be used in order to obtain a confirmed analytical result- gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is the preferred confirmatory method. Any result taken to court, must be confirmed.

Q11 How accurate are your drug tests?

A11 - Laboratory test results for drugs of abuse have indicated a greater than 97% accuracy when used according to the instructions. Many have 100% accuracy.

Q12 Is it possible to test positive for THC (marijuana) from exposure to second hand smoke?

A12 - Absolutely Not! Urine concentrations of THC above the cut-off sensitivity level of the test, or a positive result, is not possible by exposure to second hand smoke.

Q13 Will commonly used substances such as vitamins, penicillin, aspirin, caffeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol), affect the results?

A13 - No. Our tests are drug and drug metabolite specific.These commonly taken substances are chemically . and structurally different after being metabolized by the body from the drugs being tested for and therefore, under most circumstances, not interfere with or compromise test results.

Q14 Are there any legal medications that can trigger positive results?

A14 - Yes. The most common problem is the pseudoephedrine in many over-the-counter sinus and cold medications, which can cause a positive result for methamphetamine. A GC/MS confirmation as well as a MRO review is necessary to determine the source of the positive result. Some forms of the drugs we test for may be available legally under prescription as well.

Q15 What is the difference between Methamphetamine and Amphetamine?

A15 - Both amphetamine and methamphetamine are potent symphathominetic agents. Methamphetamine is the parent drug. It metabolizes into amphetamine in the body. Methamphetamine and/or amphetamine are excreted in the urine.

Q16 Which category covers Ecstasy?

A16 - MDMA.

Q17 Is on site testing as accurate as laboratory testing?

A17 - Yes, it is as accurate. The on site test kits utilize the same cut off levels as the laboratory. This is mandated by the DHHS. The accuracy along with the savings in time and money make on site testing a valuable tool.

Q18 What are some of the advantages to on site testing?

A18 *Immediate results. *No turn around time for negatives. *Increase worker productivity less time lost to "testing process".
  *Reduced employment cost i.e. business, workers comp and medical insurance.
  *Shortened hiring cycle eliminates the 2 - 3 day delay in hiring prospective employees.
  *Increased testing specificity/flexibility allows users to target drug testing to meet specific demographic or geographic drug use trends.
  *Increased deterrence immediate results = immediate action.
  *Reduced drug testing costs lower "per test cost" through reduced direct and incidental costs.
  *Accountability donor must "deal" with results at time of test.

Q19 What is adulteration?

A19 - Adulteration is the tampering of a specimen in an attempt to pass a drug screen. There are several household products that are used as well as over the counter products that are either ingested or added to the specimen. Any specimen that has been adulterated should be considered a positive.

Q20 Does adulteration work?

A20 - There are several products available that do work. Clinical studies have been completed testing both households and over the counter products. We recommend a specimen be tested for adulteration because it is quite prevalent.

Q21 How can I prevent adulteration?

A21 - The first step to prevention is proper specimen collection. The collection facility should be secured, with no running water and bluing in the toilet. The donor should wash their hands before the collection. Also always check the temperature of the specimen. We offer an adulteration test strip which checks for seven different type of adulteration. It will allow you to test with confidence. To buy Urine Adulteration Test Strips, CLICK HERE

Q22 What drugs should I test for?

A22 - With the exception of DOT testing, which requires testing for THC, Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamine, and PCP, you can decide what you would like to test for. We work with our clients to help them choose what they wish to detect. We usually suggest the drugs that are the most prevalent in the area as well as what the trends show. Because we work closely with several law enforcement agencies, we are aware of what drugs are out there. Most of our clients are testing for THC, Cocaine, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, and Opiates. Some tests for PCP as it is also a popular drug in the working population.

Q23 Can we test ourselves in house?

A23 - With the proper training you may bring the, testing in house giving your organization a substantial savings. You would eliminate the collection costs as well as having to pay travel time for your employee to get to and from the collection facility.

Q24 What happens if I get a positive result for a drug?

A24 - All positive results must be sent for confirmation by a more specific method such as GC/MS. The drug screen is designed to screen out the negative results and does not measure the level of substances in the urine specimen. It also does not identify cross reactants to the drug test that may be in legal use. For more information on confirmation, see Laboratory Confirmation

Q25 What are some Drug Slang terms and what do they mean?

Q26 What are some of the signs / symptoms of drug abuse?

Q27 How can a person detox from drugs? -or- How can I pass a drug test?

A27 - These questions are often asked in terms of detoxing or detoxification and/or what is required to pass a drug test. For more information on these subjects, click on one of the links in the previous sentence.

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Frequently Asked Questions