Type Of Drug Test |
Pros |
Cons |
Detection Window |
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Highest assurance of reliable results Least expensive Most flexibility in testing different drugs, including alcohol and nicotine Most likely of all drug-testing methods to withstand legal challenge |
Specimen can be adulterated, substituted, or diluted Limited window of detection Test sometimes viewed as invasive or embarrassing Biological hazard for specimen handling and shipping to lab |
Typically
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Longer window of detection Greater stability (does not deteriorate) Can measure chronic drug use Convenient shipping and storage (no need to refrigerate) Collection procedure not considered invasive or embarrassing More difficult to adulterate than urine Detects alcohol/cocaine combination use |
More expensive Test usually limited to basic 5-drug panel Cannot detect alcohol use Will not detect very recent drug use (1 to 7 days prior to test) |
Depends on the length of hair in the sample. Hair grows about a half-inch per month, so a 1½-inch specimen would show a 3-month history. |
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Sample obtained under direct observation Minimal risk of tampering Non-invasive Can detect alcohol use Samples can be collected easily in virtually any environment Reflects recent drug use |
Drugs and drug metabolites do not remain in oral fluids as long as they do in urine Less efficient than other testing methods in detecting marijuana use |
Approximately 10 to 24 hours
Detailed information about oral saliva drug detection window |
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Non-invasive
Variable removal date
(generally Quick application and removal Longer window of detection than urine No sample substitution possible |
Limited number of labs able to process results People with skin eruptions, excessive hair, or cuts and abrasions cannot wear the patch Passive exposure to drugs may contaminate patch and affect results |
Patch retains evidence of
drug use for at least 7 days, and can
detect even low levels of drugs |