Drug Screening

Companies, government agencies and insurance organizations frequently require a laboratory test for illegal drugs and alcohol. The screening almost always includes collecting a urine specimen. This is especially true since most substances being tested for stay in the urine even after a person's intoxication or impairment has passed.

A serum (blood) test is generally reserved for when you have "real time" impairment or right after ingestion of a prohibited substance. In addition, some organizations require the entire testing process to follow a stringent chain of custody.

Urine Screening

A normal drug and alcohol screening consists of collecting a random urine specimen. Many precautions are used to ensure a fresh specimen, testing accuracy and that the urine sample is actually the patient's. The following is a list of the most widely performed drug and alcohol screening tests:

• Amphetamines  (Methamphetamines)
• Barbiturates
  
  • Phenobarbitol
  • Secobarbital
• Benzodiazapines (Valium class drugs)
• Cocaine / Cocaine Metabolites
• Opiates / Heroin Morphine
• Methadone
• Phenycyclidine (PCP)
• Propoxyphene Metabolites
• Marijuana (Tetrahydrocannabinol; THC)

False-positives and false-negatives

An amphetamine test may produce a false-positive result if you're taking medications that have phenylpropanolamine or pseudoephedrine. Plus, a false-positive opiate test may result from eating poppy seeds (confirmation testing usually resolves this issue). In addition, urine "over dilution" and other factors can cause a false-negative result.

Whether you're an employer or a worker required to have a Drug Screening, Any Lab Test Now can help meet all your testing needs. You don't need an appointment, no doctor is required, plus it's discrete and confidential.

The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician. Factors unclear to the layperson may exist.