Drug Testing Kits: Complete Guide

A genuine drug test can provide an accurate reflection of the presence of a drug, metabolites, or alcohol within the bloodstream.

Medical providers, school officials, law officers, or employers can conclude an individual’s ability to function safely by the drug test results. They need quality drug testing kits that can help decide to hire candidates and employees. This blog is an extensive guide that throws light about the drug testing kits in 2021.

Table Of Contents:

• What are Home drug testing kits?
• Why is the Knowledge of drug testing kits essential?
• What is the drug testing kit?
• How convenient are the drug test kits to handle?
• Are home drug tests accurate?
• What type of drug test do most employers prefer?
• Can CBD be detected in a drug test?
• Do Federal and state agencies approve drug testing kits?
• Apart from the drug, what else can be tested with the drug testing kits?
• What adulterants are used by tricksters to render the drug test invalid?
• What are the primary advantages of drug testing kits?
• What are the drug testing panels?

Drug testing reveals information about the presence or absence of certain drugs and their metabolites in biological samples like urine, blood, breath, etc.  The information is essential for law enforcement agents, medical service providers, employers, schools, and other institutions to maintain law and order.

What are Home Drug Testing Kits?

Detecting various drugs and drug levels (cut-off levels) at home is as easy as reading temperature, blood pressure, and sugar levels. Home drug testing kits will help you to know the drug levels in your body and assist you to prepare yourself for the actual drug test. DrugTestPanels offers high-quality home-based Urine, Saliva, and Hair drug testing kits at affordable rates with attractive discounts.

Why is the Knowledge of Drug Testing Kits Essential?

Drug testing has become mandatory in most public and private agencies, organizations, and institutions. So, it is best to know about the drug testing kits to prepare yourself to face the test with confidence.

The drug menace is so rampant that it costs American Economy a whopping 750 billion dollars every year. The curve of this drug abuse graph is rising sharper, making it tougher to handle for the law enforcement agencies.

Drug testing kits can be used at the home, office, or any other place.  Present-day drug kits are designed to test a variety of drugs present in an individual’s system.  The kits are very convenient to handle.

Knowing about drugs, drug tests, and drug testing kits is of absolute necessity for health-conscious citizens.  I would rather say the knowledge of drug testing kits is essential health literacy.

Why Drug Testing?

Drug testing can't assess an individual’s degree of impairment or ability to perform a task safely. Still, it can detect the presence of a drug in an individual’s system or the content of a substance in the system in the form of metabolites.

• Businesses across the United States are facing considerable losses in the form of low productivity, absenteeism, attorney charges, compensation claims, and man-hour losses.  
• Though drug testing is not considered a part of business investment, it can still save employers.

As teens are more prone to drug abuse, schools and other institutions have initiated drug screening programs for the following reasons.

• To select participants for sports and other physical competitions.
• To check for the drugs that can enhance performance in sports and other related activities.
• To drug-test students who are on probation.
• To ensure sobriety in students who drive to schools.
• To reduce drug-related crime through frequent drug screening.

Substances that can be Detected by Drug-Testing Kits

More than 20 types of drugs can be detected using test kits.  The most common drugs that can be detected by kits are

• Amphetamines
• Barbiturates
• Buprenorphine
• Benzodiazepine
• Cocaine
• Ecstasy
• MMJ
• Methadone
• Methamphetamine
• Methadone
• Opiates
• Oxycodone
• Propoxyphene
• Phencyclidine
• Tricyclic Antidepressants

What are the Drug Testing Kits?

Drug testing kits are handy, convenient, and easy to do drug-test objects that look like large cotton buds (mouth swab testing stick), cups, dip cards, etc.  Instruction manual, specimen transfer system, and instruction cards are also supplied with the drug testing kits.

How convenient are the Drug Test Kits to handle?

Drug test kits are user-friendly and very convenient to handle. We can find step-by-step instructions in the instruction manual that comes with the drug testing kits.

Do Drug Testing Kits Save a Lot?

Employers can do drug screening with the drug test kits, and only those who test non-negative can be referred to the labs for a confirmatory test.  All the employees in the workplace are not drug abusers, and by using the drug testing kits, employers can save a lot.  This procedure is not applicable in a workplace that employs people for safety-sensitive jobs. Employers handling safety-sensitive businesses need to drug test their pre-employment candidates and employees as per the DOT guidelines.

What is the Most Accurate Drug Test?

Though blood and saliva tests are considered 99% accurate, blood testing is the most accurate form of testing available right now.  We can rely on these tests for a short time window, i.e., these tests tend to be valid only if a person has used drugs within the past few days.

How Reliable is Urine Drug Testing?

Urine drug testing is the most popular form of drug testing because it is faster and costs less.  Its accuracy is also reliable most of the time.  These tests are accurate if a person has consumed drugs within the last few days. They can even trace the drug even if the effects have worn off. Use high-quality urine drug testing kits to detect the drug levels precisely.

Can I Drug Test Myself?

You can.  Medical sciences have advanced so much that people who could read can drug test themselves, their family members, friends, or others. Drug testing kits give you complete privacy, confidentiality, and instant results. After all, the knowledge of self-drug testing is not only a necessity but also highly essential for one’s well-being at home and the workplace. Make sure you buy home-based drug testing kits from a trusted online drug store.

Where can I Get the Drug Test Kits? Are They Costlier than Lab Tests?

DrugTestPanels offer the best drug testing kits at affordable rates (one-tenth of the lab tests). We provide high-quality kits at discount prices. We stock various drug testing kits for all kinds of drug testing and sample collection materials in bulk. Our employer drug testing kits are the most preferred among various employers and hiring organizations.  We are just a phone call away.  Get your drug testing kits now.

How to Read the Result on Drug Test Kits?

All the necessary instructions are supplied with the testing kits, including cut-off levels.  For example, just take off the cap and dip the test into the urine sample for 10 seconds, wait for five minutes and read the result.  A person who does the drug test should exercise extreme caution while handling specimens to safeguard against infections.

Are Home Drug Tests Accurate?

The kit-based drug testing result is almost 99% accurate.  Still, certain external factors like food habits, medication/drugs, and time of the day can influence the outcome of the result.

What is a Cut-off Level in a Drug Test?

“Cut-off level” refers to the point within which a drug test is called negative and above which a drug test is called positive.  For drug screening, the cut-off mark is an essential criterion for judgment.  It should be noted that a negative result does not mean that a sample is drug-free but may contain the amount of drug that is below the cut-off level.

Common substances that tend to turn the result positive

• Antidepressants
• Ibuprofen
• Tonic water
• Cold medicine
• Diet pills
• Vitamin B supplements
• Poppy Seed bagels
• Granola bars
• Types of Drug Tests

What Type of Drug Test Do Most Employers Prefer?

Most employers prefer Urine Drug tests.  This test will detect the presence of a drug in the system after the drug effects have ceased; however, the length of time varies for different drugs. Urine drug testing kits, especially all-in-one 12-panel T-cups offered by DTP, can detect the drug levels within 3 to 5 minutes and provide precise results.

How Long Can You Detect Drugs in Urine?

• Amphetamines:  1-2 days, depending on the type
• Opiates:  1-4 days.
• Phencyclidine (PCP):  8 dayseught
• MMJ/Cannabis:  3 to 30 days, depending on usage
• Cocaine:  2 to 10 days
• Methadone:  2 to 7 days
• Barbiturates:  2 to 15 days
• Benzodiazepines:  2 to 10 days
• Methaqualone:  10 to 15 days
• Propoxyphene:  6 hours to 2 days.

How Long do Drugs Stay in the Human System?

• Urine – up to 48 hours
• Hair – up to three months
• Saliva – up to three days

Is It Better to Take a Drug Test in the Morning or the Afternoon?

Morning urine tends to be highly concentrated compared to other times of the day.  This makes it the best sample for detecting a variety of drugs found in the body.  It is better to conduct the test before drinking any liquids in the morning.

What if I Tested Non-Negative?

If you test non-negative, it is advisable to drug test yourself in an approved lab for confirmation.  If the test is performed at the workplace, you are automatically directed to take the lab test.

Can CBD be Detected in a Drug Test?

Employees who frequently use CBD in any form to relieve their symptoms like pain, anxiety, etc., do fail drug tests, according to recent studies.  Most employers in workplaces are not interested in finding CBD because this drug doesn't influence employees’ decision-making ability or motor skills. Still, THC in CBD can find its way into the human system and stay for a longer time.

Do Federal and State Agencies Approve Drug Testing Kits?

Federal and State agencies, court, and law enforcement agencies would not accept the kit-based results.  Companies that employ people for safety-sensitive jobs are required to drug-test their employees at government-approved labs.

What Specimens are Required to Drug Test with Kits?

The drug testing kit helps detect common drugs that are abused using the saliva and urine specimens.  Blood and hair drug tests are not possible with drug testing kits because these tests are invasive too. You can use the hair drug testing kits to self-test to know the drug levels in your body.

Apart from the Drug, What else can be Tested with the Drug Testing Kits?

For certain types of ailments, the physician might ask the patients to do a urine test to detect specific contaminants.  Some urine drug test kits are also used to detect common adulterants.  People who cannot move or travel due to disability, impairments, obesity, age, sickness, etc., can use the drug testing kits and verify with their physicians regarding the results.  Detecting common adulterants would be highly useful in such cases.

The common adulterants that can be detected are

• Urine pH – The pH value determines the acidic or base nature of the urine sample.
• Specific gravity – This value indicates more solids or more water in the urine sample.
• Color – Certain medical conditions like diet, diseases, medicines influence the color of the urine sample.
• Nitrites – The presence of this substance indicates a bacterial infection.
• Odor – Foul odor indicates blood, pus, or bacterial infection.
• Oxidants – The presence of oxidants.
• Creatinine – Creatinine level indicates the amount of waste in the specimen.
• Glucose – Detects glucose level in the blood.

What Adulterants are Used by Tricksters to Render the Drug Test Invalid?

PCC, popularly known as 'Urine Luck,’ may be used by the candidates to tamper with the drug test.  This chemical affects the pH of urine and shields drug metabolites in the urine sample.

Another adulterant called Glutaraldehyde restricts the enzyme used to detect drugs in urine thereby turning the result “invalid.”

Can you Drink Water Before a Urine Test?

Before the test, one should drink as much water as possible to get an adequate urine sample.  However, sometimes drinking excessive amounts of water may cause inaccuracy in results.  One can include milk and fruit juices in combination with water for better results.

Will Drinking Coffee Affect a Drug Test Result?

Drinking a little amount of coffee or tea an hour before the test has a minor diuretic effect and will not wholly dilute the sample.

Can Ibuprofen Cause You to Fail a Drug Test?

Ibuprofen is one of the main culprits in influencing the test result.  Research studies show that most of the people taking high doses (above 800 mg per day) tested positive for THC (cannabinoids), PCP, and barbiturates.

Does Peeing Remove Toxins From the Body?

Unfortunately, taking more water than the required amount will not flush the toxins out of the system, nor will it help the excretory system (kidneys).  The only change will be the change in color of the urine, i.e., yellow to clear.  According to some research studies, consuming a large amount of water (around one gallon) before the test dilutes the metabolites in urine and renders the urine drugs undetectable.

Is a 12 Days Period Enough to Pass a Drug Test?

The easiest and most natural way to pass a drug test is to stop consuming cannabis.  For a small number of cannabis users, stopping consumption at least ten days before the test should be enough.  For heavier users, it is recommended for at least a minimum of one month.

• A rare user (less than two times per week) can test positive for 1-3 days.
• A frequent user (several times per week) can test positive for 7-21 days after the last use.
• A heavy user can test positive for 30 days or even more after last use.

How Much Pee is Needed For a Drug Test?

A urine drug testing requires around 30 mL of urine (DOT requires approximately 50 mL of a urine sample) and is collected in an exclusive restroom.  The collector collects the specimen in a bottle that is sealed with special tape.

How Long Should a Heavy Smoker Wait to Pass a Urine Test?

Infrequent smokers could probably pass a test conducted 24 hours after the consumption.  Heavy smokers should wait at least five days before taking up urine drug tests depending on the frequency of use, and never more than seven days.

To whom are the drug testing kits applicable?

• Employers (Screening only)
• Pregnant mothers
• Individuals testing for personal purposes
• Pre-drug test before (pre-employment) drug testing
• People on detoxification or under treatment regime
• Employees under treatment
• Schools (with the consent of the parents or guardians)
• Nursing colleges and other schools (With permission from the concerned Federal and State Authorities)
• People living in remote places/countryside
• People on the move (for pleasure and purpose)
• People needing to test at odd hours
• Parents who want to drug test their children
• Police personnel on patrol
• Doctors who need an instant drug test for their patients

Reasons the Employers Do the Drug Test

Non-DOT complainant employers usually do drug testing or screening of their employees at the workplace itself.  Employees who test non-negative are directed to visit the confirmatory test.  Employers go for drug testing primarily for the following reasons:

• Pre-employment test
• Random drug test
• Test on return to duty
• Post-accident drug test
• Scheduled drug test
• Follow-up drug testing
• Drug testing on reasonable suspicion

Drug Testing Categories

Broadly speaking, there are three ways of drug testing for individuals and employers.

• Instant drug testing
• Same-day-result drug testing
• Drug testing by labs

The factors that influence drug testing are drug testing purpose, cost, accuracy, and time.

Types of Drug Tests

There are six types of drug tests.  Individuals and employers can choose any one or a combination of three, depending on the requirements, compliance, and time factor.

• Breath alcohol test (for instant result)
• Urine drug test
• Blood drug test
• Hair drug test
• Saliva or oral swab drug screening
• Sweat drug screening

What Type of Drug Testing Can be Done with Drug Testing Kits?

Blood sweat and hair drug testing can be done only in the lab because these tests require expertise and knowledge. Urine and saliva drug tests can be done with drug testing kits.

What are the primary advantages of drug testing kits?

• Drug testing kits are comparatively cheaper than lab-based tests.
• Tests can be administered by non-professional (but instructions supplied with the kits should be strictly adhered to).
• Drug testing kits can be used anywhere and anytime.
• More than 20 types of drugs can be detected with drug testing kits.
• Simple and easy procedure.
• Available over-the-counter at nearby pharmacies and stores.

Advantages of using Saliva Drug Testing Kits over Urine Drug Testing Kits

1. No Embarrassing Moments

It is often common for employees to feel a shy bladder at workplaces to submit their urine samples.  It is an embarrassing situation for both employer and employee.  In such circumstances, a saliva drug test is the best option, a win-win situation for all.

2. Tamper-Proof, Adulteration-Proof and Dilution-Proof

Employees tend to tamper with the urine sample by adulterating it with bleach or hydrogen peroxide to test negative.  Some might try to add water to escape the substance detection.  A saliva drug test eliminates the possibilities like tampering, adulterations, and dilutions.  Thus, saliva or oral fluid tests can be considered 100% genuine.

3. More Hygienic

Most people wouldn't want to deal with a urine sample for genuine reasons like foul smell, infection, leaks, and spills.  Urine tests require careful handling and other things like protective hand gloves, masks, etc.  The saliva drug test is safe, sanitary, and easy to handle.  Just collect the test swab, seal it, and submit it for the test.

4. Immediate Detection Time

Unlike urine drug tests that take longer for the drug to metabolize and excrete from the body (takes several hours), a saliva drug test instantly results after the consumption.  Urine test tends to be inaccurate as it is a time-sensitive specimen.

5. Can Be Tested Anywhere

Saliva drug test eliminates the necessity of a bathroom or particular room at the workplace.  The test can be done anywhere, including open-air or at the very place of accident, or the same instance of suspicious activities.  This test is handy at places like sports venues, construction sites, plantations, mining areas, etc.

None can dispute the accuracy of the urine drug test, its accuracy, and cost. Still, sometimes the test can go wrong with several external elements, so 100% accuracy is not always guaranteed.

What are the Drug Testing Panels?

The term drug testing panels refers to the strips or panels that detect a specific drug in a sample.  A five-panel drug test detects five types of common drugs in a sample, and a 12-panel drug test is used to detect 12 types of drugs in the sample.

How does a Five-Panel Drug Test Work?

A five-panel drug test consists of five strips, which means five substances can be detected using the five-panel test.  The substances are:

• Amphetamine (methamphetamine, MDA, MDMA, D-amphetamine)
• Cocaine
• Opiates (oxycodone, oxymorphone, 6-MAM, codeine, morphine, 6-MAM, hydrocodone)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• MMJ (THC, cannabinoids)

Employers may also choose to test for ecstasy, prescription painkillers, anabolic steroids, and hallucinogens.

Disclaimer

This site attempts to bring facts surrounding the drugs and self-drug testing kits to help employers, employees, individuals, and anyone concerned with preventing drug abuse.  We have done extensive research on drug abuse, consulted labs, professionals, experts, and healthcare providers.  We assert that this material is like a piece of literature on drug abuse, and under any circumstances, it shouldn't be considered a final word or doctor’s advice.  This material, at best, is a piece of information for individuals and employers.

p>A genuine drug test can provide an accurate reflection of the presence of a drug, metabolites, or alcohol within the bloodstream.