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Substance Use at the Workplace
Workplace substance use is a risky road to productivity loss, safety hazards, and compromised professionalism. Drug testing at work is vital.
Dr. Awais
March 29, 2024
Drug Testing Kits: What Are the Different Types of Drug Tests?
Drug Testing Kits: Wondering about the different types of drug testing kits for employers? Learn about testing employees for drugs
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Don Burtville was working at a steel mill when tragedy struck.
A careless forklift driver hit Don head-on, taking his life. He clocked into the worksite that morning but never got to clock out. Could it be that the forklift driver was under the influence of some type of substance?
To create a work environment that’s safety-focused and accident-free, you need a way of screening employees for drugs. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of drug testing kits for employers, and how to choose the right kind for your company.
So, take a look! The information you read here could save a life.
What Different Types of Drug Tests Screen For
To select the perfect pre-employment drug test for your company, you’ll need to know what substances to screen for.
Here’s a shortlist of illegal drugs you should test for:
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Opiates
- Cocaine
- Marijuana (THC)
- Amphetamines
There’s a variety of drug test types that can screen for the substances above. The most common and affordable drug testing specimens include saliva and urine.
Understanding Urine Drug Testing Kits
There’s more than one type of urine drug test. The first, and most common type, is the immunoassay visual test.
The immunoassay urine screening provides fast results. If the urine sample from the immunoassay comes back positive, a follow-up drug screening, called a mass spectrometry, takes place. The mass spectrometry is a laboratory procedure that takes longer, but the results will be more precise.
Science of a Saliva Test
Saliva drug test kits are fast and non-invasive. Sometimes testing centers will refer to saliva tests as mouth swab screening or oral fluid drug test dip cards.
Both saliva dip card tests and mouth swab drug screens are the same procedure. For these saliva-based tests, the facility gently collects a specimen from inside the patient’s cheek.
Saliva Drug Test vs. Urine Drug Screening
If you’re testing employees you suspect of using drugs on the job, then choose a saliva screening. Oral fluid tests are the fastest and most reliable for identifying same-day drug use. Another advantage of oral drug testing is that the collection of saliva can be witnessed and there is no need for bathroom facilities.
Depending on the drug, a saliva test can pick detect substances in the body, even if taken within the last couple of hours. Urine detection takes longer, since the drug often has to be metabolized in the liver before it is detected in the urine. Saliva drug tests usually have a shorter detection period (½ to 1½ days), while urine drug tests can detect drug usage for a longer period of time (1-4 days) for most drugs.
If you’re having trouble choosing, default to the industry standard. When you know the most common type of drug screening for your industry, you can easily align with regulations! Urine drug testing for the 5 most abused substances is the most common drug test for the majority of industries. 12 panel urine drug test cups are also frequently used.
Implementing Drug Test Cups
When you know all of your options, it’s easier to pick the correct type of drug test kit. Having a supply of both urine drug test cups and saliva tests is the best way to stay prepared.
DrugTestKitUSA is here to help you create a safe, drug-free work environment. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive line of drug and alcohol testing kits to meet all of your needs.
You’ll find that our drug testing kits are accurate, affordable, and easy to use. We invite you to take a look at our wide selection of urine drug test cups here.
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