The most common form of drug testing is the urine test, which can test for drugs or metabolites (drug residues) in the urine. It is the lowest-cost test, and the various assays used to perform the test can help to ascertain the largest number of illegal substances.
According to the DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION, urinalysis is the only methodology for drug testing approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
A urine test can detect drug usage that has occurred within about one to five days (with some exceptions, such as marijuana, which can persist in the urine for weeks to months after the last use).
The Federal Drug-Free Workplace program uses a urine test that detects the presence of MARIJUANA, OPIATES, COCAINE, AMPHETAMINES, and phencyclidine.
Urine tests are also available that can detect the presence of alcohol, lysergic acid diethylamide, and other drugs.
The hair can be tested for drugs.
Testing of the hair can determine drug use that has occurred within as long as the past 90 days, depending on the length of the hair. However, it cannot detect drug use within about one to seven days of the test. As a result, the hair test is a better way to check for long-term drug use.
Hair cannot be used to detect alcohol intake.
Saliva can also be used to test for drugs. This test can be taken under direct observation, in contrast with the urine test, which can be substituted or adulterated by the subject. (Usually the saliva sample is taken by swabbing the inside of the cheek.
The disadvantage of this test is that it is less efficient than the urine or hair test.
The oral fluids test detects drug use within the past 10–24 hours. The sweat patch is another means of drug testing, although some studies have found it to be unreliable. This is a skin patch that is placed on the subject for a time frame ranging from one to seven days, depending on the type of patch used. The disadvantage is that not many laboratories process the sweat patch results. Also, subjects with any cuts, abrasions, or excessive hair cannot wear the sweat patch.
The patch detects drug use within the past seven days
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