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12/04/2010 by admin.
Undertaking drug testing for the first time can be a daunting task, but the basic proceedure is very simple.
An initial urine sample is collected and brought to room temperature (usually 20 minutes) The sample is then tested using a standard panel combination drug test. The cut off levels for drug test panels is internationally agreed and traditionally work to SAMHSA and NIDA levels for urine analysis.
Professionally produced and batch certified drug testing urine kits are between 97 and 99% accurate when compared in studies to laboratory drug screening using GC/MS methods. This level of accuracy is considered by all bodies as high enough to be acceptable for all negative onsite drug test results.
In simple terms, if the instant drug test result is all normal, and the sample collection and procedure are all acceptable no further action need be taken.
Confirming all positive results is essential in a workplace situation. No further action should be taken before laboratory GC/MS confirmation of a positive result is obtained.
Where employment drug testing is part of a occupational risk assessment for a high risk occupation, the employee should not be allowed to perform this task pending the confirmation result, but no disciplinary or penalty action must be taken by the employer before absolute confirmation is obtained.
Standard drug test panel combinations for the UK and EU employment drug testing tend to be THC, COC, AMP, MET, MOP
THC = Cannabis 50ng
COC = Cocaine 300ng
AMP= Amphetamine 1000ng
MOP = Opiates 300ng
MET = Methamphetamine 1000ng
Click here for more info on drug testing kits
Posted in Drug testing in the workplace, Drug Testing faq's, Drug screening, Drug screen, Urine drug test, Drug Test, Drug Test FAQ, Drug testing in football, Employment Drug Testing, Drug Detection Times, Workplace drug testing, Drug testing at work, Drug testing in construction industry, Drug Testing | No Comments »
30/03/2010 by admin.
What drug testing kits are available for home use ?
Home drug tests come in a wide variety of options and cover from a single drug test, up to and including 10 drug groups on a single home drug test panel.
Home diagnostic tests, including home drug testing kits for illegal drugs such as cocaine, opiates, heroin, cannabis and amphetamines are available with drug test screen results in 5 minutes.
Also high quality alcohol testing devices are available with either saliva or breath sampling alcohol testing kits.
What should I look for when choosing an at home drug test ?
When selecting a drug test kit to use at home you should look for test which are easy to use and supplied by a reputable seller with experience and knowledge of the product line. Check for companies with an easy to find UK mainland address and contact telephone customer support line on their web sites.
The home drug test should offer equal accuracy to professional products, so ensure the company is also selling a branded professional product to users such as the NHS etc. Professional diagnostic companies will offer high quality controls standards, and the home drug testing products will be correctly certified in accordance to European standards.
When selecting a multiple home drug test search for the combination which best suits the drugs you wish to have covered. Professional drug test suppliers will offer a wide range of combinations.
Should you choose saliva drug tests or urine drug tests ?
Most first time testers considering a home drug test would say saliva, as it is easier to collect and less embaressing to collect, however all saliva tests will detect for a shorter period than the same urine screen (12-18 hrs in most cases where as urine detects for 3-5days)
So if a urine sample can be relied upon, it will detect drug use over a longer period and have to be repeated less frequently.
Saliva drug tests or oral fluid drug testing kits are ideal for drug testing in the workplace or clinic, where detection of individuals possibly under the influence is more the intention.
Urine dip home drug tests are also the cheapest home drug test option available
Posted in Drug Testing at Home, Home Drug Test, Drug testing teenagers, Drug Testing faq's | No Comments »
25/11/2009 by admin.
Q) Is testing for drugs difficult and does it work ?
A) Drug testing is an easy and accurate method of detecting drug misuse.
Q) How can I screen for drugs of abuse & what do I do with the results ?
A) Most drugs can be screened for using either saliva or urine. These tests are immediate with results in under 10 minutes on-site. Confirmation samples can then be sent for laboratory analysis on positive samples. Negative samples are not usually followed as the accuracy of this biotech is very good.
Q) How effective are skin wipes for testing for drugs ?
A) Skin wipes are less available and have only been marketed recently, so their effectiveness and selectivity remains to be proven clinically.
Q) Can blood be tested for drugs ?
A) Blood testing is only used for a limited range of drugs and is not available for business or private use.
Q) Is hair testing for drugs available ?
A) Hair testing looks back up to 3 months but is lab based and expensive per screen. Mostly this makes urine and saliva the first choice screening method.
Q) How long do drug tests detect drugs for ?
A) Urine Drug Detection Times & Cut Offs
Abbreviated name on drug test, proper name, other names approximate detectable time it remains in the URINE after use.
OUR URINE TEST CODES, SENSITIVITY & DETECTION TIMES
AMP 1000ng/ml Amphetamines Speed, amph or whizz. 2-6 days
BAR 300ng/ml Barbiturates Depressants, Barbs, Downers 3-8 days
BUP 10ng/ml Buprenorphine Subutex 3-6 days
BZO 300ng/ml Benzodiazepines Benzos, Rohypnol or roofies 2-14 days
COC 300ng/ml Cocaine Coke, crack or charlie. 2-5 days
MDMA 1000ng/ml Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Ecstasy or E’s 2-6 days
MET 1000ng/ml Methamphetamines Glass, ice or meth. 2-6 days
MOP 300ng/ml Morphine 2-5 days
MTD 1000ng/ml Methadone Dolly, Red Rock 2-8 days
OPI 2000ng/ml Opiates Heroin, smack or gear. 2-5 days
PCP 25ng/ml Phencyclidine Angel dust or peace pill 3 - 8 days
TCA 300ng/ml Tricyclic Antidepressants TCA 6 -10 days depending on duration of drug use.
THC 50ng/ml Marijuana Cannabis, puff, spliff or hash. Casual use 2-14 days heavy use up to 30 days.
EDDP 300ng/ml EDDP screening tests. Detects for up to 5 days after use
OXY 300ng/ml Oxycodone 2-5 days
PXP 300ng/ml Propoxythene 2-5days
The amount of time drugs stay in the body depends on many factors such as, the amount of the drug taken, its strength, purity, the body weight of the person being tested and rate of metabolism, and whether they are a casual user or a long term user.
Saliva or Oral Fluid Drug Testing Detection Times
Cut offs are brand specific and as a guide the window period for drug detection using saliva or oral fluid drug test are shorter than comparable urine test.
ORALINE IV SALIVA TEST
THC 4ng Cannabis detection for 14-24hrs
COC 25ng Cocaine detection for 24-48hrs
OPI 2ng Opiate & heroin detection for 7-21hrs
MET 3.75ng Methamphetamines & Amphetamine detection for 72hrs
INSTANT VIEW SALIVA DRUG TEST
Cannabis, 12ng/ml up to 14 hrs
Cocaine, 20ng/ml up to 24hrs
Opiates, 40ng/ml up to 48 hrs
Amphetamine, 50ng/nl up to 72 hrs
Benzodiazepines 50ng/ml up to 48 hrs
INSTALERT SALIVA TWIST ORAL DRUG TEST
AMP 50ng/ml Amphetamine up to 72hrs
THC 12ng/ml Cannabis up to 12hrs
MET 50ng/ml Methamphetamine up to 72 hrs
OPI 40ng/ml Opiate & Heroin up to 48 hrs
COC 20ng/ml Coacine up to 24 hrs
MTD 30ng/ml Methadone up to 48 hrs
Click here for more info on drug testing kits for urine and saliva
Posted in Drug Testing faq's, Drug Test FAQ, Drug Detection Times, Drug Testing | No Comments »
16/09/2009 by admin.
Drug testing often raises as many questions as it resolves. Here is a list of the most common queries we receive.
For a more comprehensive guide to drug testing visit UKDrugTesting.co.uk
Posted in Drug Testing faq's, Drug Test FAQ | No Comments »