Drug Test Kits: What Are the Different Types of Drug Tests?
On-the-job accidents are caused mostly by employees’ use of drugs or alcohol at a rate of 65%, according to the US Department of Labor.
Problems and accidents in the workplace due to substance abuse have implications beyond just the substance user. Other than endangering the impaired individual, there is risk of hurting the co-workers, employers, partners, consumers, and other people who have a relationship with the company.
In order to create a safety-focused and accident-free environment at work, you must prepare a policy for screening employees for drugs. This article will explore the different types of drug test kits for employers. We’ll discuss the best type of test for your company.
The information within this article could possibly save a life.
Substances That Drug Tests Screen For
Selecting the correct pre-employment drug test for your company means learning what substances you should screen for.
These are the standard five illegal drugs of abuse that comprise a basic drug test kit:
- Amphetamines (AMP)
- Cocaine (COC)
- Marijuana (THC)
- Opiates (OPI)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Many drug test types are capable of screening for these substances. Two of the most common and affordable drug tests include urine and saliva-based testing.
About Urine Drug Test Kits
When it comes to urine drug tests, there is more than one type. The rapid urine drug test provides fast results. It’s available in the form of drug test cups or drug test dipsticks.
When urine samples from the rapid test comes back positive, a follow-up drug screening takes place. This is called a mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometry is a laboratory procedure that takes longer, but the results are more precise.
If the test comes back negative, there is usually no need to follow up with a laboratory. Most rapid drug tests are up to 99% accurate.
Urine drug tests are the most popular and prevalent among employers.
Saliva Tests and Their Role
Non-invasive saliva drug test kits are used in some cases. These are also called mouth swab tests or oral fluid drug tests. They come in the form of dip cards. Both saliva dip card tests and mouth swab drug screens are the same procedure.
The facility will collect a specimen from the inside of the patient’s cheek on a Q-tip or swab.
Saliva drug tests have many limitations, and usually cost more than urine tests. This is why only a small percentage of employers use them.
Saliva vs. Urine Drug Screening
When you suspect that an employee is using drugs on the job, a saliva screening is best. Oral fluid tests should be selected for identifying same-day drug use.
Saliva tests aren’t able to detect long-term drug use. In this situation, urine tests should be used, because they detect a wider range of substances with a longer detection window.
If you aren’t sure which to choose, then default to the industry standard. Urine drug testing is the most common drug test for most employers at a rate of 90%. Only 10% of employers use saliva-based drug tests. The 5-panel test for the five most abused substances and the 12-panel test are the most popular within the urine drug screen range.
Selecting Drug Test Cups
Knowing all your options will allow you to pick the right type of drug test kit for your purposes. While having both urine and saliva drug tests is a great way to stay prepared, it’s OK to choose just one.
DrugTestKitUSA, a reliable drug test kit provider since 2016, is available to help you create a drug-free work environment that’s safe for everyone. They offer a comprehensive line of drug and alcohol test kits to meet the needs of any employer.
You can be sure that these drug test kits are accurate, affordable, and easy to use. Feel free to browse the selection of drug test cups on their website.
Image source: https://elements.envato.com/testing-swab-being-inserted-test-tube-labeled-samp-ZMJ5AXV
