Drugs of Abuse

Drug Testing is a scientific procedure used to detect the presence of certain substances in a person’s internal system. These substances are often categorized as drugs, which can be either legal medications or prohibited illicit drugs. The primary purpose of a drug test at POM Drug Testing Services is to assess whether an individual has consumed any of that particular substance and to what extent.

Different Types of Drug Tests!

Depending on the substance being screened, several types of drug tests can be used. We use some broad-spectrum tests that can detect general foreign drugs in the system, while some are particular tests that are used to find a small quantity of a specific substance. The tests also depend on the specimen used for analysis.  The most common types of drug tests include:

1. Urine Drug Test: A urine Drug Test, also known as a UDT, is one of the most common drug testing methods because it is non-invasive and can detect a wide range of substances in an individual’s body. The test is conducted by analyzing a urine sample to detect the presence of drugs or metabolites.

2. Blood Drug Test: Less common than a UDT because of its invasive nature, blood drug tests are used to detect drugs in the bloodstream of an individual. Blood tests are highly accurate and can detect even tiny specs of drugs present in the bloodstream. Because of being so precise, blood drug tests are the go-to choice for situations such as medical emergencies.

3. Saliva Drug Testing: Oral Fluid Tests, more commonly known as Saliva tests, are noninvasive and straightforward, which is why they have been gaining popularity recently. Most widely used in roadside and workplaces, these tests can detect the presence of drugs in the body in case of recent usage.

4. Hair Drug Testing: Hair drug testing involves analyzing a hair follicle sample to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites. Compared to other testing methods, hair testing offers a wider window for detection. These kinds of testing are often used in pre-employment screening and forensic investigations. 

What is a Drug Test Used For?

Drug tests serve various purposes across different sectors and industries. Some common reasons for conducting drug tests include:

• Employment Screening: Pre-employment drug testing is slowly becoming a norm across the United States. Many employers ask for a drug test as part of the hiring process to ensure a safe working environment, and we at POM Drug Testing Services help with that.

• Sports: Drug testing is a frequent occurrence in the sports and athletics world. Drug tests are often used to detect and prevent the use of performance-enhancing substances and maintain fair competition.

• Legal Investigations: Drug testing is an essential part of many legal investigations and proceedings. It is most commonly used in criminal investigations and probation monitoring.

• Medical Diagnosis and Treatment: The most crucial use of drug testing is in the medical industry, where drug testing is often done to find a diagnosis and provide treatment to a patient. 

Why Do I Need a Drug Test?

There could be multiple reasons why an individual should need a drug test screening. Personal, professional, or legal reasons might raise the need for a drug test.  While joining a new organization the employer can request a drug test; a drug test is almost always mandatory when participating in any professional sporting event. 

Individuals involved in any legal proceeding might need to undergo drug testing if ordered by the court, and the most common reason for drug testing is as a part of a treatment plan for monitoring the progress to ensure compliance with therapy for a patient. 

What Happens During a Drug Test?

The specific procedures involved in a drug test can vary depending on the type of test being conducted and the testing facility's protocols. However, the general process typically involves the following steps:

A few things happen during drug testing. In most cases, the type of drug testing will dictate the procedure. Depending on the test, you might be asked to give a urine sample or have blood drawn from your arm. The test can take place in various locations, including labs, hospitals, drug treatment centers, or workplaces. A healthcare professional might be present at the time of sample collection to ensure that the sample isn’t contaminated. 

After the collection of the specimen, the sample is then sent to be tested to the respective laboratories. 

Are there risks related to Drug Testing?

There are no immediate risks that can be associated with drug testing. However, some underlying implications might be caused in the case of a positive reading on the drug tests.

In certain situations, such as employment-related drug testing, a positive result could have serious consequences, including termination of employment or legal repercussions. There can also be instances where the test results might give a false positive. Hence it is essential to get your testing at reliable and reputed testing centers. 

Drug testing is a vital tool in many scenarios, and it is essential for workplace safety and monitoring medical treatment compliance. At POM Drug Testing Services, we are committed to providing reliable information and professional drug testing services to meet your needs.