A urine drug test can detect drugs in a person’s system. Doctors, sports officials, and many employers require these tests regularly.
Urine tests are a common method of screening for drugs. They are painless, easy, quick, and cost-effective.
Signs of drug use can remain in a person’s system long after the physical effects wear off. The analysis can determine whether a person used specific drugs days or weeks before testing.
Doctors
A doctor may request a urine drug screen if they think that a person has been using illegal drugs or misusing prescription drugs.
For example, a doctor may ask for a urine screen to determine if a person is taking a prescribed opioid medication in a way other than the doctor intended.
A member of an emergency services team may request a urine drug screen if they suspect that a person is behaving strangely or dangerously due to the influence of drugs.
Sporting events
Many sporting officials require urine tests to check whether athletes have used performance-enhancing drugs, such as anabolic steroids.
The World Anti-Doping Agency regulates the use of performance-enhancing substances in many global sports events. Making sure that all athletes are performing without these drugs ensures fair competition.
Employers
Some employers request that new staff members take urine drug tests. Or, staff may have to do this on a regular basis.
This is more common in workplaces that require high levels of safety. For example, United States federal law mandates that people working in the transportation industry take regular drug tests.
Laws about employee drug testing differ geographically. A person should check with local authorities.
Which drugs can a urine test detect?
A urine drug screen can detect a range of drugs, including:
alcohol
Urine screens can also detect nicotine and cotinine, which the body produces when it breaks down nicotine.
Though a urine test can indicate the presence of alcohol, if a health or legal authority suspects that a person has been drinking in excess, they are more likely to request a breath or blood test.
Procedure and types of urine test
A doctor or trained technician usually performs a urine drug screening.
There are several types of these tests. An immunoassay (IA) test is most common because it is the quickest and most cost effective.
However, IA tests can give false-positive results. In this case, the results indicate the presence of a drug that the person has not used. False-negative results can also occur.
Another type can confirm the results of an IA test. This is called gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A GC-MS test is more reliable than an IA test, and it can detect more substances.
Usually, people only request GC-MS tests as follow-ups because they are more expensive, and the results take longer.
Post time: Jun-06-2022