Drug Testing Info - Drug Test Information

A1 UA Test Kits™ is a self-contained urinalysis drug test that detects the presence of drug metabolites in urine within minutes. The cup contains detection strips each designed to test a particular drug at NIDA cut-off levels. It provides instant results using a technology similar to that found in home pregnancy tests. Through the patented delivery system, urine reacts with the reagents and antigens on the strip to produce a colorimetric reading indicating either positive or negative test results. Go to the products page to see a UA Test Kits demonstration.

A2 The leading cups require significant manipulation or handling of the cup in order to activate the test. You must either tilt the cup or insert detection strips into the cup in order to initiate contact with the specimen. During testing, these cups are not sealed which puts the tester at greater risk of specimen exposure, accidents, tampering, and retesting. Should the specimen deliver a positive reading, further handling of the cups or split-samples are needed in order to prepare them for shipping to a confirmation lab. Other urine drug testing products, such as testing strips, require direct handling of urine via pipettes, can take up to 45 minutes for results and also require split-sampling. UA Test Kits™ , on the other hand, doesn't require any steps to activate the test. Simply void urine into the cup and wait for the results. The cup is also ready to be shipped should it be necessary to confirm a positive reading. It's a simpler, safer, and saner approach to drug testing. For a side by side comparison of UA Test Kits™ against the leading drug test cups, please see our comparison chart.

A3 UA Test Kits™ is ideal for businesses that conduct pre-employment, random, and/or post-accident drug testing. Because of its ability to deliver instant results, UA Test Kits™ allows your new employees to begin work immediately. (Compare that to waiting 24 - 72 hours for laboratory drug testing.) It also allows you to proceed both timely and knowledgeably during post-accident investigations. This is especially true for those companies conducting remote site testing. Not only does UA Test Kits™ allow you to be more productive, but it also saves you money. While the average test can cost upwards of $35.00, UA Test Kits™ is about on third the cost. Those who conduct a lot of drug tests and order in greater quantities, realize even greater savings through generous volume discounts. Furthermore, businesses can receive premium discounts up to 15% on their worker's compensation coverage with the implementation of a drug-testing program.

A4 Yes. the most common problem is the pseudoephedrine in many over-the-counter sinus and cold medications, which can cause a positive result for methamphetamine. Some forms of the drugs we test for may be available legally under prescription as well.

A5 Keep in mind that our tests are drug SCREENS, and to be used for preliminary testing only. Our tests are designed to reduce the number of samples you have to send in to the lab for confirmation. There are several reasons a lab might disagree with a preliminary test result:  the lab may be testing for a different amount, or a very specific form of the drug being tested for. The urine sample sent to the lab might not be the same one that was pre-tested - check your own internal procedures.

A6 Yes, these drugs are from the same family of drugs.

A9 Our test devices have a shelf life of 18 months from the date of manufacture. The expiration date of each Lot of devices is indicated on each individual foil pouch and can be used up until that date.

A10 Rapid UA Drug tests provide only a preliminary analytical test result. A more specific alternate chemical method must be used in order to obtain a confirmed analytical result - gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is the preferred confirmatory method. Any result taken to court, must be confirmed.

A11 Laboratory test results for drugs of abuse have indicated a greater than 97% accuracy when used according to the instructions.

A12 Absolutely Not! Urine concentrations of THC above the cut-off sensitivity level of the test, or a positive result, is not possible by exposure to second hand smoke.

A13 No. Our tests are drug and drug metabolite specific. These commonly taken substances are chemically and structurally different after being metabolized by the body from the drugs being tested for and therefore, under most circumstances, not interfere with or compromise test results.

A14 Yes. The most common problem is the pseudoephedrine in many over-the-counter sinus and cold medications, which can cause a positive result for methamphetamine. A GC/MS confirmation as well as a MRO review is necessary to determine the source of the positive result. Some forms of the drugs we test for may be available legally under prescription as well.

A15 Both amphetamine and methamphetamine are potent symphathominetic agents. Methamphetamine is the parent drug. It metabolizes into amphetamine in the body. Methamphetamine and/or amphetamine are excreted in the urine.

A16 MDMA is specifically targeted to detect Ecstasy, but will also show up on the Methamphetamines test as well.

A17 Yes, it is as accurate. The on site test kits utilize the same cut off levels as the laboratory. This is mandated by the DHHS. The accuracy along with the savings in time and money make on site testing a valuable tool.

A18 * Immediate results no turn around time for negatives
        * Increase worker productivity less time lost to "testing process"
        * Reduced employment cost i.e. business, workers comp and medical insurance
        * Shortened hiring cycle eliminates the 2 to 3 day delay in hiring prospective employees
        * Increased testing specificity/flexibility allows users to target drug testing to meet specific demographic or geographic drug use trends
        * Increased deterrence.  Immediate results = immediate action
        * Reduced drug testing costs lower "per test cost' through reduced direct and incidental costs
        * Accountability - donor must "deal" with results at time of test

A19 Adulteration is the tampering of a specimen in an attempt to pass a drug screen. There are several household products that are used as well as over the counter products that are either ingested or added to the specimen. Any specimen that has been adulterated should be considered a positive.

A20 There are several products available that do work. Clinical studies have been completed testing both households and over the counter products. We recommend a specimen be tested for adulteration because it is quite prevalent.

A21 The first step to prevention is proper specimen collection. The collection facility should be secured, with no running water and bluing in the toilet. The donor should wash their hands before the collection. Also always check the temperature of the specimen. We offer an adulteration test strip which checks for seven different type of adulteration. These Specimen Validity Tests allow you to test with confidence.

A22 With the exception of DOT testing, which requires testing for THC, Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamine, and PCP, you can decide what you would like to test for. We offer a wide selection of drug test kits (ranging from single panel drug tests up to 10 panel and 12 panel drug tests). We work with our clients to help them choose what they wish to detect. We usually suggest the drugs that are the most prevalent in the area as well as what the trends show. Because we work closely with several law enforcement agencies, we are aware of what drugs are out there. Most of our clients are testing for THC, Cocaine, Amphetamine, PCP and Opiates. Many test for Methamphetamine as it is also a popular drug in the working population. 

A23 With the proper training you may bring the testing in house giving your organization a substantial savings. You would eliminate the collection costs as well as having to pay travel time for your employee to get to and from the collection facility.

A24 All positive results must be sent for confirmation by a more specific method such as GC/MS. The drug screen is designed to screen out the negative results and does not measure the level of substances in the urine specimen. It also does not identify cross reactants to the drug test that may be in legal use.

A27 Our drug tests are qualitative, which means it only determines the presence of drugs at detection limits comparable to SAMHSA cut-off concentration. GC/MS, which costs more, quantifies the concentration of drugs in the sample. Given the purposes of most drug testing (pre-employment, post-accident, random) is to detect the presence of drug use and not determine the amounts ingested, our rapid drug test satisfies the needs of almost all Drug Screening Programs.

A28 Both ALCO-SCREEN and ALCO-SCREEN 02 are saliva tests, which are intended to be used as a rapid method to detect the presence of alcohol in saliva.

The major difference is that ALCO-SCREEN provides a semi-quantitative approximation of blood alcohol concentration and it takes 2 minutes to be interpreted.

While, ALCO-SCREEN 02 can positively identify the presence of alcohol in saliva for blood alcohol concentrations greater than 0.02% and it takes 4 minutes to be interpreted.

A29 Both ALCO-SCREEN and ALCO-SCREEN 02 are tests that consists of a plastic strip with a reactive pad applied at the tip.

For ALCO-SCREEN, the tip that has contact with solutions of alcohol will rapidly turn shades of green to blue depending on the amount of alcohol present.

For ALCO-SCREEN 02, the tip that has contact with saliva samples with alcohol in excess of 0.02% will produce a positive result which is indicated by the development of a distinct colored line across the pad.

A30  The color varies from colorless to dark yellow. Certain foods may stain it. The specific gravity ranges from 1.006 to 1.030. The higher the number, the more concentrated the urine. The pH level, or relative acidity or alkalinity ranges from 4.6 to 8.0. The average is 6.0, which is slightly acidic. Sugars, ketones, and proteins are not present for normal results.  The blood has no hemoglobin (red blood cells) or white blood cells present. Bilirubin is also not present.

A31 The colors are abnormal when it doesn’t fall in the normal range. The specific gravity is higher than 1.006 or lower than 1.030. This may indicate kidney disorders. Exceptions are those related to food or liquid intake. The pH level is overly acidic or alkaline urine. The sugar and ketones are usually tested together: High levels of glucose and ketones may indicate diabetes.  Any protein present may indicate kidney disorders. Any blood present may indicate bleeding from the kidney, a urinary tract infection, or trauma from rigorous exercise. If any bilirubin is present, this indicates liver or bile duct disease. If nitrites and white blood cells are present, this indicates a urinary tract infection.

A32 These questions are often asked in terms of detoxing or detoxification and/or what is required to pass a drug test. For more information on these subjects, click on one of the links in the previous sentence.