Drug test
Drug testing is a subject of much controversy. Many have argued that it is an invasion of privacy. Its accuracy and effectiveness are also questionable.
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The NIDA 5
In the United States federal government guidelines (by The National Institute on Drug Abuse and The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) require that companies who use professional drivers test their drivers for use of drugs. These tests generally test for five specific drugs:
- Cannabinoids (marijuana, hash)
- Cocaine (cocaine, crack, benzoylecognine)
- Amphetamines (amphetamines, methamphetamines, speed)
- Opiates (heroin, opium, codeine, morphine)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Detection periods
The following chart gives approximate detection periods for each substance by test type. The ranges depend on amount and frequency of use, metabolic rate, body mass, age, overall health, drug tolerance, and urine pH.
| SUBSTANCE | URINE | HAIR | BLOOD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | 6 to 24 h | n/a | unknown |
| Amphetamine | 1 to 4 days | up to 90 days | unknown |
| Barbiturates | 1 to 21 days | unknown | unknown |
| Benzodiazepines | 1 to 42 days | unknown | unknown |
| Cannabis (single use) | 2 to 3 days | up to 90 days | 2 to 3 days |
| Cannabis (habitual use) | up to 12 wk | up to 90 days | 2 weeks |
| Cocaine | 4 to 5 days | up to 90 days | unknown |
| Codeine/Morphine | 2 to 4 days | up to 90 days | unknown |
| Heroin | 8 h | up to 90 days | unknown |
| Methamphetamine | 3 to 5 days | up to 90 days | 1 to 3 days |
| LSD | 2 to 3 days | unknown | unknown |
| PCP | 3 to 7 days | up to 90 days | 1 to 3 days |
The four most common types of drug tests
Urine drug test (urinalysis) This procedure requires that one provide a sample of urine. Either a test card is used on site for immediate results, or the sample is sent away to a lab to undergo gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography or immunoassay analysis. To prevent substitution of another person's urine, or an adulterating substance, one is sometimes observed while urinating. While some people attempt to defeat a urine test by drinking copious amounts of water, a sufficiently diluted sample may be rejected and is usually too clear in color. Some herbal extracts, such as goldenseal, are marketed as a quick "detox" from controlled substances, but their efficacy is controversial. Some types of urine analysis can even detect the use of these "detox" products.
Hair Follicle drug test Hair testing is quite accurate and can go back 6 months, showing any controlled substances used in a sort of timeline. Many people try to get around this by just shaving their heads. This is ineffective, as hair from one's underarm, pubic, leg or arm hair can also be used.
Blood drug test Blood testing is usually performed for serious employment positions or by insurance companies. This is expensive and not very common.
Saliva drug test This is not common and can only detect toxins used 3-4 days prior. Insurance companies and law enforcement agencies use this method most often.