Urine drug tests - also known as "peeing in a cup" - have become a tradition in professional sports, certain jobs, and some recovery programs. Urine drug tests are widely available, give results within minutes, and typically test for marijuana, amphetamines, opiates, MDMA, Benzodiazepines, synthetic cannabinoids, and synthetic stimulants.
Types of Urine Drug Tests
There are two types of urine drug tests.
Screening
The screening test examines the parent drug and a metabolite using immunoassay. This test looks at a variety of different drugs to see if any show up as positive.
Confirmatory
The confirmatory test uses chromatography spectrometry, or high performance liquid chromatography, to test for a specific drug. Depending on the drug or drugs ingested, detection will vary.
How the Tests Work
Urine drug tests look either for the drug itself or for a chemical that's made in the body as the drug is broken down. These secondary chemicals are called metabolites. The tests are often done by a technique called immunoassay, in which special molecules that bind to the drugs or their metabolites are added to the urine. Confirmation of the result, if needed, is done by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, which looks for specific molecular characteristics.
What They Reveal
The test result won't say how much of the drug was found, just whether it was detected. It also won't reveal how long ago the drug was used.
What Drugs Are Detected
There are urine drug tests specific for just one drug. Often, multiple tests are done together in what's called a "drug screen" or "toxicology screen." These can include both illicit and prescription medicines, but when illegal drug use is the issue, the test will probably include marijuana, cocaine, opiates (morphine, heroin, and similar drugs), PCP/angel dust (phencyclidine), amphetamines, and sometimes benzodiazepines (such as Valium and Xanax).
Giving a Sample
Urine drug tests require a "clean catch" sample of urine.
Process
Before giving the sample, men must wash or wipe clean the head of the penis. Women must wash or clean the lips of the vagina, near the opening where the urine comes out. The first few drops of urine should be allowed to fall into the toilet since the sample should come from the middle of the urine stream. Then, the last of the urine should also fall into the toilet.
Location and Special Situations
Often, the sample can be collected in a regular bathroom. In certain situations, when it's very important to be sure the results are accurate, a nurse or other professional will remain in the room. In some cases, the test can be done in private. However, the person being tested must wear a hospital gown so that nothing can be smuggled in to affect the test.
On-the-Job Drug Tests
Federal, state, and private employees may be required to drug test. Local and state laws may differ, which can impact whether an employee may be required to drug test. Because of marijuana's murky legality, some states, such as Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island protect the employee if they have a medical marijuana card or are using outside of the workplace and may even block drug testing. States not listed tend to have no employee protection when it comes to marijuana use.
Prescription Medication
If you are taking prescription medication and your prescription is current, you may be protected under the American Disability Act. Depending on the state you live in, your employer or prospective employer may be required to give you written notice before drug testing you, or may need to make an offer before subjecting you to a drug test. You may also be subjected to random drug testing as long as your employer provides you with notice.
Workplace Accident
If there was a workplace accident, a drug test may also be given to make sure that nobody was under the influence during the incident. You can always refuse a drug test, but you may be subject to termination. This can prevent you from seeking unemployment benefits.
False Positives
Although false positive are not common, they can happen about five to 10 percent of the time. If you are taking prescribed medications, it can trigger a false positive. The following things can also create false positives:
- Poppyseeds can create a positive opioid result.
- Cold medication and antidepressants can trigger a false positive for amphetamines.
- Antibiotics can show up as a false positive for opioids.
- HIV medication can show up as a false positive for marijuana.
Home Urine Drug Tests
Many manufacturers sell home tests. These are available online and may also be at your local drugstore. Tests are available for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, ecstasy, PCP, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines. The tests give results within a few minutes and range from five to 14 panel tests. Some companies offer the gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy confirmation test by mail, but there may be an additional fee for this service. These tests can be used in a business or home setting.
Home tests typically cost $6 to $10 each, depending upon the manufacturer and how many drugs are detected. The most highly rated tests include:
- Smart Choice tests for marijuana, opiates, cocaine, meth, and amphetamines.
- First Check home drug test boasts 99.9% accuracy at detecting marijuana, cocaine, opiates, and methamphetamines.
- Easy@Home is a best-selling marijuana drug detection test that claims to be 99 percent accurate and is FDA approved.
How Long Drugs Are Detectable
Different drugs are detectable in the urine for various amounts of time depending on how they're processed by the body. Actual timelines depend on the amount of the drug, how often it was used, and each individual's metabolism. They can vary greatly from person to person and even from test to test. The following are estimates:
- Cocaine: about two days
- Marijuana: a few days for occasional or moderate use, a month or more for heavy use
- PCP/Angel Dust (phencyclidine): a few days to weeks, depending on frequency of use
- Heroin and other opiates: about four days
- Amphetamines: about a day for occasional use, two to four days for chronic high-dose use
- Barbiturates: depends on the specific drug; some are cleared faster than others
Beating the Test
The safest way to get a clean test is to refrain from using drugs.
Considerations in Getting a Clean Test
If you do have drugs in your system, detoxing can help you achieve a clean test. Because everyone processes drugs differently, there is no definitive way to ensure that none will show up on your test, even if you haven't used in a few days.
Avoid Tampering and Discuss Medications in Advance
If a sample is tampered with, the lab won't be able to get any result at all. Not only will the test have to be repeated, but it may raise suspicions with an employer or coach. If you are using prescription medication and have a current prescription, are taking over-the-counter medication, or have a medical marijuana card you may want to inform your employer prior to giving your urine sample.
Understanding Urine Screens
Urine screens may be used by employers, parents, and rehab centers to test for various drugs. If you are worried about testing, make sure you understand your rights prior to agreeing to test.
