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Frequently Asked Questions for Drugs of
Abuse Testing
Listed below are some of our most frequently
asked questions concerning drugs of abuse
testing. Various links are provided throughout
this page for assistance with further research.
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Q |
Are rapid drug tests as accurate as A GC/MS
SAMHSA Lab test? |
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A |
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.
SAMHSA's Website |
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Q |
What is the shelf life on the rapid drug
tests? |
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A |
Our test devices have a shelf life of 12
to 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 until that date. Upon date
of purchase, one should have from 6 to 18
months, to be able to stock and use the
product. |
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Q |
Do the results hold up in court?
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A |
Rapid 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
by a SAMHSA certified Lab.
SAMHSA's list Of Certified Labs For GC/MS
Testing |
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Q |
Are there any legal medications that can
trigger positive results?
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A |
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.
Click here to go to our Drug Index Page
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Q |
How accurate are the test results?
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A |
Laboratory test results for drugs of abuse
have indicated a greater than 97% accuracy
when used according to the step-by-step
instructions that are provided with the
test. |
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Q |
How long do drugs stay in the system?
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A |
Amphetamines
2-6 days
Barbiturates
3-8
days
Benzodiazepines
2-14 days
Cannabis
14-30 days
Cocaine
2-5
days
Methadone
2-8 days
Methamphetamines
2-6 days
Opiates
2-5
days
PCP
3-8 days
Tricyclic Antidepressants
10 days
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Q |
What are the screening cutoff Levels?
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A |
The screening cutoff levels on our tests
are consistent with those of SAMHSA.
Amphetamines
1000 ng/ml
Barbiturates
300 ng/ml
Benzodiazepines
300 ng/ml
Cannabis
50 ng/ml
Cocaine
300 ng/ml
Methadone
300 ng/ml
Methamphetamines
1000 ng/ml
Opiates
2000 ng/ml
PCP
25 ng/ml
Tricyclic
Antidepressants
1000 ng/ml
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Q |
What is the difference between Methamphetamine
and Amphetamine? |
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A |
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.
Go to Drug Index Page for more info.
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Q |
Are Morphine, Opiates, and Heroin the same
kind of drug? |
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A |
Yes, they are all tested using the Opiates(Rapid
Response) or Morphine (Instant-View) test.
These drugs are from the same family of
drugs.
Drug Index Page for more Info.
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Alco-Screen
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