How Do Standard Drug Tests Work?
A standard drug test is a five-panel drug test that looks for marijuana, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, and basic opiates like codeine, heroin, and morphine. Many companies and screeners will also look for:
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
- Methaqualone
- Ecstasy
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Demerol
- Tramadol
Urine drug screens are the most common method for detecting drugs, but hair samples are also used. There are also less common methods such as breath tests, saliva screening, blood tests, and sweat drug screenings. The testing process looks for certain chemicals that relate to a particular drug.
In a urine drug screen, immunoassay tests measure specific proteins through their antigens, properties, or antibodies (depending on the substance you are testing for). This type of testing has a short window of efficacy.
In hair sample drug screening tests, drugs may be found in a sample for up to 90 days. This information is used to determine whether a person has used drugs within a specific window of time. Around 100 hairs are cut close to the scalp, and then they have tested in two ways: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Which Drugs Don’t Show Up on Drug Tests?
There are several drugs that do not show up on a standard drug test, even a 15-panel test. These include:
Psychedelic drugs like LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, DMT, peyote, and mescaline are extremely difficult to detect on a panel drug test and are usually left off
Designer drugs, like spice, bath salts, U-47700, Flakka, synthetic marijuana, and K2, that are manufactured illegally from research chemicals are constantly being altered and changed, and since there are hundreds of variations, it is impossible to test for them all
Kratom, an opioid-like plant-derived drug that is sold in convenience stores and head shops, is a fairly new drug and is not found in drug testing screening
Commonly prescribed medications like pain medications, antidepressants, and cough suppressants containing codeine, or even a poppy seed bagel may produce false positives. False-positive results may also arise from laboratory errors.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Is Serious – Let the Experts at TruPath Recovery Help
Active addicts may fear to test because it may affect their employment or other important opportunities. Younger people may also want to hide their substance abuse issues from parents and other authority figures. Overcoming a substance use disorder will ensure you never need to worry about passing or failing a drug test again.
At TruPath drug and alcohol rehab, we can help you overcome your addiction long-term. With our core values of personal growth, integrity, empowerment, education, and teamwork, a holistic approach to healing includes integrated treatments like:
- Comprehensive medical care and medication management
- Biofeedback treatments
- Experiential therapy
- Holistic treatments like yoga and meditation
- Dual diagnosis
- Group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy
- Behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy
- Case management services and connections to trusted sober living homes and sober communities
We offer all levels of care including medical detox programs, inpatient residential treatment, and outpatient programs that include intensive outpatient programs, day programs, and continuing care.
Please contact our team if you or one of your loved ones has a substance abuse disorder and needs help figuring out where to start when it comes to drug addiction treatment. Healing the body, mind, and spirit after addiction takes a comprehensive program with a team that will support you through your treatment and your healing process. Our caring and non-judgmental staff will provide long-term support through outpatient drug abuse treatment, case management, relapse prevention, and aftercare programs. We can help you verify insurance and answer any questions you may have regarding rehab. You will never be alone on your road to recovery with TruPath.
