Marijuana has never been more accessible than it is today. Restrictive laws are constantly revisited under the suspicion that cannabis has medicinal powers, and legal distributors are turning profits of incredible magnitude. And yet, drug testing is still considered a vital step in the hiring process for many companies.
Employers want sober workers, and they are well within their rights to impose this requirement. But that also means plenty of potential hires who are crippled by the fear that their recreational habit will cost them a fantastic opportunity. At-home drug tests help determine the presence of illicit drugs in one’s body. But the question is: do they work?
Types of tests
The presence of illicit drugs can be tested at home or in a laboratory. Tests are taken using saliva, urine, hair, or blood samples. Salvia is not used very often because the detection window is so small. Instead, laboratories rely on hair, urine, and blood samples to extract the most accurate information. Home tests are done using a urine sample, which is then compared against a key.
Where can I buy a drug test kit for home?
Home drug test kits, like Walgreens or CVS, can be purchased at most drug stores. If you are wondering how much a home drug test costs, it can cost anywhere from $5 to $35 USD. However, buying more than one kit is brilliant because home testing involves some complications.
How to test drugs at home?
Home drug tests are susceptible to drugs, which means results will note any abnormalities. This is why verifying positive results with a laboratory is so important. Only a lab can determine, with absolute certainty, the presence of illicit drugs. Samples are collected through urine, and the results are substantiated by a corresponding test card or strip.
It’s important to note that urine must be kept between 96 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the optimal temperature range.
Complications?
Using a home kit to test for drugs is risky. Kits can be easily misused or misinterpreted, and the tests do not account for an array of factors that can compromise results. Factors like diet, weight, consumption type, and prescription medications can affect the results of a urine test. Faulty kits and improperly stored urine samples can also lead to false reports.
The best course of action is to ask for professional advice and rely on the services of a laboratory. Lab testing utilizes a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) device, which detects the presence of different substances in samples. A GC/MS machine considered the gold standard of testing, is also used in explosives investigations and airport security. Lab tests are also verified by a medical review officer.
The bottom line
Home drug tests do work. They fulfill their one duty, which is to detect abnormalities in samples. However, they are not sophisticated tools that can verify with certainty the quantity or exact nature of those abnormalities. Far too many factors can lead to false information.
Illicit drugs, more specifically marijuana, affect everyone differently. Thus, it’s impossible to know how long a drug will stay in one’s system. The best course of action is to be innovative. If you are a heavy cannabis user, it’s best to start with laboratory testing. Results will come back with total certainty, which means less money wasted on a home kit.
If you are not a heavy user, beginning with a home kit or two is smarter. If the results are negative, it is up to your discretion to make the choice you feel is right. If the results are positive, it’s extremely wise to seek the services of a lab. Only laboratory testing can confirm results.
To read more articles like this, check out our news section or contact our counselors at United Recovery Project if you have additional questions.
Contact us today
Learn more about drug testing, what it entails to get you clean, and the popular methods that are used to beat a drug test at United Recovery Project. At United Recovery Project, we offer a wide range of drug rehab programs, including medical detox, inpatient and outpatient programs, and intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs. We also provide aftercare services through our sober living and alumni programs.
Research shows that patients who visit inpatient rehab centers away from their cities report higher rates of long-term recovery. Our drug and alcohol rehab is located in Hollywood, Florida. We admit patients struggling with drug and alcohol addiction from across the United States.
