In the Know: The Different Types of Drug Tests
Getting a drug test can be scary, especially if you’ve never had to get one before. A person may need a drug test for several reasons, and it doesn’t always have to do with something criminal. For example, employers often require new employees to undergo drug tests. Whatever your reason for needing one may be, knowing the different types of drug tests can soothe any worries you may have. Find some of the most common below.
Urine Drug Tests
Urine tests are the most common form of drug tests—this is what most employees will go through if getting a drug test. They’re noninvasive, inexpensive, and quite accurate. They work quite simply by analyzing the metabolites in urine, which change depending on what a person ingests. With the help of different drug tests strips, they can determine whether or not a person has ingested any drugs. Urine drug tests can detect drug use from several days earlier, but that depends on the substance and the amount ingested.
Hair Drug Tests
Hair drug tests aren’t used as frequently as urine drug tests because they’re more expensive. However, they’re much more accurate, as they can detect the presence of drugs from as far back as 90 days. The actual process can look a little different as well. Some of these tests are supervised in a medical setting, while others allow you to mail in some of your own hair. If your workplace has mandated that you take the test, then you’ll most likely have to go the supervised route.
Saliva Drug Tests
Saliva tests are another different type of drug test that are even less common and less invasive than urine tests. They only require someone to spit, and then they use drug test strips to determine whether or not any drugs are present. The one downside for this test is that it has an even shorter window of detection time—lasting only a few hours to two days.
These are the types of drug tests one may encounter—truth be told, they’re not that scary. They aren’t invasive, and they’re quite quick. Share this with anyone who may be nervous about an upcoming drug test and show them there’s nothing to stress about.
