Why You May End Up Getting Tested
Knowledge of the available drug screening methods is something that most ordinary people do not actively seek. However, having this information might turn out to be important in a number of instances.
- Employment Related Drug Testing
Companies across the globe are increasingly asking potential employees to subject themselves to drug testing as part of their employment conditions. In some instances you may actually be asked to undergo periodic testing even after you have been employed.
- These kinds of practices are driven mainly by safety and productivity
- Sport Related Drug Screening
Drug testing has become a common feature in sport, with a number of world famous sportspeople, over the years, getting caught on the wrong side of the law. If you are a professional sportsman or sportswoman, you must, therefore, be aware of the kinds of screening methods that you might end up being subjected to.
- Divorce Related Testing
You may be asked to get yourself screened for drugs as part of your divorce proceedings. This usually happens where custody is disputed, and is mainly aimed at ensuring that children grow up in a safe environment as possible.
Available Drug Screening Methods
Whatever the reason for you having to be screened for drugs, it is important for you to be fully aware of the available testing methods. In all instances, tests for narcotics work by detecting the presence of either drugs or metabolites in your system. Metabolites are the remains of narcotics after it has been processed by your body.
So, which screening methods should you be aware of?
- Blood Testing
Blood is one of the most commonly tested biological substances. While more expensive, such tests can be used to detect a wider range of drugs. Blood tests are also able to detect narcotics even months after use.
- Urine Testing
Urine is, arguably, the substance which is tested the most for the presence of drugs in an individual’s system. The reasons for this include samples can be easily collected in a non- invasive way and, where drugs have been used, the urine will usually contain metabolites. Urine is also available in large quantities, which makes testing easier.
- Saliva Testing
Saliva is also another medium of choice when it comes to drug screening. Also known as oral fluid tests, saliva testing is generally used to detect the presence of drugs that have been used within the previous few hours.
- Hair Testing
Hair is another biological substance that can be screened for the presence of narcotics. However, it has a number of shortfalls, not least of which is the high chance of contamination of the sample through hair treatment and environmental absorption.
- Breathalyzer Tests
Breath tests are widely used by law enforcement agencies to detect the presence and concentration of alcohol in an individual.
- Though affected by a number of environmental factors, breath tests are usually accurate enough to be submissible in a court of law.
Tests are Often Used in Combination
It is clear, from the above analysis, that a number of screening methods are available when it comes to the testing of the presence of drugs in your system. You should also be aware of the fact that these are often used in combination as a way of overcoming the shortfalls that are inherent in individual screening methods.
Article Submitted on behalf of drugrehab-newcastle.uk and alcoholrehab-newcastle.uk
