Ordering the Drug Screen
Ordering a Drug Screen helps detect the presence of specific substances in urine, providing clear results for workplace, legal, or personal needs. Interestingly, this test can also check for sample tampering by measuring creatinine and pH levels, which helps ensure the sample is valid.
When ordering a Drug Screen, you gain several specific benefits:
- Identifies recent use of substances like amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, and opiates.
- Supports compliance with workplace or legal requirements.
- Helps monitor recovery or treatment progress for substance use.
- Detects attempts to alter or dilute the urine sample.
- Provides a documented record for employment, school, or legal purposes.
Who Should Consider Substance Use Testing
A parent who notices changes in their teenager’s behavior and wants clear answers may find this test helpful for peace of mind and next steps.
Ordering this test may also be useful in these situations:
- Before starting a new job that requires a pre-employment screen.
- For parents who want to check for possible drug use in their child.
- For people who want to confirm their system is clear before an official test.
- For those in recovery programs who need regular monitoring.
- For athletes in school sports, as some programs require random drug checks to maintain eligibility.
This test gives clear, measurable results about recent drug use, which can help with decisions about work, school, or treatment. Delaying this test could mean missing important information that may affect job offers, program participation, or compliance with legal or school requirements. Order today to get the answers you need.
Preparing for Urine Drug Analysis
No fasting is needed before a urine drug screen, so you can eat and drink as usual. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected and handled the right way.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Drug Screen
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Measures | Low and High Levels of Drug Screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphetamines | Negative | Checks for the presence of amphetamines, which are stimulant drugs. Used to detect recent use for work, legal, or treatment reasons. |
High levels mean recent use of amphetamines was detected.
Low levels mean no amphetamines were found in the sample. |
| Barbiturate | Negative | Screens for barbiturates, a type of sedative. Results help identify recent use or misuse of these drugs. |
High levels mean barbiturates were recently used.
Low levels mean no barbiturates were detected. |
| Benzodiazepines | Negative | Detects benzodiazepines, which are medications for anxiety or sleep. Used to check for recent use or misuse. |
High levels mean benzodiazepines were found in the urine.
Low levels mean no benzodiazepines were present. |
| Cannabinoid (marijuana test) | Negative | Looks for THC, the main part of marijuana. Shows if marijuana was used in the recent past. |
High levels mean marijuana use was detected.
Low levels mean no marijuana was found. |
| Cocaine (Metabolites) | Negative | Checks for cocaine breakdown products in urine. Used to confirm recent cocaine use. |
High levels mean cocaine was used recently.
Low levels mean no cocaine metabolites were found. |
| Opiates | Negative | Screens for opiates, which include drugs like morphine and codeine. Results show if these drugs were used recently. |
High levels mean opiates were detected in the urine.
Low levels mean no opiates were found. |
| Methadone Screen | Negative | Detects methadone, a medication used for pain or addiction treatment. Shows if methadone was used recently. |
High levels mean methadone was present in the sample.
Low levels mean no methadone was detected. |
| Propoxyphene | Negative | Screens for propoxyphene, a pain medicine. Used to check for recent use or misuse. |
High levels mean propoxyphene was found in the urine.
Low levels mean no propoxyphene was present. |
| Creatinine | 20-400 | Measures creatinine to check if the urine sample is diluted or altered. Helps confirm the sample is valid for testing. |
High levels mean the urine is concentrated, which may affect test results.
Low levels mean the urine may be diluted, possibly from drinking too much water. |
| pH | 4.5-8.0 | Checks the acidity or alkalinity of urine. Used to see if the sample is normal or has been tampered with. |
High levels mean the urine is more alkaline, which could suggest tampering.
Low levels mean the urine is more acidic, which may also suggest sample alteration. |
Reference ranges can change over time. For the most current values, visit the Quest Diagnostics lab test directory.
Drug Screen FAQ
Is there Drug Screen testing near me?
You can find nearby locations for Drug Screen using the patient service center locator, which also lists mobile phlebotomy options. This is helpful if you need a quick and convenient place to provide a urine sample, especially when time or travel is a concern.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see for the Drug Screen covers everything, including the sample collection at patient service center locations. Ordering this test is worth it if you need clear results for work, school, or personal reasons.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended if you are in a program that requires regular monitoring, such as every few weeks or months, depending on your situation. Regular testing helps track changes and ensures compliance with work, school, or treatment requirements.
How accurate is the test?
The Drug Screen uses immunoassay screening followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for confirmation, which provides high accuracy. Sensitivity is 99.8% and specificity is 99.9%. All tests at TrueHealthLabs.com are performed by CLIA-certified labs, meeting strict quality and precision standards.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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