A lab performing a drug test looks for specific substances or their metabolites in a urine sample. These substances can include illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP, as well as prescription medications like benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
The first step in the drug testing process is the collection of the urine sample. The sample is then transported to the lab for analysis. In the lab, technicians begin by conducting a visual inspection of the sample to ensure its integrity and proper labeling.
Next, a portion of the urine is processed to extract the drugs or their metabolites. This is usually done by using a technique called immunoassay, which can quickly and accurately detect the presence of specific substances. Immunoassay tests are commonly used as the initial screening method due to their speed and cost-effectiveness.
If a sample tests positive during the immunoassay screening, further confirmation tests are conducted to eliminate false positives. These confirmation tests, generally performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), identify and quantify the specific drugs or their metabolites present in the sample. These methods are highly accurate and can differentiate between different drugs or substances with similar structures.
In addition to the actual drug or metabolite, the lab also examines the concentration or amount of the substance in the urine. This concentration is measured and compared to established cutoff levels to determine if the result is within the acceptable range.
Finally, the lab generates a report summarizing the findings of the drug test. This report typically indicates the presence or absence of specific drugs or their metabolites in the urine sample, as well as the concentration levels detected.
Overall, drug testing labs employ a combination of immunoassay screening and confirmatory techniques to accurately detect and quantify drugs or their metabolites in urine samples. These tests play a crucial role in various settings, such as employment screening, probation monitoring, or forensic investigations.
What 3 things should not be found in a normal urine sample?
Normal: Very few or no red or white blood cells or casts are seen. No bacteria, yeast cells, parasites, or squamous cells are present.
Does failing a drug test go on record?
A failed drug test may be noted in the records of the employer that requested it, but they typically keep this information confidential. However, the results of a positive drug test for certain positions, such as those regulated by the Department of Transportation, may be available for future employers to see.Nov 3, 2023
What do doctors look for in a urine drug test?
It requires a sample of your urine (pee). Urine drug tests are most commonly used to detect alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opiates/opioids, cocaine and marijuana (THC). Blood drug testing: Healthcare providers mainly use this type of test in emergencies.Aug 5, 2022
