Types of Drug Tests

A drug test involves the analysis of a biological sample, such as blood, urine, or saliva, for the presence of legal or illegal drugs or other substances. Courts and law enforcement officers order different types of drug tests for several reasons, and the sample and type of substance being tested for vary depending on the circumstances.

If you were arrested and charged with a crime or are on probation or parole, you may be required to submit to a drug test. Here, we explain why you may be ordered to submit to a drug test, the different types of drug tests, and how they could impact your case.

Why Are Drug Tests Ordered?

Drug tests are ordered for many reasons, such as a pre-employment screening, during employment as part of a random drug screen or when drug use is suspected, after a workplace accident, in cases where a person is suspected of criminal activity like Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or a drug crime, or to ensure compliance with conditions of probation or parole.

Common reasons for court personnel and law enforcement officers to order a drug test include:

• DUI Cases. Law enforcement officers order drug and alcohol tests of the breath, blood, or urine when they suspect a person is driving while under the influence. The test results can be used as evidence to try to prove a driver was impaired.
• Drug-Related Offenses. Someone charged with a drug crime may be required to submit to a drug test to determine whether they recently used drugs.
• Pre-Trial Release. A person arrested for a drug crime may be ordered to submit to a drug test as part of their pre-trial release.
• Drug Court Programs. People participating in diversion or rehabilitation programs may be ordered to take drug tests to track their progress and ensure they comply with court orders.
• As a Condition of Probation or Parole. Someone on probation or parole may be required to submit to a drug test as part of their sentence to ensure they are complying with court orders.

The types of drug tests ordered and the sample to be tested will vary based on an individual’s unique circumstances.

What Does a Drug Test Do?

A typical drug test analyzes a person’s biological sample for the presence of illegal or prescription drugs or alcohol. The body metabolizes (breaks down) various substances at different rates, so the time various drugs remain in your system can be very specific and can vary widely depending on the substance being tested for.

A single drug test cannot determine the frequency or intensity of a substance. It merely tests for the presence or absence of the substance.

The most common drugs tested for are marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, opium, and alcohol.

Different Types of Drug Tests

The types of drug tests vary depending on the type of specimen collected and the substance being tested for. There are different ways a lab can test for the presence of illegal or prescription drugs or alcohol.

The 10-Panel Drug Test

A 10-panel drug test detects traces of the 10 most commonly used and abused substances associated with illegal drug use and addiction. The substances most frequently tested for are:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opioids
• Benzodiazepines
• Amphetamines
• Barbiturates
• PCP
• Methadone
• Quaaludes
• Propoxyphene

Smaller tests, such as a 4- or 5-panel test, can also be ordered.

Drug Testing by Sample Type

Different biological samples can be tested for the presence of various substances. Each test has advantages and drawbacks and is used in different circumstances.

Urine Test

A urine test is the most common type of drug test and is used to detect the presence of illegal substances. The person being tested provides a urine sample, which is analyzed by a lab for the presence of drugs or alcohol. The test can be used to determine whether a person has used a particular substance in the last few days.

Blood Test

In a blood drug test, a subject submits a blood sample, which is analyzed to determine the presence of certain substances. A blood test is typically ordered to determine whether a suspect is actively under the influence of a particular substance. These tests have a high degree of accuracy and can detect a wider variety of substances, but they must be conducted within a shorter timeframe. Once the substances are metabolized and eliminated from the body they can no longer be detected by a blood test.

Mouth Swab

A mouth swab, also known as a saliva test, detects the presence of drugs by testing for the presence of the substance in a person’s saliva. The test is conducted by swabbing a person’s mouth and analyzing the sample for the presence of drugs.

Hair Follicle

A hair follicle test is conducted by collecting a small amount of hair from the subject’s head. The hair sample is provided to the lab and is analyzed for the presence of drugs. This type of test can detect drug use over the previous 90 days.

What To Do If You Were Ordered to Take a Drug Test

Criminal charges for drunk driving and drug crimes should be taken seriously, and the consequences can be severe.

If you were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving or a drug crime, contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm, LLC, immediately.

If you were ordered to submit to a drug test as part of your probation or parole and are concerned you may fail the test, or if you have questions about how a drug test could affect your situation, contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm, LLC, for answers.

Contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm, LLC Today

Contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm, LLC, today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.