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If you have an upcoming drug test, you surely want to know what to look out for and what to expect. The truth is, there’s a lot of misinformation on the internet, and following some of the myths can get you in a tough spot.
So, to avoid getting in trouble, let’s talk about the things you should and shouldn’t do if you’re taking a drug test soon.
Most Common Reasons for Drug Testing
Even though employment is arguably the most common reason for drug testing, it’s not the only one.
Nowadays, with the availability of various substances, drug testing is becoming a part of personal health monitoring. Of course, there are legal reasons for testing too. Here are the most common reasons when a drug test is conducted:
- Pre-employment screening (important with job seeking)
- Employment testing (crucial for high-responsibility roles)
- Legal testing (court-ordered, probation, or parole)
- Personal health (monitoring detox, accidental exposure, or “tolerance breaks”)
- Monitoring at-risk individuals (especially important with teenagers and young adults)
- Athletic drug testing (important with official competitions)
Types Of Drug Tests
There’s more than one way to test for certain substances. The methods vary in sample types and, by extension, in levels of how invasive they are. The four main types of drug testing are:
- Urine testing – can detect recent and prolonged use
- Oral fluid (saliva) testing – detects recent use
- Blood testing – detects recent and repeated use
- Hair testing – can detect substances for up to three months
Now, even though every method has its advantages and disadvantages, by far the most common type is urine testing. It’s the least invasive, and it can be used for a broad range of substances. This will most likely be the scenario when you go to an official test, with a possibility of sample collection being under supervision.
What Not to Do Before Drug Testing
1. Do not use synthetic urine or try to alter the sample
Some people get tempted to use sample-altering methods or even use synthetic urine to pass a drug test. The reality is, this can easily be detected, if not at the screening, then at the confirmatory test that’s done in a lab.
Lab test specifically for oxidizing adulterants like bleach, eye drops, vinegar, soap, baking soda, and other types of masking agents.
When it comes to synthetic urine, it can be uncovered with temperature and pH checks, as well as checking for biological markers. This is even more risky when sample collection is supervised.
2. Don’t stop prescription medication
It is true that some medications can affect the result of a drug test, like meds for anxiety and depression-related disorders. This makes people think that they must stop taking the prescription meds before a drug test.
However, the testing process has a medical examiner involved, and it’s their obligation to accept any disclosure of medication you might be taking. They will also ask you for any relevant medical documentation, including the prescription itself. So, do not stop with therapy, be upfront about it instead.
3. Don’t underestimate detection times
A lot of people rely on partial information when it comes to the detection times of drugs in the system. While there certainly are general detection windows for tested substances, the real time needed to pass a drug test depends on a lot of factors. Such as:
- Amount and frequency of use
- Age
- Dietary habits and hydration
- Bodyfat percentage
- Exercise and daily physical activity
To get a better understanding of your own individual detection time for THC, make sure to check out Exploro’s THC detection calculator. It takes everything into account, and gives you a fair estimate of how things really stand.
Things That You Should Do Before
1. Understand the testing process and be up-front
One often overlooked thing when it comes to drug testing is that people don’t exactly understand the process. First of all, find out what type of test you will be taking and, ideally, when. This will help you manage your expectations and prepare for the test better.
Additionally, by knowing the time and date, you have time to prepare the documentation needed for medical disclosure. If you take prescription medication, have a “shy bladder, or kidney conditions, be up-front about it with the examiner.
2. Test yourself at home
Modern med tech allowed the development of accurate at-home drug tests that help people from all walks of life. Testing at home can clarify your situation before the main test, and help you manage your expectations.
There are many at-home tests out there, but if you’re taking a standard drug test (e.g., DOT test), this 5-panel at-home drug test will help you shed some light on the state of metabolites in your system.
3. Follow the testing and sample collection instructions carefully
When the day comes, before the test, you may be asked to do a few things and follow certain instructions given by the medical examiner. This is done to prevent sample adulteration and accidental contamination, which can lead to false results.
In regulated sampling environments, you may be asked to:
- Remove outerwear and empty your pockets
- Thoroughly wash and dry your hands
- Stay within the collector’s sight
- Avoid flushing the toilet
The sample collector staff is trained to maintain strict chain-of-custody procedures, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
In Conclusion
Despite the stress that comes with drug testing, clean or not, you should be aware of things to avoid and things to follow through.
Get to know your metabolism (calculator), test at home, disclose medically-relevant information, and do not stop with medication on your own. And, of course, avoid all “magical solutions” that can only get you in trouble.
