Understanding Your Drug Test Results - A Simple to Read Guide
Drug testing is useful in most locations, such as workplaces, hospitals, and the legal system. It assists in verifying whether an individual has recently used drugs or not. Such tests have to be precise since the outcome determines jobs, health care, or even legal outcomes & this guide will explain drug test results clearly.
How to Interpret Drug Test Results
Regardless of the type of drug test you undergo, urine, saliva, blood, or hair, the results are always presented in three forms:
- Positive
- Negative
- Invalid
Positive Result
A positive test is an indication that a drug is present in your body. The Control line (C) appears on the test strip, but the Test line (T) does not show. This is an indication that the level of the drug is above the permissible level.
When the result is positive, the sample may be retested, such as GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), to confirm it. This ensures there was no error or false positive.
Negative Result
The result is negative when no drug is found, or the concentration is too low to find. Both the Control (C) and Test (T) lines are visible on the strip.
This typically indicates that the individual has not recently used drugs, or the drug has passed out of the body.
Invalid Result
An invalid result indicates that the test failed. This may occur if:
- No lines are present
- The Control line (C) is absent
You will need to repeat the test on a new sample and test kit in this situation.
What Do Drug Abbreviations Mean?
Some typical drug codes you will find on test kits include:
AMP – Amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, meth)
BZO – Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium)
COC – Cocaine
THC – Cannabis/Marijuana
OPI – Opiates (e.g., morphine, codeine)
PCP – Phencyclidine (Angel Dust)
BAR – Barbiturates (sedatives)
MDMA – Ecstasy
METH – Methamphetamine
MTD – Methadone
OXY – Oxycodone
BUP – Buprenorphine (used in addiction therapy)
TCA – Tricyclic Antidepressants
FEN – Fentanyl
K2/SPICE – Synthetic cannabis
ETG – Alcohol metabolite
LSD – Acid (hallucinogen)
KET – Ketamine
GHB – A depressant that is used illegally at times
Can Drug Tests Be Wrong?
Yes, occasionally tests are wrong. Two issues that are common problems are:
False Positives
Certain medications and medical issues can bring on false readings. For instance, cold medicine or antibiotics could bring on a false positive. You can request a follow-up test if this occurs so you're certain.
Adulteration
Others attempt to cheat the test by adding water, switching the sample, or employing chemicals. Testing laboratories usually test for temperature, pH, and other indicators in an attempt to detect this. Test cheating can have severe ramifications.
What Are Cut-Off Levels?
A cut-off level is the minimum concentration of a drug required in the body for the test to be positive. If the drug concentration is below this threshold, the test is negative.
Cut-off levels prevent false positives due to small traces that may arise from food or the environment.
Before Your Drug Test: How to Prepare
To ensure your drug test is a success, do the following:
- Obey all instructions from the lab or employer
- Stay away from food or drugs that can influence the outcome
- Drink water, but not excess water, just prior to the test
- Inform the tester of any medication you are taking
- Do not exercise heavily just prior to the test
When taking the test
While on the test, remember the following:
- Pay close attention to and obey all directions
- Relax and remain calm
- Give a good sample as requested (adequate urine, not dirty)
- Tell the truth if something goes awry
- Don't attempt to trick the test, as this can create major issues
Following the Drug Test
When the test is completed:
- Let your results come in. It may take a few days
- If there is a delay with your results, contact the lab or employer
- When you receive your results, read them closely
- If you are unsure, ask questions
- If your test result is positive or invalid, take the subsequent steps indicated by the lab or your employer (such as retesting or providing evidence of your medications)
Deciphering your drug test results doesn't have to be difficult. Knowing what the results indicate and following the proper procedures beforehand, during, and after the test can ensure that everything goes smoothly and justly.
If at any time you are puzzled about a result, contact the test provider or a healthcare professional for assistance.