Drug Testing Methodologies

There are a variety of drug and alcohol testing options for companies and organizations. Tomo understands that Court and Community-Based, Department of Transportation, Drug-Free Workplace, and Student testing programs are designed to detect substance misuse and abuse. With over 25 years of experience, we work with you to create a drug testing program that will meet your needs and industry requirements. Below are descriptions of each methodology and some of their benefits.

Urine

Urine is the most common form of drug and alcohol testing, and one of the only testing methods approved for federally-mandated testing. Urinalysis is typically used for pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, follow-up, and post accident-testing.

The most common drugs included in a typical lab-based urine drug test for: Marijuana metabolites/THC, Cocaine, Amphetamines (including methamphetamine, MDMA), Opioids (Codeine, Heroin, Morphine, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxymorphone, Oxycodone), Phencyclidine (PCP)

You can learn more about the most common drugs included in instant urine drug tests here.

Detection window – approximately 2-3 days for most drug, THC can be detected for longer periods in urine

Oral Fluid

Oral fluid or saliva testing is considered one of the easiest testing methods to administer. Oral fluid is typically used for pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-duty testing. The tests are popular due to their speed and efficiency, reduction of tampering or cheating, and elimination of shy bladder wait times during the collection process. The tests are typically administered by swabbing the inner cheek of the donor, and sending the samples to the lab for screening and confirmation. Oral fluid tests are considered the least invasive form of drug testing.

Detection window – approximately 1-3 days

Hair and Fingernail

Hair and fingernail testing are the most common methods of testing for long-term use. The tests can detect repeat drug misuse up to a 90-day window. With the long-term detection window, the opportunity for donors to abstain from use for several days before testing to avoid a positive test is eliminated. With hair testing, the test cannot be substituted, adulterated, or diluted with cleansers, bleaching, or dyeing of the hair. The tests can also provide patterns of use. Hair and fingernail testing is typically used for pre-employment, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up. The tests are administered by collecting a small sample of hair or fingernail/toenail clippings under direct supervision while also respecting the privacy of the donor.

Detection window – approximately 90 days or longer

Breath Alcohol

Breath alcohol tests are the most common form of alcohol testing for the Department of Transportation (DOT) and drug-free workplace. Breath alcohol tests can only show current levels of impairment or intoxication, not past use. The tests are administered by having the donor blow into a breathalyzer device, and the results are given as a number.

Tomo Drug Testing is your solution for convenient and accurate drug and alcohol testing.

If you need assistance with your company or organizations drug testing policy, contact us for free needs analysis.