Test library
Substance Testing
Drug testing checks blood or urine samples for prescribed medications, illicit substances, or their breakdown products. The specific panel is chosen based on the purpose of the test.
Order Drug Testing
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Drug Testing- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $180
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
Drug testing is a laboratory analysis that looks for specific substances or their metabolites in a blood or urine sample. Panels vary widely and may target a standard set of drugs, a single substance, or a custom list depending on the reason for testing. Results are interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider or the program that ordered the test.
What this test measures
Drug tests are used in several settings, including clinical care, employment programs, and legal or court-related contexts. The specimen type affects what can be detected: urine testing is common for broad screening panels, while blood testing may be used when a clinical question requires it. Some programs also use saliva or hair specimens.
Common panel analytes include amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, oxycodone, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cannabinoids, methadone, and phencyclidine. Alcohol markers such as ethyl glucuronide may be included. Detection windows vary by substance, specimen type, and laboratory method, so results are reported within the context of the specific program.
People may encounter drug testing through a provider evaluating symptoms, an employer program, a legal requirement, or personal awareness testing. Prescription medications can produce results that require review, which is why collection staff typically ask about current medications. A screening result that is not negative is generally confirmed with a more specific method before being reported as positive.
- Amphetamines
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine metabolite (benzoylecgonine)
- Opiates
- Oxycodone
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Cannabinoids (THC metabolite)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Methadone
- Ethyl glucuronide (alcohol marker) when included
Why people order this test
- Clinical evaluation requested by a provider
- Employment or pre-employment program
- Post-accident or fitness-for-duty context
- Legal or court-related requirement
- Personal awareness testing
- Monitoring a recovery or treatment plan
How to prepare
Preparation depends on the specimen being collected. Urine collections may have timing or volume instructions, while blood draws follow standard collection practices. Follow the instructions from the testing program or laboratory, and tell collection staff about medications as directed.
Understanding your results
Turnaround is typically 1-3 business days, and confirmation testing may extend the timeline. A screening result that is not negative is usually confirmed with a more specific method before being reported as positive. Questions about results should be directed to the ordering provider or program.
Substance Testing by state
Alabama
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Alaska
Substance Testing across Alaska.
Arizona
Substance Testing across Arizona.
Arkansas
Substance Testing across Arkansas.
California
Substance Testing across California.
Colorado
Substance Testing across Colorado.
Connecticut
Substance Testing across Connecticut.
Delaware
Substance Testing across Delaware.
Florida
Substance Testing across Florida.
Georgia
Substance Testing across Georgia.
Hawaii
Substance Testing across Hawaii.
Idaho
Substance Testing across Idaho.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between urine and blood drug testing?
Urine is commonly used for broad screening panels, while blood may be used for specific clinical questions. The choice depends on the purpose and the program's requirements.
What drugs does a standard panel cover?
Common panels include amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, and phencyclidine, though the exact list varies by program.
Can prescription medications affect the result?
Yes. Some prescribed medications can produce a non-negative screening result, which is why medication information is collected during testing.
How long can substances be detected?
Detection windows vary by substance, specimen, frequency of use, and laboratory method. The testing program can explain its specific reporting standards.
What happens if a screening result is not negative?
Results that are not negative are typically confirmed with a more specific laboratory method before any positive report is issued.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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Every page on this site is reviewed for clarity, sourcing, and accuracy. We update our library as testing options, collection networks, and accreditation standards change.