What Is a Drug Test?
Drug tests are designed to look for the presence of one or more illegal drugs in your system. This can be tested through urine, blood, saliva, hair, or even a sweat sample. However, the most common type of drug testing is through a urine sample.
Whether you need a drug test for a new job, sports team, or because of a court case, the trusted healthcare professionals at DoctorMeNow can help! We offer comprehensive drug testing services that are easy and will give you results quickly.
What Kinds of Drugs Are Tested for In a Drug Test?
Drug testing can be used to find evidence that any of the following drugs are in your system:
- Marijuana
- Opioids including:
- Heroin
- Codeine
- Oxycodone
- Morphine
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
- Cocaine
- Steroids
- Barbiturates including;
- Phenobarbital
- Secobarbital
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Why Would I Have to Take a Drug Test?
Drug testing is used to find out whether or not an individual has taken a certain illegal drug or drugs. This is often required to make sure an individual is capable of performing a job safely, being able to safely and fairly compete on a sports team or to determine if drugs are a factor in an accident or crime.
Employment Drug Testing: Your potential employer may ask that you take a drug test before they hire you. This is often done to ensure that you can perform the job with a clear mind, ensuring the safety of yourself and others. This is especially important for jobs where your safety is already at risk:
- Construction
- Police
- Firefighter
- Health Care Professional
Sports Organization: Professional and collegiate sports often require drug testing to check for performance-enhancing drugs that may give players an unfair advantage.
Legal Purposes: If you are suspected of driving under the influence of drugs, have committed a crime, or are set to appear in court, a drug test may be issued. This is to ensure that all facts of the case have been accounted for and that you are in your right mind when appearing before a judge.
Monitoring Legal Opioid Use: In extreme cases of chronic pain, you may have been prescribed Opioids as a way to manage the pain. Routine drug tests will be scheduled in these cases to ensure that you are taking the correct amount of your medicine.
You Are Showing Symptoms of Drug Abuse: If you are showing signs that you may have a drug addiction, you may be asked to take a drug test to check to see if drugs are in your system. These symptoms include:
- Slurred speech
- Dilated or small pupils
- Panic
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Difficulty Breathing
- Nausea
- Changes in blood pressure
- Changes in heart rhythm
- Delirium
What Happens During a Drug Test?
A typical drug test involves giving a urine or blood sample in a lab so that the lab technicians can check for drugs in your system. Our healthcare professionals will direct you to a lab where you will have a small sample of urine or blood taken from a vein in your arm. The sample will then be tested for the presence of drugs. Each of these two tests often takes less than five minutes.
Do I Have to Prep for a Blood Test?
While there is no official prep for a blood test, it is important for you to talk with your DoctorMeNow doctor about what prescription drugs or supplements that you are currently taking. These drugs can result in a false positive on your drug test, so it is important that we know about it ahead of time.
Also, as a further precaution, avoid eating anything with poppy seeds, as this can result in a false positive for opioids.
Need a Drug Test?
The professional health care providers at DoctorMeNow can help you get your drug test for your job, sports team, or court case quickly, allowing you to get on with your day. We give you your results as soon as we get them and go over them with you so that you fully understand what your results mean. Contact our team today for more information on our services or to schedule an appointment!
