Drug test kits have been effective in enabling timely implementation of preventive measures for drug abuse. Of the various drug testing kits available, urine drug testing kits are popular (these are commonly used in federally mandated drug testing programs). These kits have come handy for everyone as they are economical, user friendly, effective, accurate and give quick results.
The below article gives you few specific details about urine drug test kits which will help you know about their functionality in a much better way.
How do urine drug test kits work?
The drugs consumed are eliminated from the body in the form of metabolites through urine. Therefore, urine has a good possibility of having most of the drug metabolites in it which makes it highly reliable in drug detection. Urine drug tests kits work on the principle of ‘immunochromatographic drug testing assay’. This principle is effective in identifying the presence of various metabolites of drugs in the urine.
Drugs they detect
Urine drug test kits are designed to detect various types of drugs, especially the commonly used ones. These kits can detect up to 13 main drugs – marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, opiates, phencyclidine, benzodiazepine, ecstasy, barbiturates, tricyclics, methadone, propoxyphene and oxycodone. Based on the design of urine drug test kit, a single kit can detect any number of drugs at once using single urine sample.
Detection period for various drugs
The detection period for various drugs differs based on the sample used. For some of the above mentioned popularly used drugs, the detection periods in urine sample are as follows:
The detection period for marijuana in urine is 3 to 4 days after consumption. Whereas, in a habitual user, marijuana can be detected up to 30 days after consumption in the urine sample. The detection period of cocaine is 4 to 5 days. The opiates (morphine, heroin, codeine) have a detection period of 2 to 4 days. Methamphetamine has a detection period of 3 to 5 days. PCP has a detection period of 3 to 7 days.
Urine drug test kits have moderate detection period. These detection periods may vary depending on the frequency and amount of drug abused.
Why are they popular?
Urine test kits are the commonly used drug test kits that offer accurate results. The urine drug testing process is referred as ‘gold standard’ for its accuracy which makes it highly popular. These are least expensive when compared to saliva or hair test kits. Available in the form of strips and cups, these drug testing kits are easy to handle and use. The results obtained by these kits too can be interpreted easily. FDA approved test kits, which adhere to SAHMSA cut-off levels give more accurate and reliable results.
Where are they used?
Urine test kits can be used at schools, homes, offices, institutions, corporations, law enforcement areas and also at other areas where drug detection is needed. Used for on-site screening or for laboratory testing, these kits help in timely detection of drug abuse and prevention of unfortunate consequences. In some other cases (mostly at workplaces), they are helpful in catching the victims, who are responsible for accidents under drug influence.
To conclude, of all the methods of drug testing, urine drug tests are very accurate and fast. Urine test kits are by far the most effective methodology used to detect drug abuse.