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Is drug testing
really accurate? |
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Yes, when it is done properly. Our
laboratory takes a thorough, multi-step process to ensure reliable
results. |
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1. When the specimen is received
in to the lab, it is checked to ensure that the Chain of Custody
form has been properly and completely filled out, that the specimen
bottle(s) have been sealed and that there is no evidence of tampering
with the seal, that the initials of the donor and the specimen
id number on the specimen bottle(s) matches the name and the number
on the chain of custody form, and that there is an adequate amount
for testing. |
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2. The specimen goes through the
first screening process of the testing, which tests for the detection
of specific substances at specific screening levels, and for a
variety of quality control checks to rule out possible adulterants
or interfering substances. |
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3. If the specimen tests positive
for a specific substance in the screening process, it then goes
on for further testing for confirmation by a highly accurate
and sensitive method known as GC/MS
(Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy). From a scientific standpoint,
the accuracy of the first screening is approximately 98%, with
the accuracy of the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy confirmatory
test being virtually 100%. We do not report a positive result
out as a true positive unless it has been confirmed by Gas Chromatography
Mass Spectroscopy.
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I've heard conflicting
stories about whether secondhand marijuana smoke can show up in
a drug screen or not. What's the truth? |
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Truth is, it's possible. In our testing experience,
secondhand exposure to marijuana smoke can enter a person's
system, regardless of whether they put the joint to their lips
or not. In most tests, true secondhand exposure shows up in
the high teens or low twenties (ng/ml) and leaves the system
much more quickly than if the person actually smoked it themselves.
50 ng/ml is the cutoff level for marijuana in a DOT drug screen,
with 20 ng/ml being the cutoff level for most Non-DOT screens.
It is not the responsibility of the employer or the testing
lab to determine how the substance got into a person's system,
only if it is there. If it is detectable in a drug screen, then
that person was under its influence whether they meant to be
or not. So, what's the best way to handle this tricky situation?
Someone who values their job should not put themselves in a
compromising situation were they are being exposed to a substance
that may jeopardize that job. In this case, it's "guilty by
association".
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Isn't there stuff that
can be used to "beat" a drug screen? |
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Yes, but the chances of "beating" a drug screen
are slim, and getting slimmer. Our laboratory knows that there
are smart people out there who use their intelligence and knowledge
in the wrong direction, all in an effort to make money off of
drug users trying to pass a drug screen that they know they
would fail otherwise. Our lab has a research department that
scouts for these products, purchases them, and then tests them
in the lab in a controlled situation so that they know if
it works, how it works, and how it can be
detected in testing. Each specimen is tested for a full range
of these substances and conditions, what we call possible adulterants.
If any of these substances are detected, or any condition of
the specimen is not considered in the normal range for human
urine, the specimen is reported as "Unacceptable - Possible
Adulteration". Other attempts at "beating" a drug screen
are caught at the time of collection. All of our certified collectors
pay close attention to the things that can tip them off to possible
substitutions or additives. Between our collection and testing
process, it would be a rare occurrence for someone to successfully
"beat" our drug screen.
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Is it true that someone
could test positive if they ate something with poppy seeds in
it? |
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Poppy seeds could be detected under the Opiate
category of substances that are tested for in a drug screen.
The cutoff level for Opiates is set at 2000 ng/ml for DOT testing
and for the largest majority of Non-DOT testing. In order for
a person to test positive at greater than that cutoff level,
they would have to consume approximately 4 POUNDS of poppy seeds!
(Not the average amount in any cake, muffin or bun that we have
ever seen!)
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If I have a couple of
beers at home on Sunday night, would it show up in an alcohol
test on Monday morning? |
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If it were really only a couple of beers that
you had, No, it would not show up in a test on Monday morning.
For an approximate rule of thumb, figure that it takes your system
about 10 hours to metabolize one 12 ounce beer or 1 ounce of 80
proof liquor. There are, however, other things that cause the
time to differ somewhat, such as whether you are male or female,
your body weight, the concentration (strength) of the alcohol
consumed, the length of the period of time that it was consumed
in, and what else was in the system at the time of consumption.
All of these factors play a part in how efficiently your body
metabolizes alcohol. Since the liver can only metabolize a small
amount at a time, drinking more than what it can handle will cause
the metabolic time to slow down, which in turn causes intoxication
and impairment. It is important to remember that since all of
your body systems are affected by alcohol, you will actually "be
under the influence" of the debilitating side effects of alcohol
longer than you actually "feel" its direct effects. |
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