Urinalysis for drug testing is a common way for companies to monitor employees for substances such as opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and other illegal drugs. Urinalysis is also used to help monitor those in substance abuse programs and rehabilitation. The test is painless and easily performed.

Urinalysis for Drug Testing

How Is the Test Administered?

There are home urine tests that can be purchased, but most people will likely take the test in a health clinic bathroom. The subject of the test will be provided with a specimen cup, and will not bring any belongings with them into the bathroom. In rare cases, the subject may be accompanied by a same-sex technician.

The subject will urinate in the cup and place a lid on the cup to seal it—the technician will then stay with the sample until it is sealed and labeled. This eliminates any chance of tampering with the sample. Results may be received right away or in a few days, depending on the exact test and the clinic facilities.

How Does it Work?

The urine sample is measured by an immunoassay or by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Immunoassays do not measure individual drugs, but rather have a scale of positive or negative that the test will express in terms of nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Other immunoassays will show a range of colors on a strip that indicate certain substances. More specific and complex chromatography tests may be ordered if a result is positive to confirm the exact substance detected.

Drug testing is often performed by urinalysis—a painless and easy procedure to confirm the presence or absence of certain substances in the system. Artesia Drug and Alcohol Screening, in Artesia, NM, offers drug and alcohol testing, and evaluations with substance abuse professionals. Call (575) 746-3404 to make an appointment or go to their website to discover more about their services.