The rapid drug test uses antibodies to identify drugs. Vertebrates naturally produce these antibodies in response to infection or vaccination. These antibodies are specific for specific drugs. They can also be produced through physical response. The animals used in the test are typically given vaccines containing the drugs they’re tested for.
Lab-based tests are more detailed
If you have employees who use drugs, it’s important to ensure their testing results are accurate. A lab-based test is more accurate than a rapid test because it will give you empirical data showing which drug your employee used. In addition, lab-based tests are also more detailed. A lab-based test will show you whether your employee ingested a specific amount of drug and will help you determine whether they were using it intentionally.
Lab-based testing can detect more drugs than an instant or rapid test. A more detailed process is involved, as well as thresholds and cut-offs for each substance. In contrast, a rapid test does not use specific cut-offs or thresholds, so your employer must rely on the test results. This means lab-based tests are the best option for companies that want to understand the history of their employees and determine if they are a risk.
The best drug tests are lab-based and use a combination of mass spectrometry and gas chromatography. These techniques are more precise and accurate, but they are more expensive. A lab-based test can identify more drugs and metabolites.
They are cheaper
Rapid drug tests are a cost-effective alternative to laboratory-based tests. However, they do have limitations. For example, the results can only be used as evidence in a court of law if a lab performs a second test and confirms the results. This can take anywhere from 24 hours to 72 hours. In addition, rapid tests aren’t foolproof and can be contested. As such, employers must ensure they have the proper training to administer and interpret these tests.
In contrast to rapid tests, blood tests can be expensive and invasive. While they can be used to detect recent drug use, they are not suitable for routine workplace drug tests. Furthermore, blood tests are expensive and difficult to administer. As a result, they are not always the best option. Whether a drug test is necessary for your workplace depends on the type of job you are looking for.
Rapid drug tests are more cost-effective than lab-based tests, but the prices will depend on the clinic. You will still have to pay a fee for a non-negative result, which is the case with lab-based tests. Moreover, if rapid drug test results are negative, you will have to send the results to a lab for further analysis.
They can be performed at home
Rapid drug tests can be done at home with a simple saliva test kit. They are very easy to use and can give accurate results in a few minutes. Before ordering one of these kits, read all the instructions. You should also follow the correct collection procedures to get the most accurate test results. You should also ensure that the person who collects the specimen is professionally trained and follows written procedures for each test. The collector should also complete a Custody and Control Form (CCF) to verify the donor’s identity. Additionally, the collector should confirm that the temperature of the specimen is within the acceptable range.
While most at-home drug tests give preliminary results, some require a follow-up lab test. The lab-based test results will take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. While these at-home tests can be convenient and cost-effective, their results cannot be used in court unless a lab confirms the result. The cost of a second lab test will depend on the accuracy of the sample collected, and the test kit you purchase will usually include this additional cost.
They are not fool-proof
Although rapid drug tests are highly accurate, they are not foolproof. Some disadvantages to this type of testing include the fact that results are not immediate. Additionally, these tests cannot tell you the quantity or duration of the substance abuse. As a result, they are not accepted by federal agencies. In addition, employers must rely on reporting the results by clinics, which can prolong the drug screen turnaround time.
Urine testing is the most common form of drug testing, and despite being relatively easy to perform, there is still a risk of cheating. Some urine donors may try to fake a positive result by adding contaminants or substituting another person’s urine. This can be prevented by performing laboratory validation testing, ensuring the specimen’s integrity. Specifically, labs will look for creatinine levels, pH, and specific gravity and make sure the test matches these.
The NMS Health service is designed to make the drug screening process as easy and fast as possible for employers. They use a network of labs and clinics that covers 50 states.
