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Types of Drug tests

Drug Testing Methodologies


Truegene Medical Testing Services stays ahead of the evolving demand for workplace substance abuse prevention by providing innovative drug testing solutions for all industries. By leveraging technology and industry-leading expertise, our solutions offer you a higher standard of testing, keeping you armed with the tools you need to make the best, most informed employment decisions possible for your business.
 

Take advantage of our multiple testing methodologies and expanded drug panels while enjoying the benefits of our cutting-edge technology and best-in-business practices.

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What's Available

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  • Complete Chain of Custody Management – Electronic Custody and Control Form

  • Online Scheduling, Tracking, and Reporting

  • Extensive Collection Site Network

  • Compliance and Audit Assistance

  • Policy Assistance and Management

  • Expert Laboratory Analysis

  • Electronic Ordering Capabilities (eCCF)

  • Random Pool Management

  • Medical Review Officer (MRO) Services

  • Urine Testing

  • Oral Fluid Testing

  • Synthetics Testing

  • Hair Testing

  • Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing (EBAT)

  • Expanded Opioid Testing

Urine Testing
 

The urine test is the most common form of drug and alcohol testing. It may be conducted as part of pre-employment screening, randomly, or post-accident by employers, especially for employees in certain occupations. Currently, urinalysis is the only testing method approved for federally mandated testing. It’s also the least invasive and most legally acceptable form of employment drug testing.
 

Urine test results show the presence or absence of drug metabolites in a person’s urine. Metabolites are drug residues that remain in the body for a period of time even after the effects of a drug have worn off, and because of this, a positive urine test does not necessarily prove that a person was under the influence of drugs at the time of the test.
 

Drugs that are screened in a typical urine drug test include marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamines, PCP, opiates, and more. Truegene Medical Testing Services's SAMHSA-certified vendor partners are some of the largest clinical testing laboratories in the U.S. and provide urine collection services for several major businesses worldwide.

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Hair Testing 
 

Hair testing is widely recognized as one of the most reliable methods for detecting repeat drug use, with a detection window of up to 90 days. Unlike shorter-term tests, hair testing reduces the chance of someone abstaining for a few days to avoid detection. It also gives useful info, like when a substance was used, how long, and when it was stopped.
 

Collection is simple and discreet, requiring only a small hair sample taken under direct supervision, without invading privacy. This makes hair testing an excellent choice for both pre-employment and random testing programs. Hair analysis can identify marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, PCP, and opioids.
 

For more than 25 years, Truegene Medical Testing Services’ vendor partners have been industry leaders in hair drug testing. Considered virtually cheat-proof, hair testing cannot be substituted, diluted, or altered with products like dyes, bleaches, or cleansers—providing employers with unmatched reliability and peace of mind.

Oral Fluid Testing

 

A mouth swab drug test—also known as a saliva or oral fluid test—collects a sample from the inside of the mouth and is a popular option for many employers. These tests are cost-effective, simple to administer, and can often be collected on-site with minimal disruption. The process typically involves swabbing the inner cheek, and with FDA-approved swabs, the collection is observed to prevent tampering. Samples are then sent to the lab for screening and confirmation, reducing the risk of cheating, shy bladder issues, or donor challenges.

 

Unlike urine testing, which requires substances to metabolize before detection, oral fluid testing can identify very recent drug use—within minutes up to about 48 hours. This makes mouth swab testing an excellent solution for a wide range of workplace testing needs.

 

For more than two decades, Truegene Medical Testing Services’ vendor partners have been at the forefront of oral fluid technology, providing reliable testing solutions and expert education for employers nationwide.

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Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing

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Unlike other tests for drug consumption, alcohol tests can only show current levels of impairment or intoxication, but not past use. Breath alcohol tests are the most common form of alcohol testing in the workplace. Alcohol tests using this methodology are administered by having the person blow into a breathalyzer, and the results are given as a number.

Department of Transportation (DOT) Alcohol Testing

Mandatory alcohol and drug testing is required by the United States Department of Transportation for some occupations and industries. This mandatory testing includes occupations in safety-sensitive industries such as trucking, pipeline, aviation, maritime, railroad, and transit employees. For alcohol screenings, a Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) result of 0.02 or higher will require a confirmation breath alcohol test within 15-30 minutes of the screening. Results of 0.02 or higher must be immediately reported to the employer. Results between 0.02 – 0.039 involve the employee being removed from safety-sensitive positions for a set period of time, which each DOT administration determines. Results of 0.04 or higher consist of the employee being immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties and undergoing a DOT-specified substance abuse program before returning to a safety-sensitive position.n.

Next Steps for Your Company

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With drug addiction affecting many companies, most employers are wondering what they can do to help their employees and protect their companies. Early recognition of drug use in the workplace can prevent significant personal, health, and professional consequences. 

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Listed below are possible signs of substance abuse.

Emotional/Social

  • Personality change

  • Irritability

  • Drunk/intoxicated at social events

  • Frequent tardiness

  • Increased customer complaints

  • Mood swings/anxiety

  • Erratic or decreased performance

  • Social withdrawal

  • Problems with law enforcement

  • Sudden decrease in work productivity

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Physical

  • Disheveled appearance

  • Change in diet

  • Unexplained minor injuries

  • Addition of long sleeves

  • Unexpected weight loss

  • Smell of alcohol

  • Needle marks

  • Signs of intoxication or withdrawal, e.g., slurred speech, tremors, excessive sweating, dilated or pinpoint pupil

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