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The following are some of the questions that we are asked on a regular basis.
If you need to know something that isn't listed, please feel free to contact us.
- Is drug testing accurate?
- What type of testing is available?
- What type of testing should I use?
- What drugs should I test for?
- What about alcohol testing?
- How long do drugs stay in the system?
- Can False Negative results occur?
- What is adulteration?
- Does adulteration work?
- How can I prevent adulteration?
- What about False Positives?
- Will commonly used substances such as vitamins, aspirin, caffeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol), affect test results?
- Is on-site testing as accurate as laboratory testing?
- What are "Cut-Off Levels"?
- What is the average cost for your testing services?
- In what areas are your services and products available?
- What are the advantages to on-site testing?
- Can we do the testing ourselves in-house?
- As a concerned parent, what might drug testing offer my child?
- Do I need an appointment for drug testing at your Occupational Screening Center?
- Do you offer employment & DOT physicals?
- How can I get more information about testing, services, or other topics?
Is drug testing accurate? TOP
Yes, when done properly. Our highly trained staff is certified through the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association. We continually strive to exceed all requirements and regulations set for our industry.
What type of testing is available? TOP
There are several methods of testing available. The most popular is urine testing. Testing urine utilizing our laboratory gives results in 24-48 hour results or with an on-site test kit with results in minutes. Oral fluids can also be used which can be tested on-site with results in 15 minutes. Hair testing has become very popular due to its 90 day detection window of past use. Sweat testing is popular as a deterrent to use. A patch is worn for up to two weeks and will detect drugs of abuse used during the time the patch is worn.
What type of testing should I use? TOP
That decision should be made by determining what you want to detect. Feel free to Contact Us to discuss the option that will work best for your situation.
- Urine Testing should be used if you want to detect drugs of abuse utilized in the past. Both laboratory and on-site test kits use the same cut-off levels - the big difference is the time frame for results. (Please note that DOT regulations do not allow the use of an on-site test kit for testing.)
- Oral Fluid Testing (saliva) is a great "Fitness for Duty" test. It will detect if the donor is under the influence at the time tested. This is most accurate for Marijuana and may be used to detect current alcohol use.
- Hair Sample Testing will give you the longest detection time at 90 days after use. If you want to be sure that your donor has not abused any drugs for that time frame, this is the test for you.
- Breath Alcohol Testing is the most common test for alcohol. It will tell if someone is under the influence at the time the sample is taken. Alcohol stays in the body for a relatively short period of time: so, unless a person is under the influence at the time of the test, it will not detect abuse off the job (which can affect on-the-job performance).
With the exception of DOT testing which requires testing for THC, Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamine, and PCP, you can decide what you would like to test for. We work with our clients to help them choose what they wish to detect. We usually suggest the drugs that are most prevalent in the area as well as what the trends show. Because we work closely with several law enforcement agencies, we are aware of what drugs are out there. Most of our clients are testing for THC, Cocaine, Opiates, and Methamphetamine. Very few test for PCP as it is not a popular drug in the working population.
What about alcohol testing? TOP
Alcohol is the most popular drug of abuse because it is legal. We offer a simple saliva test that will allow you to bring the test to your location. That gives you the ability to test after lunch, first thing in the morning, or anytime you wish. Low cost tests are available with results in two minutes. We also offer a DOT approved saliva tests and portable breath testers.
How long do drugs stay in the system? TOP
Each drug is detected at a certain cut-off level and will stay in the system for a different time period. The average detection time is as follows:
| DRUG | INFREQUENT USER | FREQUENT USER | CHRONIC USER |
| Marijuana | 2-5 days | Up to 14 days | Up to 90 days |
| Cocaine | 12-48 hours | 1-4 days | Several Weeks |
| Amphetamine | 1-3 days | 2-6 days | Several Weeks |
| Methamphetamine | 1-3 days | 2-6 days | Several Weeks |
| Opiates | 12-48 hours | 2-6 days | Several Weeks |
| PCP | 1-3 days | 3-7 days | Up to a Month |
Can False Negative results occur? TOP
There is less chance to find a false negative result with an oral sample than with a urine sample because of the availability of substances to adulterate urine specimens. In the case of the urine tests, there are tests to eliminate false negatives and expose adulterants. For oral fluid testing, the chance of false negative results is very low as long as the test subject does not smoke, eat, or drink for a at least 10 minutes before testing.
What is adulteration? TOP
Adulteration is the tampering of a specimen in an attempt to pass a drug screen. There are several household products that are used as well as over the counter products that are either ingested or added to the specimen. Access to information on the Internet has increased the number of attempted adulterated specimens. Any specimen that has been adultered is considered a positive at our facility.
Does adulteration work? TOP
Clinical studies have been completed testing both household and over the counter products. Most common adulterants do not work very well but there are a few that may succeed and constant research makes detection of adulterants more probable. We will not share what may be used as that is information that should be kept in confidence. Lets just say that every specimen should be tested for adulteration as it is quite prevalent. We consider any attempt at adulteraton to be a positive result.
How can I prevent adulteration? TOP
The first step to prevention is proper specimen collection. The collection facility should be secured, with no running water and bluing in the toilet. The donor should wash their hands before the collection. Also always check the temperature of the specimen. We also offer an adulteration test strip that detects several different parameters of adulteration. This very low cost test will cost about but will allow you to test with confidence. We also offer training in the latest developments in adulteration techniques and detection.
What about False Positives? TOP
Any screening test can give a "false positive" result but the probability is quite small. If there is a question or dispute, confirmation testing should be done to verify positive results and rule out other potential drugs or substances that may have caused it.
Will commonly used substances such as vitamins, aspirin, caffeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol), affect test results? TOP
No. Because these commonly used substances are chemically and structurally different after metabolized by the body from the drugs being tested for, they will under most circumstances not interfere with or compromise test results.
Is on-site testing as accurate as laboratory testing? TOP
Yes it is as accurate. The on-site test kits utilize the same cut-off levels as the laboratory. The accuracy along with the savings in time make on-site testing a valuable tool. We offer tests to suit your needs that may be performed at either our screening center or on your job site with our mobile unit.
What are "Cut-Off Levels"? TOP
A cut-off level is a value that is used to determine whether a drug test is positive or negative. Our tests use the cut-off levels established by the Department of Health and Human Services. These cut-off levels have been proven accurate and reliable, as well as defensible in a court of law.
What is the average cost for your testing services? TOP
The cost, if we administer the test at our facility (or mobile unit), is about $25* for a four drug test with an adulteration panel and results in about 5 minutes. If you were to bring that in-house, your cost would be about $15* for the test. As you can see that is a substantial savings. It also gives you the ability to go to the job site and test. Contact Us for specific pricing.
* Prices are approximate and subject to change
In what areas are your services and products available? TOP
- Selections on our Products Page may be shipped almost anywhere.
- Our Testing services occur at our Occupational Screening Center in Fargo, ND.
- On-Site testing by our Mobile Unit is available in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and a limited area of Wisconsin.
- Training Services and other services we provide are available wherever they may be needed.
What are the advantages to on-site testing? TOP
- Immediate results - no turnaround time for negatives
- Increased worker productivity - less time lost to "testing process"
- Shortened hiring cycle - eliminates 2-3 day delay in hiring prospective employees
- Increased testing specificity/flexibility - allows users to target drug testing to meet specific demographic or geographic drug use trends
- Increased deterrence - immediate results = immediate action
- Reduced drug testing costs - lower "per test cost" through reduced direct and incidental costs
- Accountability - donor must "deal" with results at time of test
With the proper training, you may bring the testing in-house - giving your organization a substantial savings. You would eliminate the collection costs as well as having to pay travel time for your employee to get to and from the collection facility. We offer complete training for your staff in the collection method that best meets your needs.
As a concerned parent, what might drug testing offer my child? TOP
Testing offers you an opportunity to confirm your suspicions, positively detect drug and alcohol use by your child, and get him/her treatment or education before the use of drugs and alcohol leads to addiction, a criminal record, or death. See our Parents Place for useful information for parents.
Do I need an appointment for drug testing at your Occupational Screening Center? TOP
No appointment is needed. See our Contact Page for the hours, address and a map.
Do you offer employment & DOT physicals? TOP
We offer employment physicals by a Board Certified Occupational Medicine Physician which can be tailored to meet the needs of your business. DOT physicals are performed by a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic. Appointments are required for all physicals. See our Contact Page for our phone number, hours, address and a map.
How can I get more information about testing, services, or other topics? TOP
For more information about testing, our services, or any other question you have, feel free to Contact Us.
3101 39th ST. SW Suite C, Fargo ND, 58104
Phone:(701) 282-4077 Toll Free:(888) 660-1545
Fax:(701) 282-4452