Urine Drug Testing Facts

Urine drug testing has become prominent in the wake of atrocities that have been displayed by the workforce in reputed companies. Here are some urine drug testing facts that you ought to know as employers are now cautious and want their employees to have a clean chit.
A urine drug test is a procedure when an individual's urine is checked and analyzed in order to detect the existence and relative consistency of drugs in the system. It is always encouraged that the individual collects mid stream urine as the sample. The first stream urine excreted during the morning hours should not be considered as the metabolites in the urine are higher than the metabolites found in mid stream. 30 to 60 ml is enough to procure accurate results from the test. Before the urine drug testing is conducted, the individual is recommended to clean the genital area, so that there are no impurities or substances accompanying the urine. Not following this instruction can lead to procuring faulty drug test results.

Information on Urine Drug Testing - All Facts Covered
  • The first fact that must be known to the reader is that the conventional and traditional belief of collecting the urine sample in the morning is most beneficial. The first urine sample is considered as it consists of higher metabolites in the urine that help in deriving accurate results.
  • There are certain methods that have been known to intrude in the person's privacy. The individual is asked to urinate in the presence of a spectator. In situations like these, the individual may feel uncomfortable and degraded, however this is done to retain the authenticity of the urine sample.
  • A method that is now widely applied is to let the individual change into the hospital gown and get rid of all his possessions. It is only then, that you are guided to the dry room. A dry room is a quarter where the conduction and resultant collection of urine samples takes place. It is not equipped with amenities with regards to water, lest the urine sample is tampered. There have been cases where the sample has been manipulated by adding water, thereby resulting in a diluted urine sample. Thus, these faulty actions by the individual is sure to reveal faulty results.
  • There are also some individuals who try to pass the urine test by drinking plenty of water on the day of the test and one day before the test is conducted. However, the testing faculty cannot be fooled. The test results divulge from giving results as the urine sample is rejected due to its clear consistency. A sample that is diluted highly is rejected and is subjected to a gravity test. The gravity test range is set between 1.006 to 1.030. The higher the numbers detected, the higher the level of concentration of the urine.
  • The urinalysis test consists of three stages. The first stage is considered to be the physical examination which measures the gravity, the clarity and the concentration of the urine and are systematically noted. The next test that is conducted is called the chemical examination where the concentration of a particular illegal drug is checked. The third stage involves the conduction of microscopic examination that aids in identifying cells and components such as bacteria and mucous.
  • When the urinalysis is conducted, the methods that are incorporated in the process are high performance liquid chromatography, immunoassay analysis, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GCMS).
  • Out of the three methods, the Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, is the decision-making test. This test confirms if the individual has passed the urine drug test. This test cannot be fully relied on as this test may yield false positive results, as the other factors such as medication and particular types of food may interfere in the conclusion of the true result.
  • Foods high in carbohydrates, sugar, white bread, chocolates and oil-dipped foods are to be strictly avoided. They may result in the diagnostic test emerge positive. Instead, include more of fiber to your diet as fiber has the ability to break down fats to get rid of the metabolite reserves in the lipid tissue.
  • There is another method of urinalysis that is conducted apart from the above mentioned tests. These tests are referred to as home tests that have the potential to yield results in a short period. The time that the test takes in yielding results is very less, however the devices such as the dipstick consisting of chemical components have comparatively fewer instances of results being authentic. The sweat and the saliva tests that are conducted can be prone to being erroneous.
  • The urine drug test is an information collecting procedure for employers who are looking out to recruit fresh talent for their company, as they do not want their employees involved in any drug scams. Moreover, it is not an expensive test, thus making the test a sought after choice for prospective employers.
  • Another reason why the urinalysis tests are considered so important is the fact that it can provide essential proof during post accident examination to check if the individual was under the influence of drugs, due to which the accident took place.
These were the important urine drug testing facts. Whenever you go for a drug test, it is always better not to drink a lot of water, nor eat fatty foods a day before the test. You must also not exercise excessively. The most essential caution that you must practice is that of being stress-free before you go for the test. The increase in yours stress levels may cause harm thereby adversely affecting the urinalysis results. So be careful! The best thing you could do, to remain calm and collected before you go for any drug test is not to conform to drug consumption at all!
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Last Updated: 9/13/2011
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