Whether it is for medical, legal, or employment purposes, many look for alcohol and drug tests near me. However, there are various factors to consider before choosing one. The accessibility of the facility and the cost of testing are important factors. In addition, they should take into account the types of tests offered. Lastly, the accuracy of their tests is another vital factor to consider.

Testing centres use several screening procedures to detect alcohol and drug use. These help identify those with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and other substance use disorders. Often, saliva and urine tests are done for initial testing because they are non-invasive and less expensive. Meanwhile, hair tests are less common. This article will present the factors to consider when looking for a testing facility, such as accessibility and cost, types of tests available, and accuracy of results.

Alcohol Drug Test Near Me – Accessibility and Cost

When searching for alcohol and drug tests near me, accessibility and cost are crucial factors to consider. A testing facility within close proximity ensures convenience by eliminating the need for extensive travel. Moreover, it is helpful for situations where immediate testing is required. This can be for medical, employment, or legal purposes.

Some facilities only offer alcohol and drug screening services during business hours. Meanwhile, some offer 24/7 availability. However, it is also crucial to ensure the service meets Australian standards. This is because the accuracy of the results highly depends on the reliability of the testing provider. They must have suitable testing equipment and a reliable team to ensure accuracy.

Furthermore, cost is another vital factor in choosing a facility. Affordability is essential for organisations and individuals seeking drug and alcohol testing services. Several factors contribute to the price of testing. Generally, a test may range between $50 to $200. There are various tests that an individual may select from to trace different substances.

Potential Contributing Factors to Price

• Type of Test: some tests are more costly than others. For example, blood and hair tests are more expensive than other types. This is why many use saliva and urine tests for workplace testing.

• Amount of Panels: the number of panels determines which substances are detected. Thus, the cost increases with each additional panel.
• Equipment: using specialised methods also requires the use of special equipment. If the laboratory uses gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for analysis, the report may cost more than enzymatic assays.
• Reputation: larger facilities might be more well-known. Often, these reputable facilities charge more for their tests.

Alcohol Drug Test Near Me – Types of Tests Available

Another vital factor to consider when looking for alcohol and drug tests near me is the types of tests they offer. Firstly, urine testing is an often-used test. A urine specimen hold traces of substances within 24 hours of the last intake. Moreover, ethyl glucuronide (EtG) tests extend the detection time of ethanol to 80 hours.

Secondly, oral fluid testing is commonly used during onsite testing. This is because the saliva collection procedure is non-invasive, and saliva samples hold traces of substances for up to 12 hours. Thirdly, hair follicle tests have a detection window of 90 hours. It helps individuals and companies acquire the history of substance use. However, this does not include the substances consumed seven days before the time of collection due to the nature of hair growth.

Lastly, many consider blood tests as the most accurate tests. The results of this test are typically used in legal proceedings. Generally, it offers an average detection time of 12 hours. However, using carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) and Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) tests extends the detection period of alcohol to weeks.

Common Substances Tested For

Substance misuse occurs with liquor, prescription medications, and illegal drugs. These tests may also detect a wide range of substances. This includes ethanol, cocaine, marijuana, opioids, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). These substances may cause impairment in judgment and physical and mental capabilities.

Ethanol is an active ingredient in many alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, marijuana is a psychoactive drug that some use medicinally or recreationally. Cocaine is a stimulant drug made from the leaves of a coca plant. Moreover, many doctors prescribe amphetamines for narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Opioids are often used as pain medication. Lastly, PCP is a recreational drug that causes hallucinations.

Alcohol Drug Test Near Me – Accuracy of Results

When it comes to alcohol and drug tests near me, the accuracy of the results is the foremost factor to consider. The testing facility must have an experienced team of staff who follow strict protocols during the collection process. Moreover, they must have a clear chain of custody process to prevent sample tampering and contamination.

When the samples arrive in the laboratory, it undergoes analysis. In many cases, laboratories conduct confirmation tests if the initial testing produces a non-negative result. However, this may depend on the preferences of the client. After all, confirmatory testing may cost extra. Thus, in workplaces, many employers discuss the initial test results before conducting a confirmatory test.

Moreover, several factors may affect the accuracy of the result. This includes the health condition, age, and environmental factors. It is crucial to inform the testing facility about any medication or health condition that may cause a false positive result. Generally, the turnaround for the results is within 24 hours. However, if the analysis is more complex, it may take longer.

Availability of Confirmatory Testing

The availability of confirmatory testing is another factor to consider when choosing a testing facility. It is a crucial step in ensuring the accuracy of the results, which involves further analysis of the previous sample or conducting a different test. Often, blood tests are used here because of their accuracy. Some also use hair tests because of their lengthy detection period.

Confirmatory tests help innocent people avoid the undue consequences of false positives. A negative report from a confirmatory test is valued over the initial test. Thus, many workplaces allow confirmatory testing so they can make an informed decision regarding the employee.

Conclusion

A person must ensure they consider several factors before selecting alcohol and drug tests near me. This includes the accessibility and cost of the facility. After all, the testing provider must provide tests that are within budget. Moreover, they must operate during hours convenient for the individual. Another factor is the type of tests available. This is because the individual may require a specific test for their needs. Finally, the facility should provide accurate and reliable results.

Several factors may contribute to the cost of the overall screening. This includes the type of tests used, the substances they wish to trace, and the equipment used for analysis. Individuals may request various substances to trace. However, some of the most commonly tested ones are ethanol, opioids, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, and PCP. Moreover, they should inform the facility about any health condition or medication that may cause false positives.