Drug Test Australia: Overview, Types of Test Kits & Where to Buy Them

A drug test in Australia is a procedure to detect the presence of substances in the body. It is a common practice in many industries. This may include workplace testing, roadside drug tests, and rehabilitation programs. Accordingly, there are different types of drug test kits. The most common methods are urine drug testing kits and saliva testing. Furthermore, hair testing kits are also available. However, this may require forwarding the specimens for drugs to an accredited laboratory.

Drug testing is a common practice in many industries and organisations in Australia. The effectiveness of drug testing serves as a preventive measure to ensure safety. This also holds great importance in maintaining a drug-free environment. However, with advancements in drug test kits, knowing which is the most suitable for specific needs can be confusing. This article will present an overview of Australian drug testing, the types of drug test kits, and where to buy one.

Overview of Drug Tests in Australia

A drug test in Australia is a reliable method to identify the presence of different drug types or drug classes in the system of an individual. It can detect illicit drug use of prescription medications and illegal substances. Traditionally, individuals undergo substance abuse testing in Australian laboratories. However, technological advancements have led to the development of advanced drug testing kits. 

When using drug test kits, an individual can collect the sample on their own, depending on the type of kit. This can be urine samples, saliva samples, or hair samples. Accordingly, the test kit can then analyse the sample for drug metabolites. Afterwards, the user will interpret the results depending on the changes shown in the specific area of the kit. For hair testing, the user must forward the samples to the designated laboratory for analysis.

Employers frequently conduct workplace drug testing. They implement it as part of pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, or post-accident testing. Also, law enforcement agencies may utilise drug testing as part of legal procedures, such as drug driving offences. Additionally, healthcare professionals might conduct the test to diagnose and monitor drug use issues.

Importance of Workplace Testing

• Workplace safety: The testing helps uphold a safe working environment by identifying individuals who may pose a safety risk due to drug usage. This is valuable in high-risk industries, like the mining industry.
• Legal compliance: Companies must adhere to legal regulations and standards related to drug testing.
• Protecting public health: Industries rely on drug testing to minimise the risk of individuals under the influence of substances as they pose a threat to public health and safety. 
• Maintaining credibility: Regular testing in industries helps maintain the integrity and credibility of the workforce. This ensures a high level of professionalism and trustworthiness.

Types of Kits for Conducing Drug Tests in Australia

Drug tests in Australia offer several types of kits to analyse different specimens. The most common method is urine drug test. It is specifically designed to analyse urine specimens and detect the presence of substances. They are widely used in the workplace and clinical settings. This is due to their ease of sample collection procedure and ability to identify a broad range of substances.

Meanwhile, saliva drug tests are becoming increasingly popular. These kits test saliva samples for the presence of substances. It offers a more convenient alternative to urine testing. Accordingly, it does not require restroom facilities to gather samples. In particular, their quick and simple sample collection procedure suits them for roadside testing, workplace monitoring, and point-of-care testing.

Another type of kit available is the hair testing kit. Hair testing is a method that analyses hair follicles for traces of drug metabolites. Hence, it provides a longer detection window, usually up to 90 days. This is common in pre-employment screening and forensic testing. However, these kits are only capable of hair sample collection. Thus, it requires sending the samples for laboratory testing.

Detectable Substances

Drug testing aims to detect a wide range of substances. Foremost, the testing kits can identify the presence of illegal drugs. This may include cannabis metabolites, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and crystal meth. These substances can pose significant risks to users.

The testing also includes the detection of prescription medications. The abuse or misuse of these substances may impact the ability of individuals to perform tasks safely. This may include detecting morphine, codeine, oxycodone, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines. Additionally, some testing kits can trace the presence of ethanol. It is an active ingredient in most alcoholic beverages that can cause impairment.

Where to Buy Kits for Drug Tests in Australia?

Kits for drug tests in Australia are available in physical and online stores. Foremost, buyers can find drug testing kits at pharmacies and healthcare supply stores across Australia. These physical stores offer the convenience of in-person browsing. This is advantageous for people who prefer purchasing with a hands-on or on-the-spot shopping experience. 

Moreover, numerous online retailers and e-commerce platforms provide a wide range of drug testing kits. This offers customers the ease of browsing and purchasing from the comfort of their homes. Hence, individuals can explore an extensive selection of products, compare features, and have the kits delivered to their doorstep. This ensures accessibility and flexibility in their shopping experience.

Nevertheless, the availability of drug testing kits in both physical and online stores ensures that customers have access to these essential supplies. These are channels that align with their preferences and needs. The availability underscores the importance of accessibility and choice in meeting the diverse requirements of people. Overall, individuals can acquire the kits in physical or online stores.

A Closer Look at Breathalysers Australia

Breathalysers Australia is an online retailer that offers a comprehensive range of testing products. Aside from breathalysers (alcohol testing products), Breathalysers Australia has three drug testing kits. Firstly, the ToxWipe 7 Saliva Drug Test kit. It is an advanced kit that analyses saliva samples. It can detect amphetamines, opiates, methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, cannabis, and benzodiazepines.

Secondly, the ‘Oral Click’ Saliva Drug Test. This kit provides a user-friendly approach to testing for drugs. It can detect amphetamine, opiates, methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, and cannabis. Lastly, the SureStep 6-in-1 E-Z Split Urine Drug Test kit. It is engineered to detect multiple drug classes with high accuracy.

Conclusion

Drug tests in Australia are essential in various settings. It is a procedure to identify the presence of drugs in the system of a person. Accordingly, drug testing holds great importance. It ensures workplace safety and legal compliance, protects public health, and helps companies maintain credibility. Furthermore, there are various types of testing kits available. The most common are urine and saliva drug testing kits. Also, hair drug testing kits are available in the market.

The kits can trace different substances. It can detect cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and ethanol. Moreover, the kits are available in physical and online stores. Pharmacies, healthcare supply stores, and online retailers provide a range of testing kits. Breathalysers Australia is an online retailer that offers testing kits like the ToxWipe 7 Saliva Drug Test kit, ‘Oral Click’ Saliva Drug Test, and SureStep 6-in-1 E-Z Split Urine Drug Test kit.