How to Use a Surestep Drug Test
08 December, 2022
Surestep drug tests involve a three-step procedure: collect the urine, push the key, and read the results in five minutes. Surestep is a complete drug screening system that provides simple and rapid methods for workplace use. Moreover, it requires minimal training, so anyone can easily use it. A urine test is the standard method of drug screening. Thus, workplaces benefit from the convenience and security of using instant drug test kits.
Companies facilitate drug testing to monitor substance use or impairment at work. Substance impairment is one of the leading causes of accidents and low productivity. Therefore, businesses look for preventive solutions to keep workplaces safe. Employers avail laboratory services to conduct onsite or mobile testing. Alternatively, test kits provide rapid results that workplaces can use independently. The following sections present how to use the drug screen cup, its advantages, situations for testing, and alternatives.
How to Take Surestep Drug Test
A urine test is an easy and efficient method for detecting illicit substances. Companies prefer instant kits like a Surestep drug test because it is affordable and less invasive than a blood test. It is also convenient to use with easy-to-follow instructions on the label. It is essential to follow the directions to ensure accurate results. Additionally, instant drug tests use immunoassays to screen for substances. It works by exposing the urine sample to chemical reagents within the test strip.
To prepare for the test, make sure that the cup is at room temperature before giving a sample. Then, the subject provides a urine specimen up to a pre-determined marker in the cup. Next, check the temperature label up to four minutes after collection. Secure the cup by pushing the key into the socket to initiate the test and start the timer. Lastly, peel off the test result cover and read the adulteration strip after 5 minutes.
The Surestep drug test will show a line in the control line region (C) to indicate that the test worked correctly. Compare the colours on the adulteration strip to the colour chart. If the results indicate adulteration, retest the urine or collect another specimen. In addition, do not interpret the results after ten minutes. The test shows positive results if the drug compound reaches the cut-off level.
Drug Cut-Off Levels
Various drug types have different cut-off levels or values to determine whether a person has used drugs. The following are the drug cut-off levels:
- Amphetamine (AMP): 300ng/mL
- Barbiturate (BAR): 300ng/mL
- Benzodiazepines (BZO): 200ng/mL
- Marijuana (THC): 50ng/mL
- Cocaine (COC): 300ng/mL
- Methamphetamine (METH): 300ng/mL
- Opiate (OPI): 300ng/mL
Advantages of Surestep Drug Test
The Surestep drug test is a reliable test kit used by workplaces and rehabilitation programs to monitor substance usage. It is an efficient screening tool helping companies manage safety hazards at reasonable costs. Furthermore, it offers several advantages, such as a secure testing method and convenience. The lock key feature eliminates exposure to urine after collection by the subject or test collector. It also provides temperature verification to confirm the validity of the urine specimen.
Urine drug cup tests are easy to follow, needing minimal training. After collecting the sample, wait for the results for five minutes. However, ensure to follow the exact instructions to avoid adulteration. If the results register non-negative, you may send the sample to a laboratory for confirmation or take further tests. Moreover, it provides stable shelf life when stored at room temperature or refrigerated at 2-30°C. Companies can choose multi-panel tests to screen for several substances.
The Surestep drug test at cut-offs complies with the AS 4308 or the national standard for urine drug testing. The Australian Standards ensure that testing kits perform according to their intended purpose. It includes specific guidelines for specimen collection and detection of drugs of abuse that is unlikely to produce false positives. Likewise, it provides high accuracy and correlation referencing the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method.
What Can Affect a Urine Drug Test Result
There are various reasons that a urine screening may produce false positives. These factors are:
- Weight loss pills – they are stimulants similar to amphetamines to help curb the appetite.
- Medications – drugs like antidepressants and antibiotics can have cross-reactions that trigger positive results
- Foods containing poppy seeds – poppy seeds contain morphine and codeine
When to Use Surestep Drug Tests
Any individual or private organisation can use Surestep drug tests for various reasons. The workplace initiates drug tests to minimise safety risks and impairment-related incidents. In addition, urine drug screens are typically used in hiring new employees, after an accident, and with reasonable suspicion. Pre-employment tests are mandatory in occupations with high-risk roles, such as mining, transportation, and construction. It helps employers determine if the applicant is fit for the job or has no risky behaviour.
Post-incident tests are vital to see if illicit substances contributed to the accident. Drugs have negative impacts on one’s perception, reasoning, and coordination, causing decreased mental and physical functioning. As a result, an impaired employee is prone to errors and injuries. Since drugs work rapidly in the body, employers must facilitate the test within a specified duration to ensure accurate outcomes. In addition, the tests are conducted on other employees too.
An employer may also request for-cause testing on a particular employee if the person shows signs of intoxication or impairment. For example, if the person exhibits an unkempt appearance, slurred speech, exaggerated motions, or poor coordination. A Surestep drug test is easy and ready to use when needed. However, the employer must follow the protocols in conducting for-cause testing to mitigate legal risks. Other reasons for urine drug testing are annual medical check-ups and return to duty.
Alternatives to Urine Drug Screen
Other test methods are suitable for drug screening in several circumstances. Companies or individuals may consider the following alternatives:
- Saliva test – less invasive and efficient if a urine sample is difficult to obtain.
- Blood test – for confirming a preliminary screening with a positive result.
- Breath test – detecting alcohol consumption and estimating the blood alcohol level.
Conclusion
The Surestep drug test is a reliable and efficient method for screening illicit substances in various situations. It is easy to use and involves a few steps. The subject can perform the test by providing a urine sample, securing the cup, and waiting for the results. Thus, a person can complete the process within a few minutes and return to work. If the results are non-negative, a retake or confirmation test is necessary.
Instant urine tests are more affordable than laboratory methods. It is also less invasive than a blood sample test. Therefore, companies can save on testing costs with screening tools. Moreover, ensure to follow the instructions to get accurate results. Surestep test kits are secure with temperature checks, minimising exposure to the urine sample. Lastly, they adhere to AS:4308, ascertaining they perform according to their intended use. Reliable screening tools help maintain a productive and hazard-free working environment.