Urine Drug Test Kit Australia: Overview, Types of Kits, & How It Works

Urine testing is a common practice in Australia for workplace or personal reasons. There are many urine drug test kits in Australia that individuals can easily use to detect the presence of drugs in their system. Some available types are the dip card, cup, and cassette urine testing kits. They work using immunoassays to produce qualitative results. Users can read them by observing colour changes or the presence of lines in the drug-testing device.

Urine drug test kits can detect several substances at once. Some have panels for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and cannabis. This can provide a comprehensive test suitable for various purposes. A kit typically costs below $30, depending on several factors. It is crucial to purchase a kit that adheres to the AS/NZS 4308 standards to ensure accurate results. This article will provide an overview of urine drug test kits, the different types, and how they work.

Overview of Urine Drug Test Kits in Australia

Urine drug test kits in Australia are essential tools for detecting the presence of prescription and illicit drugs or drug metabolites in the system. These kits are commonly used in various settings to ensure safety and compliance with drug testing policies. Additionally, urine test kits are reliable and cost-effective options for Australian drug testing. They are available online, in pharmacies, and in medical supply stores.

Urine testing is a popular choice for workplaces because it allows them to detect a wide range of substances. This is particularly useful for companies in high-risk industries, like the construction, transportation, and mining industries. In addition, people can also use it for personal testing or to check if their loved ones have drug addiction issues.

Moreover, the urine test kits are easy to use. The individual must simply follow the instructions listed in the packaging. Typically, this involves providing a first catch or mid-stream urine sample into a sterile container. Then, they may start the analysis by sealing the drug screen cup or putting the samples into the testing device.

Importance of Urine Testing Kits

• Urine test kits provide a helpful alternative for initial screening of common drugs of abuse.
• It helps individuals save time and money since it is an alternative to going to a testing facility for drug screening.
• Accurate urine drug test kits help employers make informed decisions after accidents or other instances that require quick decision-making.
• Test kits are also ideal for onsite testing and make the process more convenient since they produce results within minutes.
• Using urine test kits can help identify individuals with substance use disorders so that they can receive treatment for their condition.

Types of Urine Drug Test Kits in Australia

There are several types of urine drug test kits in Australia. Firstly, the dip card type is a popular option for many. It is typically composed of a small plastic card with test strips that users dip into a urine sample. The results appear within minutes, making it a quick and easy option for testing.

Secondly, there are also drug test urine cups. These drug test cups have built-in test strips. It is a convenient option since it combines collecting and testing urine samples into one step. Moreover, some drug test cups can check the temperature to ascertain the integrity of the specimen. The results are also easy to read by checking the indicators on the cup after the indicated analysis time passes.

Lastly, cassette-style urine drug test kits are composed of a small plastic cassette with test strips inside. To use this, the user must add the sample to the cassette. Then, they can read the results by checking the specific lines that indicate the presence of drugs. It is a particularly portable option that people can use for a reliable drug screening test.

Price Range

The price range for a commercial drug testing kit for urine is between $15 to $30 per kit. Several factors can affect the total cost of the urine screening test kit. Firstly, the number of panels in the kit is one of the foremost factors. Kits can have 5 to 12 panels, with the cost increasing as the panels do.

Secondly, the brand of the kit can also affect the price. Typically, well-known brands are more costly. However, individuals should always consider their needs and the quality of the product. Lastly, the type of kit can also influence the overall cost.

How Do Urine Drug Test Kits in Australia Work?

Urine drug test kits in Australia work by detecting the presence of prescription drugs and illicit substances or their metabolites in the urine sample. The kits typically have a sterile cup and testing device or have panels inside the drug screen cups. The drug testing products use the immunoassay method to detect substances.

The process involves using the antibodies to interact with the molecules of the specific substance. Then, the antibodies bind to them and form an antigen-antibody complex. These kits produce qualitative results. Typically, the result is seen through the absence or presence of lines, depending on the instant drug kit. Some may also show the results with colour changes.

A test result is considered non-negative if the amount of the substance exceeds the prescribed cut-off levels. The AS/NZS 4308 cover the levels and testing procedures for a urine test. There are different levels, depending on the substances. For example, the cut-off level for cocaine metabolites for immunoassay drug screenings is 150 ng/ml.

What Can It Detect?

Many urine drug testing kits can detect multiple substances simultaneously. However, individuals must check the product details to ensure it offers the specific drugs of abuse they need to screen for. Some examples include amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis (THC), morphine, codeine, and benzodiazepines.

Other kits may also offer drug panels for ethanol, barbiturates, phencyclidine (PCP), and heroin. However, it is crucial to remember that a non-negative result does not indicate the level of impairment at the time of collection. Furthermore, conducting confirmatory testing is ideal to ensure accurate reports and prevent people from suffering due to false-positive results.

Conclusion

Urine drug test kits in Australia are reliable tools for tracing the presence of drugs or their metabolites in urine samples. It is helpful for personal and workplace drug testing programs. They can also have several panels for detecting multiple substances, like amphetamines and cocaine, simultaneously. They use immunoassays to bind to the molecules of the substance. If the detected amount exceeds the cut-off level, it will show a non-negative test result.

A benefit of urine testing is it is non-invasive and easy to conduct. The individual must simply provide urine samples in a sterile container and transfer them onto the testing device. In the case of cup-type kits, the collection cup itself has built-in panels, which can be more convenient. However, it is crucial to get a kit that follows the AS/NZS 4308. Those interested in urine testing kits may consider the Surestep urine test kit here at Breathalysers Australia.