Drug tests are conducted to detect the presence of different types of drugs. The consumption of drugs is higher presently due to the easy accessibility of these. Hence, there is always a constant concern about the abuse and consumption of drugs.
Consumption is one harsh reality, but the ability to screen the drugs is the other fact. The latter, though, makes it easy to heal and treat drug abusers and consumers. For this, drug tests help a lot. You will find different drug tests, such as a 13 panel drug test. A 13-panel drug test can test and screen for 13 elements. Similarly, a 12-panel drug test can screen for 12 different drug elements.
When Is a Drug Test Conducted?
Although one can undergo a drug test to screen for drug presence in their body, drug tests have vast other applications and importance. Drug tests are conducted at various stations, situations, and scenarios. For example, these drug tests can be conducted:
- Before hiring employees
- Anytime from hiring of an employee and any time periodically
- Often, when drug abuse is suspected through symptoms and signs
- When an employee has an accident or any incident during work
What is the Common Type of Drug Test?
Drug tests are generally conducted on a urine sample of a patient or a person. Urine is preferred over blood in the case of a drug test since drugs flow swiftly through the blood and offer a short detection window. In contrast, drugs do not flow quickly from the urine, due to which the detection window is longer.
- Drugs remain present in the blood for a few hours
- In the urine, drugs can show presence for up to 7 days
How to Prepare for a 13-Panel Drug Test Near Me?
You can easily undergo a drug test of 12 panels now and even a higher panel from a nearby facility. However, at best, you must prepare for the drug test ideally. Here is a short overview guide for you:
- A drug test can be something other than time-oriented. They can be conducted rapidly, in an emergency, or on a prescription from a doctor.
- Generally, in time-oriented drug tests, your doctor may ask you not to drink thin fluids at least 3 to 4 hours prior to your urine sampling for the drug test.
How a Drug Test is Conducted?
13-panel drug tests and every other cup drug test are conducted based on a simple phenomenon. In summary, you provide your urine sample in a cup, and it is screened for possible drug presence. In general, you use a dedicated drug test cup that is made from transparent plastic material. Your urine sample is contained in this cup.
The panel drug tests are also called cup drug tests since the entire procedure happens through the test cup. Other key testing elements include test screens and test strips. Test strips are entered in a drug test cup to show drug presence. Each testing element, such as alcohol, fentanyl, cocaine, etc., has its dedicated test strips.
A test screen is also a useful tool. A single test screen for a dedicated test contains indicating strips of all the testing elements. For example, in the following test, a 13 panel urine drug screen will help to indicate the presence of 13 drug elements.
Final Thought: The Right Interpretation Of Drug Test Results
Like all drug tests, panel drug tests also indicate the presence of a drug based on a positive result. A positive result indicates that the testing element is present in the body. Consequently, a negative result indicates that the testing element was not present in the body. It is also imperative to note that a positive result does not mean the person is intoxicated with the drugs or there is a high amount of substance present in the body. It is better to consult a doctor for proper interpretation of results.
