Drug/Alcohol Testing

While preparing for drug/alcohol testing, it is recommended that you come with your government-issued identity document. This could be a driver's license, a military identification card, or a passport.

Where possible, it is recommended that you stay away from illicit drugs. This is due to the fact that having a positive test result because you took these substances might cause you to suffer some negative consequences. In the same way, you should not consume alcohol at least 24 hours before you are due to get the alcohol test.

In the same way, you should not drink water in excessive amounts just before the test. It is recommended that you just drink water in the same way that you normally do. This is because excess water in your system might dilute your urine such that it cannot be tested.

Additionally, you should not use any mouthwash that is alcohol based 15 minutes before the scheduled test. On the other hand, if you are going to do a hair substance abuse test, you should not get shaved. To administer this test properly, you need at least 1.5 inches of hair.

When you get to the testing center, you will typically be required to present government-issued photo identification. In case you have a private appointment, you may have to pay before you get tested.

You may also have to fill out a short form with your contact information as well as all the over the counter and prescription medications that you have been using in the recent past. After completing the paperwork, you will not be able to leave the center until you have gone through testing. In case you do leave, the center will indicate this as a clear refusal to complete testing. This may be considered to be a failure on your part.

That said, there are different types of tests. With urine drug testing, you may have to give an urine sample within the first three minutes you are in a private bathroom. After providing the sample, it will be tested for the presence of drugs and traces of drugs.

For oral fluid testing, you will have to spit out any tobacco or gum that may have in your mouth. You may be asked to provide some saliva in a collection device. Typically, the results will be available within 2 to 5 days.

In the case of hair drug/alcohol testing, you will need at least 1.5 inches of hair before the test can be administered. If this is not possible, the professionals will take samples from body hair, such as from the leg or the armpit.

While conducting alcohol testing, you need to spit out any tobacco or gum. This type of testing will either require a breath or a saliva test. For breath alcohol testing, you need to empty your lungs into the disposable tube that is attached to the testing unit.

The important thing to keep in mind is that drug and alcohol testing is increasingly becoming more common. The best way to ensure that you always get a negative result from drug/alcohol testing is to ensure that you stay away from all substances of abuse.