Drug Testing Near Me

Drug testing, despite its limitations, is a crucial component in clinical settings. This is because traditional methods of evaluation, such as clinical examination, self-reported information from patients, and reports from other sources, often fail to reflect the frequency of substance use accurately. It is important to note, however, that drug testing should always be complemented by a comprehensive history and physical examination, as well as a thorough psychosocial assessment [1].

Our Beverly Hills medical practice offers on site drug testing utilizing urine, blood, saliva, and hair in our office as well via house calls throughout the Los Angeles area. We offer walk-in testing but urge patients to call and make an appointment prior to coming in. Results usually take several days to return but at times depending on the tests needed, we can obtain same day results.

What’s a drug test?

The process of drug testing involves utilizing a biological specimen to determine the existence or non-existence of a drug or its by-products [2]. It uses a biological sample, such as urine, blood, saliva, hair, or sweat, to determine the presence or absence of certain drugs or their metabolites in an individual’s system.

This can help identify if someone has recently used drugs or if they have a chronic substance abuse problem. Drug tests are commonly used in the workplace, by law enforcement agencies, in healthcare settings, and in sports organizations, among other contexts.

The test results can have various implications, such as informing treatment decisions, guiding legal actions, or determining eligibility for certain programs or employment opportunities.

Types of drug tests

There are several different types of drug tests, including:

Urine testing: Urine drug testing is the most commonly used type of drug test. It can detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in the urine for a period of time after the drug has been used.

Blood testing: Blood drug testing can provide a more accurate and immediate reading of drug use, but it is more invasive and not as commonly used as urine testing.

Saliva testing: Saliva drug testing is a non-invasive alternative to blood testing. It is quick and easy to perform and can detect drugs that have been used recently. The saliva is collected with cotton swabs.

Hair follicle testing: Hair drug testing can detect drug use over a longer period of time, typically up to 90 days. However, it is more expensive and less widely used than urine testing.

Sweat testing: Sweat drug testing involves collecting a sample of sweat from an individual’s skin and testing it for drugs. It is a less commonly used type of drug test.

Breath alcohol test: The breath alcohol test measures the amount of alcohol in the blood by testing exhaled air. The test determines how much alcohol it takes to raise the blood-alcohol level to a dangerous level.

Each type of drug test has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which test to use will depend on the specific needs and circumstances of the situation. All the specimens are then sent to Medical Review Officers (MRO) for evaluation.

When do I need to take a drug test?

There are various circumstances in which an individual may be required to take a drug test including court ordered and chain of custody. Some of the most common scenarios include the following:

Pre-employment drug screening

Pre-employment drug testing is a common practice in which employers require potential hires to undergo drug testing before they are offered a job. This helps the employer determine if the applicant is using any illegal or banned substances and assess whether they would pose a risk to the workplace or to other employees. Pre-employment drug testing can be performed using a variety of methods, such as urine, blood, or hair testing.

Workplace drug testing

Workplace drug testing refers to the practice of testing employees for drug use while they are on the job. This type of testing can be done randomly, periodically, or based on reasonable suspicion. The purpose of workplace drug testing is to create a safe and productive work environment by reducing drug use and minimizing the risks associated with drug-impaired employees. Employers may use urine, blood, or hair testing to perform workplace drug testing.

Sports drug testing

Sports drug testing is a common practice in organized sports, such as professional and amateur athletics. Athletes may be required to undergo drug testing to ensure that they are not using performance-enhancing drugs, which can give them an unfair advantage over other competitors. Sports drug testing is typically performed using urine testing, although blood testing may also be used in some cases.

Legal requirements

In some cases, a court of law may require an individual to undergo a drug test as part of a criminal or civil proceeding. For example, a judge may order a court ordered drug test as a condition of probation or as part of a child custody dispute. Legal drug testing can be performed using a variety of methods, including urine, blood, and hair testing.

Healthcare

Healthcare professionals may require drug testing as part of a patient’s treatment plan. This can include screening for substance abuse, monitoring the use of prescribed medications, or checking for potential interactions between medications. Healthcare drug testing may be performed using a variety of methods, including urine, blood, and hair testing. The results of these tests can help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about a patient’s treatment and ensure that the patient is using medications safely and effectively.

DOT drug testing

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires drug testing for certain safety-sensitive positions in the transportation industry. This includes positions in the aviation, trucking, railway, transit, and maritime industries. The DOT drug testing program requires pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-duty drug testing.

It is important to note that drug testing requirements vary by jurisdiction and may be subject to local laws and regulations. We also provide non-dot testing for patients that require.

What are the most common drugs tested for?

Typically known as a 10 or 5-panel drug test. The 5-panel drug testing is usually done to ensure a drug-free workplace for individuals. These are the most common drugs that drug testing centers screen for [3].

• Amphetamines (such as methamphetamine and ecstasy)
• Cocaine
• Marijuana (THC)
• Opiates (such as heroin and codeine)
• Barbiturates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Benzodiazepines
• Alcohol testing
• Methaqualone
• Propoxyphene

In addition to these common substances, drug tests can also be designed to detect other specific drugs or classes of drugs, such as prescription medications, synthetic cannabinoids, or designer drugs. The specific drugs tested will depend on the purpose of the drug test, local laws and regulations, and the policies of the organization conducting the test.

It is also worth noting that the detection period for different drugs can vary based on factors such as the type of drug, the dose, the frequency of use, and the individual’s metabolic rate. Some drugs can be detected for only a few hours or days, while others may remain in the system for several weeks.

How long do drugs stay in your system?

The length of time that drugs stay in the system can vary greatly based on a number of factors, including:

1. Type of drug: Different drugs have different metabolic rates and half-lives, which determine how long they remain in the body.
2. Dosage: The amount of drug taken can affect the length of time it stays in the system.
3. Route of administration: The way a drug is taken (e.g., orally, intravenously, inhalation) can impact how long it remains in the body.
4. Frequency of use: Regular drug use can result in longer detection times compared to occasional or one-time use.
5. Metabolic rate: The individual’s metabolic rate, which can vary based on factors such as age, weight, and overall health and wellness, can impact the length of time drugs remain in the system.
6. Body fat content: Drugs that are lipid-soluble (i.e., dissolve in fats) can accumulate in fat tissue and take longer to clear from the body.

Here are some general estimates for the detection period of some common drugs [4]:

• Marijuana (THC): 2-30 days
• Cocaine: 2-10 days
• Amphetamines: 2-5 days
• Opiates or Opioids: 2-4 days
• Phencyclidine (PCP): 7-14 days
• Alcohol: 6-24 hours
• Benzodiazepines: 2-10 days
• Barbiturates: 2-15 days
• Methaqualone: 10-15 days

• Propoxyphene: 2 days

It is important to note that these are rough estimates and that the actual detection period for a specific drug and individual can vary based on the factors listed above.

How much does it cost to test drugs?

The cost of random drug testing services can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including:

Type of test: Different types of drug tests (such as urine, blood, or hair) can vary in cost.

The number of drugs tested for: The cost of a drug test can increase if the test is designed to detect a larger number of drugs.

Location: The cost of a drug test can vary by the drug testing locations and the specific lab testing facility conducting the test.

Volume of tests: The cost per test can decrease if a large volume of tests is being conducted.

The minimum cost for a urine drug test panel usually begins at around $12. However, a more comprehensive test typically costs between $30 to $60, and laboratory testing may even cost up to $200.

It is also worth noting that some employers may cover the cost of drug testing as part of their pre-employment screening process, while others may require the employee to pay for the test. In some cases, government agencies or law enforcement organizations may also cover the cost of drug testing.

How long will drugs show in a urine test?

The length of time that drugs will show in a urine test can vary depending on several factors, including:

Type of drug: Different drugs have different metabolic rates and half-lives, which determine how long they remain in the body and can be detected in a urine test. For example, the detection window for alcohol in urine is between 10-12 hours (EtG – Up to 48 hours)[5].

Dosage: The amount of drug taken can affect the length of time it will show in a urine test.

Route of administration: The way a drug is taken (e.g., orally, intravenously, inhalation) can impact how long it will show in a urine test.

Frequency of use: Regular drug use can result in longer detection times compared to occasional or one-time use.

Metabolic rate: The individual’s metabolic rate, which can vary based on factors such as age, weight, and overall health, can impact the length of time drugs will show in a urine test.

Drug testing near me

MyconciergeMD offers the best drug testing near me in Beverly Hills but can also come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.

References:

1. McNeil SE, Cogburn M. Drug Testing. [Updated 2022 May 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459334/

2. McNeil SE, Cogburn M. Drug Testing. [Updated 2022 May 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459334/

3. Commonly Used Drugs Charts | National Institute on Drug Abuse. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Published August 20, 2020. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts

4. Moeller KE, Kissack JC, Atayee RS, Lee KC. Clinical Interpretation of Urine Drug Tests. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2017;92(5):774-796. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.12.007

5. Hadland SE, Levy S. Objective Testing: Urine and Other Drug Tests. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2016;25(3):549-565. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2016.02.005