| TYPES OF TESTS |
PROS |
CONS |
WINDOW OF DETECTION |
| URINE |
Highest assurance of reliable results. Least expensive.
Most flexibility in testing different drugs, including
alcohol and nicotine.
Most likely of all drug-testing methods to withstand
legal challenge. |
Specimen can be adulterated, substituted,
or diluted.
Limited window of detection.
Test sometimes viewed as invasive or
embarrassing.
Biological hazard for specimen handling
and shipping to lab. |
Typically 1 to 5 days. |
| HAIR |
Longer window of detection.
Greater stability (does not deteriorate).
Can measure chronic drug use.
Convenient shipping and storage (no need to
refrigerate).
Collection procedure not considered invasive
or embarrassing.
More difficult to adulterate than urine.
Detects alcohol/cocaine combination use. |
More expensive.
Test usually limited to basic 5-drug panel.
Cannot detect alcohol use.
Will not detect very recent drug use
(1 to 7 days prior to test). |
Depends on the length of
hair in the sample. Hair
grows about a half-inch per
month, so a 1½-inch
specimen would show a
3-month history. |
| ORAL FLUIDS |
Sample obtained under direct observation.
Minimal risk of tampering.
Non-invasive.
Samples can be collected easily in virtually any
environment.
Can detect alcohol use.
Reflects recent drug use. |
Drugs and drug metabolites do not remain
in oral fluids as long as they do in urine.
Less efficient than other testing methods
in detecting marijuana use. |
Approximately 10 to 24
hours.
|
| SWEAT PATCH |
Non-invasive.
Variable removal date (generally 1 to 7 days).
Quick application and removal.
Longer window of detection than urine.
No sample substitution possible. |
Limited number of labs able to process results.
People with skin eruptions, excessive hair,
or cuts and abrasions cannot wear the patch.
Passive exposure to drugs may contaminate
patch and affect results. |
Patch retains evidence of
drug use for at least 7 days,
and can detect even low
levels of drugs 2 to 5 hours
after last use.
|
