A drug test is simply a technical analysis of a specimen to determine the presence or absence of specific drugs and chemical substances. Usually, the person being tested provides a biological specimen to the organization or individual carrying out the test. This specimen can be urine, blood, sweat, oral fluid/saliva or hair.

Many people are familiar with drug testing in the sports industry. Athletes are usually tested to determine if they have taken performance-enhancing drugs or not. However, sportsmen and women are not the only categories of people that undergo drug testing. Drivers can also be tested if the traffic police officers suspect they have taken alcohol or other substances that may interfere with driving. In addition, certain categories of workers my undergo drug testing in accordance with the requirements of their professions. Drug testing is used in criminal investigations to determine if suspects acted under the influence of drugs when they committed certain crimes. Below are some of the most common drug tests and the circumstances in which they are used.

Hair Testing
Hair testing is a relatively new form of drug testing. However, it is becoming very popular these days because it is admissible as forensic evidence in lawsuits. Hair testing can be used to detect drugs like Cannabis, Mephedrone, Cocaine, and Amphetamines. Hair testing is very reliable and this is why it is admissible in both criminal and legal cases.

Hair Testing and Shampoos
Some people believe you can use shampoos to get around hair testing. There is plenty of information online about best detox shampoo for a drug test and Aloe rid detox shampoo. Some of these products can help you pass hair tests but the best way to pass hair tests all the time is to stay away from narcotic drugs and other dangerous substances.

The Breath Test
This is one of the most common drug testing methods out there. Traffic police officers carry out this test on drivers and cyclists who are suspected of driving or riding under the influence. The instrument used for this test is a breathalyzer. This instrument measures the level of alcohol in an individual through the person’s breath. There are specific rules for this test and if these rules are not followed, the test result might be rendered invalid. People taking a breath test must not eat or drink anything for at least 15 minutes prior to the test. In addition, the suspect is required to blow into the device for about six seconds. Again, the officer carrying out the test must take steps to ensure that he or she does not measure mouth alcohol. The aim of this test is to measure the alcohol level in the system of the suspect. Mouth alcohol comes from belching or recent alcohol intake so it does not count. This test is very accurate and it is used in court for both civil and criminal cases. In the US, if a driver refuses to take this test, his or her license can be suspended for 6-12 months.

Urine Testing
A urine analysis is another popular form of drug testing. It is cheap convenient and accurate in most cases. This is the preferred drug test for athletes, footballers, tennis players and other professionals in the sports industry. The suspect urinates into a sterile container and the urine sample is analyzed for the absence or presence of certain drugs. The urine test is also the preferred choice for employees in cases where a drug test is required.

Blood Testing
This is a very accurate method of testing for drug use. However, this test sometimes inconvenient because it is invasive and requires specialized equipment. Again, there are individuals that may refuse to take this test on the grounds of ethics and religious beliefs. Another drawback of this test is that you cannot get the results immediately. For this reason, some people have legitimate fears that their specimen may be mistakenly swapped for that of another individual.

Missing Drug Tests
In the sports industry, drug testing is used to determine innocence or guilt. When an athlete passes a drug test, it is assumed that the person in question did not use performance-enhancing drugs to cheat. On the other hand, a missed drug test implies that the athlete has something to hide. This is why sports bodies impose bans on athletes for missing drug tests.

Drug Testing in the Workplace
Drug testing in the workplace is not as rigidly enforced as it is done in the sports industry. This is because what their employees do after office hours does not bother many employers in the private sector. However, some employees might be subjected to drug tests if they act in a manner that implies they are abusing certain drugs.