Types of Urine Drug Tests

by Anna Dyer

Overview

According to the American University, urine drug tests are the most common type of drug screen because they are accurate, easily administered and the results are quick. There are two types of urine drug tests: Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and immunoassay
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry testing is considered the most definitive urine drug test, according to American University, as GC/MS is able to detect specific drugs and distinguishing them from substances such as prescription medications that may mimic other drugs in an immunoassay test. These types of urine drug tests must be administered in a toxicology laboratory.

Immunoassay Drug Test

Immunoassay drug tests screen urine for antibodies and metabolites that bind to specific drugs after the body has metabolized the substance. According to the US Department of Justice, these are the most common types of urine tests and include kits that can be used at home.
Testing in a Laboratory

Using a laboratory to obtain drug screen results guarantees accuracy; however, testing may be more expensive than home test kits. Once a urine sample is provided to a laboratory, negative results may be available the next day (employmentdrugtest.com). Because positive results may require additional testing, result may take a bit longer. In addition to accuracy, a laboratory has the ability to use both types of screenings and may retest the urine sample if results are questionable.
Testing at Home

At home urine tests are affordable, convenient and results are obtained in just a matter of minutes. One can save money by purchasing a test specific to the substance being screened; or, wide-panel tests are available to screen for a number of substances at once.
Getting Accurate Results at Home

It is important to read the label of home test kits before buying, as each brand will detect substances at different levels of sensitivity. To ensure accuracy of results, home tests kits should be marked with the FDA label and should provide the option of sending the urine sample to an official laboratory for further testing if desired.