In cases where the results of drug testing impact hiring, legal issues, or family matters, accuracy is important. The Carlson Company offers accurate, laboratory-proven toxicology testing through state-of-the-art technology and a rigid chain of custody – guaranteeing that the results are scientifically valid and legally justifiable.
Screening vs. Confirmatory Testing
Drug testing typically happens in two stages:
- Screening tests
- Fast and cost-effective
- Identify possible drug presence
- May produce false positives
- Confirmatory laboratory testing
- Precisely identifies substances
- Reduces false results
- Produces court-ready reports
What Substances Can Drug Tests Detect?
A professional toxicology screen can identify a variety of substances, such as:
- Opiates and semi-synthetic opiates
- Benzodiazepines
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine metabolites
- Marijuana metabolites
- Prescription drugs
Detection Windows by Sample Type
- Urine: recent use (hours to days)
- Blood: current or very recent use
- Hair: long-term patterns of use
Are Laboratory Drug Tests Accurate?
Confirmatory lab testing is very accurate when there is:
- Validated testing methods
- Chain of custody
- Quality controls
- Expert interpretation
This is why legal and workplace decisions are based on lab-confirmed results, not screening results alone.
When Should Drug Testing Be Used?
Professional drug testing is recommended for:
- Workplace programs
- Post-incident investigations
- Legal cases
- Family or medical concerns
FAQs (People Also Ask)
- How accurate are laboratory drug tests?
- Confirmatory lab tests are precise in identifying substances and are more accurate than screening tests.
- Can drug tests produce false positives?
- Yes, screening tests can; however, confirmatory tests will verify the results.
- What drugs can toxicology tests detect?
- The test panels can detect illicit drugs, prescription drugs, and metabolites based on the chosen panel.
- Which drug test is best for legal cases?
- Chain-of-custody collection with confirmatory lab analysis.
- How long do drugs stay detectable?
- The detectability of drugs depends on the substance and the type of sample (urine, blood, or hair).
Get Reliable Answers
For accurate and defensible drug testing solutions for employers, families, and attorneys:
Call: (+1 866 889 3410) to inquire about customized drug test panels and forensic toxicology today.
