Drug Testing
Reviewed
A drug test looks for signs of illegal drugs or certain prescription and/or over-the-counter medicines that can be misused. It is usually done with a urine sample, but other samples may be used. The test cannot diagnose a drug use disorder. Results may be positive (drugs found) or negative (no drugs found or very small amount), and a positive result typically requires a confirmatory test. There are no known physical risks, but social, legal, or employment consequences may occur.
Preparation and collection
Tell the testing professional about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or supplements you are taking. Avoid foods with poppy seeds, as they can show up as opiates in a drug test.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- A positive result may affect your job, sports eligibility, legal matters, or other aspects of your life.
- False positives can occur due to certain over-the-counter medicines, prescriptions, and foods (e.g., poppy seeds).
- A confirmatory test is needed after a positive initial test to verify accuracy.
- This test cannot diagnose a drug use disorder (addiction).
What to do next
If your result is positive, you will likely have a follow-up confirmatory urine test. If you have questions about how the results will be used, talk with your provider or the organization requesting the test.