Drug & Alcohol Testing
Welcome to the Kentuckiana Center for Addiction Medicine. Our mission is to provide comprehensive drug testing services to patients, families, businesses, and schools across the state. We pride ourselves on accurate and efficient testing and offering a wealth of resources to maximize the time we spend with our outpatient program.We understand that drug and alcohol test can be a source of contention between an individual and whoever implements the test. Our team is here to alleviate that potential, as we streamline the process and remove the administrative red tape that is often associated with large labs and home drug tests.
Different Ways to Test for Drugs and Alcohol
Many of our patients see their results as a form of positive reinforcement. A clean test validates the hard work they have done during our programs. They see the benefits. Of course, there are numerous ways to conduct a drug and alcohol test.When a person uses drugs or alcohol, whether that is marijuana, morphine, or malt liquor, it is absorbed into the bloodstream before being distributed around the body. Depending on the type and quantity of the drug, the body breaks down the compounds through metabolism before excreting them. A drug test is designed to test for the presence of a drug in between absorption and excretion.
Saliva Testing
Saliva testing is the simplest and most straightforward way to test for drugs. That is because the compounds that are in someone’s bloodstream will also be present in their saliva. The test itself looks for the psychoactive component of the drug, and if found, indicates the drug entered the bloodstream.Saliva tests are best conducted one to four days after drug use. The process of collection and then determining results is also much quicker than other methods. Saliva tests can detect a variety of drugs, including:
- Amphetamine/methamphetamine
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cannabinoid (THC)
- Cocaine
- Ethyl alcohol
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Propoxyphene
Urinalysis
Urinalysis tests an individual’s urine. In addition to detecting drugs and alcohol, the test can discover a wide range of disorders, such as kidney disease and diabetes. Urinalysis is also the most popular form of drug test, comprising 90 percent of the 55 million tests conducted in 2015.Urine samples are evaluated in three ways: visual test, microscope examination, and the dipstick test. The visual inspection looks for unusual color or cloudiness, which may indicate a potential problem. A review with a microscope will look at white and red blood cell levels, bacteria, and other components to detect complications.
The most pertinent aspect of urinalysis testing is the use of a dipstick. Lab technicians use the dipstick to measure pH, concentration, protein, and other chemicals. The tests are relatively quick and cost-effective, and they can detect a broad range of drugs.
Hair Follicle Testing
A hair follicle test uses strands of hair to test for illicit drugs. Most drug test only allows technicians to see what someone has used recently. A hair follicle test extends that window to 90 days. If an individual has little head or facial hair, lab technicians can use body hair as a replacement.Hair follicle testing is highly accurate, as it must follow a specific set of guidelines. The process delivers results within 24 hours and can detect as many as 17 different drugs. Kits can cost anywhere from $60 to $125 per test.
Employee Drug Testing for Businesses
Drug and alcohol tests are a standard part of the job application procedure. Depending on the company policy or state laws, these tests may take place before a formal offer of employment. A business may also test employees for drugs and alcohol use in the workplace.State and federal laws allow employers to protect themselves against substance abuses. These guidelines allow employers to prohibit the use of certain drugs and substances and fire those who violate the rules. That said, there are federal and state laws that protect employees with substance abuse issues from discrimination.
When it comes to an efficient and effective drug testing system, local businesses choose Kentuckiana Center for Addiction Medicine. We provide a convenient, random drug-testing program that you can use for individuals or the entire office. We also offer additional services, such as custom-made treatment plans, for the employees who test positive and may need assistance towards recovery.
Alcohol Testing Services
The most well-known alcohol test is a Breathalyzer. It is used to detect the presence of alcohol on someone’s breath. This process has a relatively short window, though before the trace disappears.However, alcohol does linger in urine, blood, and even hair for much longer. Alcohol will stay in the blood for up to a day and up to four days for urine. Hair follicle testing can find the presence of alcohol from as long ago as three months.
Each of these tests is made possible because of how the human body metabolizes alcohol. For instance, during a hair follicle test, lab technicians will look for the presence of ethyl glucuronide and fatty acid ethyl esters. These markers are only produced when a person consumes alcohol, and they are absorbed into hair via diffusion and sweat.
The efficacy of the test depends on the individual who is tested. Men have more dehydrogenase, which means they can break down alcohol in the stomach more quickly. Therefore, a woman will have alcohol in her system longer than a male counterpart, who consumed the same amount of liquor.
Final Thoughts
The Kentuckiana Center for Addiction Medicine is committed to curing the illnesses associated with drug and alcohol abuse. We understand that addiction is not a weakness of character, which is why we don’t treat it as one. Our clients are welcomed to our facilities and programs so we can help them advance in their life goals with the help of a trusted ally.Thanks to decades of collective experience, our team has the knowledge and expertise to address any concerns you may have. Whether you need a business-wide drug screen or a single rehabilitation program, we are here to help. Call us at 502-873-7517 to schedule a complimentary meeting for more information.