Ask the Expert: What Is the Definition of a Drug Test?

What exactly is a drug test? Many of us picture a urine cup and assume that tells the story. In reality, reliable workplace testing is a rigorous process that follows strict protocols every step of the way.

A drug test is a scientific analysis of a biological specimen, such as urine, hair, blood, saliva, or breath. What it looks for is specific: either the actual drugs or the metabolites the body produces as it processes those drugs.

How we ensure accurate, defensible results goes far beyond the moment of collection. We follow documented chain-of-custody procedures so there is never a question of whose sample we're handling. We run presumptive positives through a second round of laboratory testing, usually GC/MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) or LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry). In federally regulated testing programs, a licensed medical review officer contacts the donor before anything is reported to rule out a legitimate medical explanation.

Why does all this matter to employers? First, because the reliability of your program depends on it. When a test result affects someone's livelihood, "close enough" is not enough.

More than that, testing technology continues to evolve. In recent years, hair and saliva (or "oral fluid") have gained ground alongside traditional urine screening. Emerging marijuana breath tests could open up an entirely new frontier. The science advances, regulations change, and best practices adapt.

Have a question for Kelly? Email info@midsouthdrugtesting.com and your question may be featured in the next issue of "Ask the Expert."