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Opiates are one of the most addictive drugs with sedative and analgesic effects, which depress the central nervous system. According to the TEDS report, opiates are the primary substance of abuse and accounted for almost one-fifth (19 percent) of all substance abuse treatment admissions in 2007. Some common opiates are morphine, codeine and heroin, of which heroin is the major illegal drug. According to NSDUH, there were about 114,000 persons aged 12 or older who used heroin for the first time within the past 12 months in 2008.
Opiates is one of the five metabolite groups called SAMHSA-5 that can be tested for workplace drug testing under SAMHSA guidelines. The opiate drug tests detect the presence of codeine, morphine, and 6-acetyl-morphine. The presence of 6-acetyl-morphine shows recent heroin abuse.
Urine drug testing:
Urine test is a common method of detecting opiate and its metabolites in urine specimen. Morphine can be detected in urine for 2 days, codaine for 2 to 3 days and heroin for 3 to 4 days. The cutoff concentration for initial test of opiate metabolites is 2000ng/mL. The confirmatory cut off level for morphine and codeine are 2000ng/mL and 10ng/mL for 6-acetylmorphine.
Hair drug testing:
Many opiates can be detected using hair tests. Hair tests require a sample of hair about 90 to 120 strands. The standard hair screen uses the most recent 1.5 inches of growth for testing. Hair tests detect substance abuse over a long period. Morphine, codeine and heroin can be detected for up to 90 days using hair tests. The initial cutoff level for opiate metabolites is 200 pg/mg and confirmatory cutoff value is also 200 pg/mg.
Saliva drug testing:
Saliva tests are easy to administer and adulteration of the specimen can be avoided. Morphine and heroin can be detected in saliva for 1 to 2 days and codeine for 2 to 3 days. The initial cutoff concentration level for opiate metabolites is 40ng/mL. The confirmatory test cutoff level for Morphine and codeine are 40ng/mL each and 4 ng/mL for 6-acetylmorphine.
Opiate abuse continues be a serious threat to public health. The above information will surely help you to understand different methods of opiate drug testing and choose the better one to detect this harmful drug without much hassle.
Posts Tagged ‘Saliva Tests’
Know About Opiate Drug Testing
Posted in drug test hair 
Tags: Concentration Level, Hair Tests, Initial Test, Saliva Tests, Treatment AdmissionsAdvantages of Saliva Drug Testing
Saliva drug testing is a convenient method of drug screening and an effective alternative for urine drug testing. Collecting sample for saliva drug test is a straightforward process and can be done in less time. As the collection of sample can be done under supervision, there are minimum chances of tampering it. This prevents tampering and increases drug test results accuracy. There are many other advantages of saliva drug testing, which makes it effective for drug screening.
Advantages of Saliva Drug Testing:
Simple and discreet
The sample collection for saliva drug test is a simple procedure. It does not have the issues of invasiveness as in the case of urine drug testing. A typical sample collection process involves placing a swab into the mouth of the person for two to five minutes.
Accuracy of results
Saliva drug testing is less prone to manipulation. The sample collection can be performed under supervision, thus decreasing the chances of adulteration. The integrated specimen collection methods in the saliva drug screening will instantly detect any external adulteration of the sample. The accuracy of the saliva drug test is deemed by the United States court system.
Drug detection
Saliva drug test can detect many commonly abused drugs, effectively. Saliva drug test can identify abuse of barbiturates, cannabinoid, cocaine, opiates, PCP, and amphetamines.
Drug detection times
Saliva drug tests are considered better at detecting drug abuse within a period of 1 or 2 days. There are certain ultra-sensitive saliva drug test kits that can even detect if a person is currently high on drugs. This is not possible in case of many other drug tests.
Easy to administer
The main hassle during drug tests will be with collection of sample. As it can be ignored in case of saliva drug testing, the process of administering the drug screening will be hassle-free. Saliva drug testing is also easy to administer and does not consume much time. Organizations can conduct it in the workplace itself, causing minimal disruption in the work environment.
Quicker detection rates
Saliva drug tests have quicker detection rates compared to blood and urine drug testing. The analysis of the drug screening can be done at the site of specimen collection. Saliva drug testing is an effective tool to monitor drug abuse in organizations.
Saliva drug testing is an effective drug screening method, especially in sensitive places. Many organizations are presently using saliva drug test kits for monitoring their employees for drug-free workplace. Saliva drug tests are hard to adulterate and provide results within minimum efforts.
Posted in drug test kit Tags: Invasiveness, Saliva Drug Test, Saliva Tests, Specimen Collection, United States Court