Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions for Drug Testing: MyDrugTestCups.com
Listed below are some of our most frequently asked questions concerning drugs of abuse testing.
Are rapid drug tests as accurate as A GC/MS SAMHSA Lab test? Our drug tests are qualitative, which means it only determines the presence of drugs at detection limits comparable to SAMHSA cut-off concentration. GC/MS, which costs more, quantifies the concentration of drugs in the sample. Given the purposes of most drug testing (pre-employment, post-accident, random) is to detect the presence of drug use and not determine the amounts ingested.
What is the shelf life on the rapid drug tests?
Our test devices have a shelf life of 12 to 18 months from the date of manufacture. The expiration date of each Lot of devices is indicated on each individual foil pouch and can be used until that date. Upon date of purchase, one should have from 6 to 18 months, to be able to stock and use the product.
Do rapid test results hold up in court?
MyDrugTestCups provide only a preliminary analytical test result. A more specific alternate chemical method must be used in order to obtain a confirmed analytical result- gas chromatography (mass spectrometry) (GC/MS) is the preferred confirmatory method. Any result taken to court must be confirmed by an SAMHSA certified Lab. ALSO KNOWN AS A CONFORMATION- Please contact us for more information
Are there any legal medications that can trigger positive results?
Yes. The most common problem is the pseudoephedrine in many over-the-counter sinus and cold medications, which can cause a positive result for methamphetamine. A GC/MS confirmation, as well as an MRO review, is necessary to determine the source of the positive result. Some forms of the drugs we test for may be available legally under prescription as well.
How accurate are the test results?
Laboratory test results for drugs of abuse have indicated a greater than 98% accuracy when used according to the step-by-step instructions that are provided with the test.
How long do drugs stay in the system?
Urine Method
| Amphetamines | 2-6 days |
| Barbiturates | 3-8 days |
| Benzodiazepines | 2-14 days |
| Cannabis | 14-30 days |
| Cocaine | 2-5 days |
| Ecstasy | 1-3 days |
| Methadone | 2-8 days |
| Methamphetamine | 2-6 days |
| Opiates | 2-5 days |
| Phencyclidine | 3-8 days |
| Tricyclic Antidepressants | 10 days |
Saliva Method
| Amphetamines | up to 72 Hours |
| Barbiturates | up to 48 hours |
| Benzodiazepines | up to 48 hours |
| Cocaine | up to 24 hours |
| Marijuana | up to 14 hours |
| Methamphetamine | up to 72 hours |
| Methadone | up to 48 hours |
| Opiates | up to 21 hours |
| Ecstasy | up to 48 hours |
How long does alcohol stay in the human system?
Up to 12 hours depending on the amount of alcohol consumed.
Testing Methods for alcohol and individual detection times:
Saliva Method: 1-12 hours / Urine Method: 6-12 Hours
Nicotine (Tobacco Smoking)
Saliva Method: 4-6 hours / Urine Method: up to 14 days depending on usage.
What are the screening cutoff Levels?
The screening cutoff levels on our tests are consistent with those of SAMHSA.
| Amphetamines | 1000 ng/ml |
| Barbiturates | 300 ng/ml |
| Benzodiazepines | 300 ng/ml |
| Cannabis | 50 ng/ml |
| Cocaine | 300 ng/ml |
| Methadone | 300 ng/ml |
| Methamphetamine | 1000 ng/ml |
| Opiates | 2000 ng/ml |
| Phencyclidine | 25 ng/ml |
| Tricyclic Antidepressants | 1000 ng/ml |
What is the difference between Urine and Oral Fluid Testing?
What is the difference between Methamphetamine and Amphetamine?
Both amphetamine and methamphetamine are potent sympathominetic agents. Methamphetamine is the parent drug. It metabolizes into amphetamine in the body. Methamphetamine and/or amphetamine are excreted in the urine.
Are Morphine, Opiates, and Heroin the same kind of drug?
Yes, they are all tested using the 12 panel Drug Test from MyDrugTestCups. These drugs are from the same family of drugs.
Which category covers Ecstasy?
Methamphetamine.
How long are the results valid after administering the tests?
The amount of time for results to remain stable varies according to the test device. Please call us directly for more information.
Is there any specific way these products need to be stored? Do they have to be refrigerated?
All drug test devices can be stored at room temperature up to the date of expiration printed on the individual foil pouch. They cannot be stored in extreme heat or cold and must remain sealed in the foil pouch until use.
What is the minimum amount of specimen needed for a conclusive test result?
It is always important to collect a sufficient amount of specimen in case of a non-negative result. The confirmation laboratory requires a minimum of 15mL of the specimen but prefers 30mL for urine testing. For saliva, it is 2mL.
Does the product need to be disposed of in any special way, such as a biohazard bag?
Urine and oral drug screens do not pose a biohazard risk and can be disposed of in regular waste receptacles.
Are there products that can be used in the tests to give a false negative? What can be done to avoid this?
Although there are only a small handful of products that can be used to change the result of an impending test, there are validity screens available which can detect these adulterants. Some are integrated into the tests, (Please contact us if you need adulterant testing)
Do you have to confirm a non-negative result? If so, how is this done?
We strongly recommends that a SAMHSA certified laboratory confirm all non-negative results.Please call us directly for assistance (888)660-2877 or 561-515-3331
Are any of your drug tests FDA Cleared?
All of our urine tests cups have an FDA clearance.
Is there specific training required to administer these drug tests?
Although there is no official training required to administer the tests, procedure cards/ sheets are provided.
If you need additional Information we are always available to help and answer your questions during business hours. please call 888-660-2877