A drug screen is a test that shows if a person has drugs in their system. It shows what general types of drugs are present, not specifics. A full drug test is required for full details.
There are two types of drug screens that we do. One tests a person’s urine. The other uses a blood draw.
When you receive a urine test, our staff will give you a container and send you to the restroom to collect urine. They will answer questions you may have as well.
A blood draw can also be done. It’s necessary under certain conditions. Again, our staff will help you with any concerns you have.
The sample is then screened and general types of drugs are looked for. Results are given on the same day. If more information is needed, the sample is then sent to an outside laboratory for a full drug test. The exact drugs in the system will be found and documented. This typically takes three business days.
In today’s world, it is common that we are asked to get a drug screen. It may be required for a job. Also, schools or social groups may require them. Or, if you live at home, your parents may ask you to get one.
There are several different categories of drugs that a drug screen detects. For example, a person could take the test, and it could show a positive result for opiates. Or, it might indicate that there are amphetamines present. It won’t give the specific drugs, just the general type of drug.
The urine screening we use (called Point-of-Care) detects 12 drug categories:
This test is done in the clinic and the results are immediate. This particular test does not detect alcohol. If one wants to check for alcohol, a blood draw is required.
An employer may not be interested in testing for all of the categories of drugs. They may just ask for a “5 panel” or “10 panel.” They would make a list of which categories they want a report on and the lab would check for those. Usually, a school, employer, etc. have a list of what they want to be checked.
So, how do you get a more specific result? If you need to know the exact drugs in the body, what do you do? The answer is to go beyond the drug screen and get an actual drug test.
A drug test uses the same sample you gave for the drug screen. But, it is sent to an outside laboratory to be further examined and specify exact drugs in the system.
Our drug screen has a current special price of $100.00. The drug test is an additional service and it is charged for by the laboratory that does the work. We can help you to determine if insurance will cover these services.
It may be that you know you don’t have any drugs in your system and you are doing drug screening for employment. A simple drug screen is all you need. It gives you the benefit of proof that you are “clean.”
A drug test, on the other hand, has the benefit of showing exactly what drugs are in your system. This is especially useful for people who take prescriptions. In such cases, the drug screen won’t be specific enough. A full drug test would be necessary. It will prove for you that the drug in your system is the one you are prescribed to use.
Naturally, you want to make sure that the procedure goes well. And, you want to make sure you don’t engage in any activities that will poorly affect the results of the tests. So, you should consider what foods and medicines you take several days before the testing.
There are certain foods that may alter the results of the tests. Avoid these foods for forty-eight hours before you come in.
Also, be aware that the following over-the-counter drugs can cause a “false positive” in drug screening.
Prescription drugs are likely to show up on a drug screen. Naturally, you don’t want legally prescribed drugs being confused with illegal drugs. Be very sure you tell the urgent care of any prescriptions you take. Before the test, you should take the following actions:
If you cannot provide the above, the center could call the pharmacy and verify the prescription, prescriber, dose and the last time it was filled.
There are several things you should bring with you. Some of these are listed above. But, for clarity’s sake, they are listed here as well.
Yes. We accept Medicare and most major insurance carriers. If you don’t have insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, our services are reasonably priced and less expensive than an ER visit.
Our center is located in Clearwater, Florida, conveniently situated to Largo, Belleair, Dunedin, Indian Rocks Beach, and Tampa. If you are required to undergo a drug screen and have any questions, visit our office or call. Our number is (727) 441-5044.
*Urgent care is not a substitute for emergency care. Always head to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you are experiencing very serious or life-threatening problems. Read What is Urgent Care for more information.