Opioid Testing

Opioid Testing

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Opioid drug misuse has reached an epidemic level in the United States. From 1999 to 2017, more than 400,000 deaths occurred due to opioid overdoses. Opioid testing is a key part of detection, prevention and treatment of opioid-related addictions and overdoses. The following article will cover what opioid testing is, the different types of tests, the process and preparation, and potential risks associated with the procedure.

Types of Tests

These are the different types of tests used in opioid testing.

• Urine - The most common form of opioid testing is urine testing because it is the least expensive and the results are primarily accurate. Urine tests are typically used to test for four major opioid classes: codeine, morphine, oxycodone and hydrocodone. Urine tests can detect opioids and their metabolites for up to five days after the last time the drug was taken.
• Hair - Hair testing is becoming more common as it is more difficult to evade than urine testing. Hair follicle testing is used to detect long-term drug use and can detect whether opioids were taken up to 90 days prior to testing. With this test, a 3 cm sample of the person’s hair is cut from the back of the head.
• Saliva- Saliva testing can be done non-invasively and does not require a healthcare professional to collect the sample. It is a good option for determining recent drug use, as it can detect the presence of opioids within a few hours after use.
• Blood - Blood testing is the most accurate test available for detecting opioid use. It provides the most information because it is able to detect the precise amount of opioids in the bloodstream as well as the metabolites.

Process and Preparation

The process and preparation of opioid testing is based on the type of test being done.

• Urine - Urine tests are usually performed in a healthcare office or facility. The person being tested will need to provide a urine sample in a cup. In order to ensure accuracy, the sample should be delivered to the lab within an hour of being provided.
• Hair - The person being tested needs to go to a healthcare office or facility for the sample to be collected. It is important to note that to ensure accuracy, the sample should be free from dyes, bleach and any other chemical treatments.
• Saliva - The person being tested needs to go to a healthcare office or facility for the sample to be collected. Saliva testing can also be done in the privacy of one’s home with a kit.
• Blood- The person being tested needs to go to a healthcare office or facility for the sample to be collected. Prior to the test, it is important for the person to fast for about 8-12 hours. This will ensure accuracy of the test results.

Risks

Opioid testing carries risks that stem from the method of obtaining a specimen. With urine testing, there is a risk of infection from handling the sample. With blood testing, there is a risk of infection and bruising. It is important to follow safety protocols when collecting a sample for testing.

Why, When, and Who Should be Tested

Opioid testing is important for measuring the level of opioids present in someone's system. It can be used to monitor people who are currently in treatment for opioid addiction, as well as to screen new patients for opioid use. It is also commonly done as a part of an employment test. Testing should be done in accordance with local laws and regulations.