Most Common Drug Testing Types and Methods Used in Schools

Samples of each of these- urine, saliva, hair and sweat- are taken for the purpose of determining if there are any of a group of illegal substances in it. If a positive result occurs, a confirmation test is done to verify it. Schools keep results confidential and seek treatment for positive results rather than pressing charges on the student.

• Urine: This is the most common form of drug testing and it has proven to be the most effective and least expensive, both of which are vital aspects of drug testing when you are dealing with larger groups. The student gives a urine sample and it is sent away for drug testing. A urine test will test positive for any drugs taken during the last 1-3 days.

• Saliva: For this form of testing, the student gives a saliva sample. Results from this type are taken from 1 – 36 hours before saliva testing. This form of testing means evading the invasion of personal space that often comes with urine testing. However, it is less accurate in detecting marijuana, which is the drug more commonly used by teens.

• Hair: A hair sample is taken for testing. Hair drug tests for about 1-100 days before the sample is taken, depending on the length of the hair. This type of drug test is more expensive and darker haired drug test subjects are more likely to test positive as compared to blondes. Another significant downside is that passive exposure can also give positive results.

• Sweat: A sweat sample is taken for testing and can test for use in the last 1-14 days previous. Sweat test is also expensive but it evades invasion of privacy and is easily taken. Passive exposure can give positive results but it also pre-empts test cheating through substitution.