Know the Difference: Drug Screening vs. Drug Testing

While they may sound synonymous, drug tests and drug screenings are two different processes. Both detect metabolites, or the chemical traces of a metabolized drug in a person’s body. Learning the difference between these two methods of analysis can help you pick which one is best for your employees, your company’s security, and your bottom line.

What Drug Testing and Drug Screening Have in Common

Drug testing and drug screening both work towards the same goal: determining if a person has consumed or used substances that would impair their judgment. Common types of screenings and tests use a urine sample from the individual – in your case, a potential or current employee – to determine whether they have used certain drugs within a set timeframe.

The effects of substance use have a wide range of negative results, including more absences, more mistakes made during work, and even causing accidents where people are injured. Each can cost a company time and money to correct. There is also the chance that substance use could affect other people in the area who are not taking substances, such as coworkers or customers.

Employers who stay informed can make better decisions that protect their employees, their customers, and their business. Substance use is often kept secret for a number of reasons, and often isn’t revealed until an accident occurs. While drug testing and drug screening has some room for error, it allows employers to have proactive, objective evidence when making important decisions.

Drug Screening

Drug screenings are usually completed with a urine sample, although saliva samples can be used in some cases. A urine drug screen (UDS) immunoassay can detect many of the same drugs as a drug test, although how it detects substance use is much different than from a drug test.

In a UDS immunoassay, an antibody recognizes and binds to a specific type of molecule. If that molecule is present, the antibody sends out a signal, such as changing the color of the solution, to alert the tester of its presence. 

Drug screenings’ use of antibodies and sensitivity may mean that similar innocuous substances (like poppy seeds or cold medicine) are identified as illegal drugs. That does not mean that the person has a substance problem; for example, while eating poppy seeds may cause a drug screening to show a positive for opioid use, it is nearly impossible to get high from eating poppy seeds. Depending on the situation, it may be recommended that an employee completes drug testing if a drug screening shows positive results for a substance. Because drug testing uses a more precise method of detection, it can provide the accuracy needed in these cases.

Drug Testing

Using a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), a drug test can find any metabolites present in a urine, blood, or saliva sample from an individual. Urine tests can check for the presence of methamphetamines, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, and opioids.

Drug testing is a more rigorous and precise process than drug screening. While drug screenings rely on antibodies in immunoassays reacting to certain types of molecules, with a GC-MS a drug test can identify molecules directly. This produces more accurate results.

However, drug tests require full laboratory facilities and can be more expensive and time-intensive than a screening. While drug tests can take up to a week to return their results, they are less likely to return false-positive results.

The PI Standard

Screening potential employees isn’t just important for a corporate security firm like Premium Investigations. Any job which requires operating heavy machinery or intense focus needs an employee who is clear-headed, alert, and quick to respond.

As part of our background check service, PI coordinates with your local drug testing facilities. We also offer post-accident and random drug testing, where we come to you to collect samples and bring them to a Quest lab. Gathering samples takes as little as three minutes per person, so you and your employees can get back to your day. Should you need a faster turnaround, we can also accommodate in-house drug screenings at our facility which return results within minutes.

Learn more about our drug screening services and full background checks today to secure and protect your tomorrow.