Increasingly, employers require pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. This is because substance abuse in the workplace can lead to decreased productivity and increased risk of work-related injuries. To address this issue, some employers also implement random or periodic drug testing to maintain a safe and productive workforce. By requiring drug testing, businesses aim to reduce the negative impacts of drug use in the workplace.

TGH URGENT CARE powered by FAST TRACK makes it easy for employers in Tampa, Florida, to access reliable drug screening services. Our urgent care center offers walk-in drug testing in a comfortable and confidential setting, with state-of-the-art lab facilities on site for efficient processing of blood and urine tests. This allows us to provide quick, accurate results to help employers make informed hiring decisions. In addition to drug screening, we also offer breath alcohol testing.

WHAT IS A DRUG TEST / DRUG SCREENING?

A drug test is a screening process that searches for the presence of one or more drugs in a sample of your urine, blood, saliva, hair, or sweat. The purpose of a drug test is to detect drug use and misuse, including the use of illegal drugs like cocaine or club drugs, and the misuse of prescription medications by taking them in a different way or for a different purpose than prescribed. Examples of drug misuse include using a prescription pain reliever to relax or taking someone else’s prescription.

A drug test is designed to check for one specific drug or a group of drugs in your body. Common substances that drug tests may check for include:

• Alcohol
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Steroids
• Amphetamines, including methamphetamine
• Marijuana (THC)
• Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital and secobarbital
• Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam or clonazepam
• Cocaine
• Opioids and opiates, such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl

Urine samples are commonly used in drug testing. These tests can detect the presence of drugs in the body within hours to several days or more before the test. The length of time that a drug remains in the body, also known as its half-life, depends on various factors, including:

• The type of drug
• The amount of the drug used
• The duration of drug use before the test
• The individual’s body and its reaction to the drug

Other terms used to refer to drug testing include:

• Drug screen
• Drug test
• Drugs of abuse testing
• Substance abuse testing
• Toxicology screen
• Tox screen
• Sports doping tests

WHAT ARE DRUG TESTS USED FOR?

Drug testing is used to determine whether an individual has been using or misusing drugs. However, it cannot diagnose a substance use disorder or addiction. Drug tests may be used for various purposes, such as:

• Employment: Employers may screen candidates for drugs before hiring them and test for on-the-job drug use after hiring. If an employee is involved in a work accident, they may be tested to see if drugs or alcohol are a factor.
• Sports: Professionals and other athletes may be tested for drugs that enhance performance, such as steroids.
• Drug treatment: Drug testing may be used to monitor treatment in programs for substance use disorders.
• Legal evidence: Testing may be part of a criminal or motor vehicle accident investigation or ordered as part of a court case.
• Monitoring prescription drug misuse: If a provider prescribes a potentially addictive medication, such as an opioid for chronic pain, they may order a drug test to ensure the medication is being taken correctly.

Drug testing may be planned in advance or conducted without advance notice on a random basis.

DO I NEED A DRUG TEST?

There are several reasons why an individual may be asked to undergo a drug test, including:

• Employment: A potential employer may require a drug test as a condition of employment.
• Sports: Some organized sports may require drug testing as a condition of participation.
• Legal proceedings: A drug test may be ordered as part of a police investigation or court case.
• Health concerns: A healthcare provider in an emergency room may order a drug test if a person exhibits signs of a possible drug overdose.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A DRUG TEST?

Drug testing can take place in various settings, such as laboratories, hospitals, drug treatment facilities, and workplaces. The most common type of drug test involves collecting a urine sample. The testing process will include instructions on how to provide the sample.

In some cases, it may be necessary for a healthcare professional or other designated individual to be present while a sample is being collected. This is to ensure that the sample is not compromised and that the test results are accurate. This may involve observing the collection of a urine sample to verify that it is not contaminated or adulterated in any way.

To perform a blood test for drugs, a healthcare professional will collect a sample of blood from a vein in the arm using a small needle. The needle will be inserted into a vein, and a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. Some people may feel a slight sting when the needle is inserted or removed. The process of collecting a blood sample for a drug test typically takes less than five minutes.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A DRUG SCREENING?

It is important to inform the testing professional if you are taking any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or supplements, as these substances may affect the test results. Additionally, you should avoid consuming foods that contain poppy seeds, as these can produce false positive results for opiates in a drug test.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS WITH THIS SCREENING?

Drug testing is generally considered safe and carries no known physical risks. However, a drug test’s results can impact various aspects of an individual’s life, such as employment, sports participation, legal proceedings, and more. It is important to be aware of what drugs are being tested for, the reason for the test, and how the results will be used. If you have any questions or concerns about a drug test, it is advisable to speak with your healthcare provider or the person or organization requesting the test.

HOW TO INTERPRET THE DRUG TEST RESULTS?

A negative drug test result means that the drugs being tested for were not detected in the sample or were present in such small amounts that they did not meet the threshold for a positive test result. A positive test result indicates the presence of drugs in amounts that may suggest drug use or misuse. Positive test results require further testing to confirm their accuracy, as false positives can occur. Follow-up testing is usually more accurate and is used to confirm the results of the initial test. For more information on laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding test results, please see additional resources.

WE’RE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Need a Drug Screening and don’t want to wait for regular office hours, you don’t have to! Our 16-plus locations for urgent care centers are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, so you can get the treatment you need when you need it. We see patients in the order they arrive unless you check in ahead of time using our online On My Way system, which saves your spot in line. As a result, many visits to our facilities are completed in less than an hour.

If you need treatment for a persistent fever, contact TGH Urgent Care or visit one of our facilities in the Tampa Bay area today. We accept most major insurance plans and offer discounted self-pay rates.