Although drug use has become more accepted among the general public, workplaces worldwide still sometimes require employees to submit to initial or recurring drug tests. Professions that require operation of heavy machinery or interaction with customers are the most likely to test for drugs, as are most jobs within the government, military, and police. If you have to pass a drug test and fear that you might not (no judgement here!), we’re happy to provide you with some information on the various types of drug tests out there and how to pass them.

While a variety of different types of tests and panels exist to test for narcotics, most people (regardless of if they are employers or law enforcement officials) perform the same basic “5-panel” drug test. 1 This urine test is specifically devised to flag for the following drugs: -Marijuana -Cocaine -Opiates (including Heroin) - PCP -Amphetamines

Different drug tests test for different things. Hair follicle tests, for instance, are used to test for long- term drug abuse. Urine tests, however, can catch more recent, or even singular instances of use. Because of the vast differences in how they impact the body, the elimination rate (the amount of time it takes to get out of your system) of each drug varies. Marijuana: 1-12 weeks depending on long-term use and body fat percentage Cocaine: 1-4 days Heroin: 2-4 days PCP: 3 days – 2 weeks Amphetamines: 2 days

Hair drug tests – Using strands of hair that are at least 1 ½ inches in length, hair drug tests can detect traces of drug metabolites in the follicles of long-term users. 2 Urine drug tests – The most common type of test performed, a urine test is best at finding out if someone has used drugs in the past few days or weeks. Saliva drug tests – Due to their low level of cost and invasiveness, saliva tests have grown in popularity in the past years. However, it’s also one of the weaker forms, only failing users if they have consumed the drug orally hours or days before the test.

Detoxify your hair. ClearTest offers a specialized hair wash that was created to wash out the traces of drug metabolites in hair follicles.a specialized hair wash Wash it out. A potential home remedy hair wash made out of white vinegar, laundry detergent, salicylic acid, and hair dye may be an alternative, but most would find this method risky. Shave your head and body. Although this method will surely be suspicious to those performing the test, it can work if you’re desperate enough.

Use a substitute. Depending on the amount of privacy your test provides, using an authentic synthetic urine substitute may be your answer. By mixing it with warm water during the test, you can pass it off as your own. Detox your system. While a myriad of detox products are currently on the market, be sure to do your research and find the ones that actually work.that actually work. Flood your system. Depending on the substance and the frequency of use, it may be possible to fool a drug test by safely drinking as much water as you can in the days before the test.

Give it a rest for a day. Because of the limited nature of saliva tests, users of most drugs can simply abstain for 1-2 days and still pass the test. Wash out your mouth. Although mouthwash may seem like an intuitive choice, the alcohol present in most commercial brands may invalidate the test. Try drinking or gargling water several times throughout the day instead. Eat lunch. Most saliva tests will try to stop you from eating or drinking 30 minutes prior to the test, but they’re not the boss of you.

If you’re given enough of a warning, simply abstaining from drug use in the days, weeks, or months prior to the test (especially if you’re a long-time user) may be the best option. In some cases, this isn’t an option. We completely understand that and want to help our customers overcome any obstacles necessary in order to gain employment and live their life in peace.

Since 1998, ClearTest has proudly offered drug testing products to people all over the nation. By helping our clients beat drug tests of all kinds, we have helped thousands of people stay employed, and have even given opportunities to people who otherwise wouldn’t have been considered for their position. For more information on our products, visit

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