Urine Drug Tests

Taking a Urine Drug Test

Urine drug tests conducted in a laboratory are performed on a clean catch urine sample. These require that you take several steps to reduce the risk of contaminating the urine sample. A clean catch urine sample can be collected in a laboratory, hospital, or another testing site.

To prevent tampering with or contaminating a urine sample, you may be monitored or observed while collecting urine. During urine collection monitoring, a trained staff member checks the restroom before you enter to collect your sample. When direct observation occurs, a professional watches you while the sample is collected.

Before the test

Before a urine drug test, tell your doctor or the test administrator about any over-the-counter or prescription medications or supplements you have recently taken. In some cases, certain medications and supplements can trigger a positive screening result on a drug test.

Additional measures may be taken to prevent tampering with the urine sample for a urine drug test at a laboratory. For example, you will be given a plastic container sealed in tamper-proof packaging. Additionally, the water supply in the bathroom may be turned off, and the water in the toilet may be tinted with a blue dye.

When preparing to take an at-home urine drug testing, begin by reading all instructions provided in the test kit. The kits should include instructions, a collection container, and the test itself. At- home urine drug tests may be strips, a card, or a cassette.

During the test

The clean catch method of collecting a urine sample begins with you washing your hands with soap and water to remove any germs. You may also be instructed to clean your genitals with a pad or wipe provided by the test administrator.

After your hands and genitals are clean, you begin urinating into the toilet before moving the collection container into the urine stream. You urinate into the collection container until it is filled to a pre-marked level. Once filled, the collection container is moved out of the urine stream, and you can finish urinating into the toilet.

Urine drug testing is painless, although you may experience anxiety during the collection process.

Collecting a clean catch sample of urine for an at-home urine drug test is similar to collecting it for laboratory-based testing. For tests that can be completed at home, kits include a testing device that is either immersed in the urine sample or allows you to place a drop of urine into the test cassette. Devices vary, so it’s important to carefully conduct an at-home urine drug test according to the instructions provided in the kit.

After the test

Once a urine sample is collected for laboratory testing, you may be asked to close the sample container and return it to a trained staff member. Laboratory staff may record the temperature of the sample and secure it in tamper-proof packaging before it is sent for testing.

There are no restrictions on activity after a urine drug test.

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