FAQs About Home Drug Tests

Home drug tests are an increasingly popular tool for parents and guardians as drug abuse is increasing in prevalence. Few parents even know that home drug tests are available, let alone their dependability and where to find them; however, home drug tests are a useful and effective tool in drug awareness and prevention. There are a number of reliable home drug tests available to the public.

Q: Who buys home drug tests?

A: Most of the people who buy home drug tests are parents or guardians of teens or young adults they suspect are using drugs. Home drug tests offer a way to acquire information about what drugs the test taker is using. Many parents believe just having a home drug test in the house serves as a deterrent to drug use.

Q: How long are drugs detected in urine?

A: A simple rule of thumb is that most street drugs stay in the system for about three days. Marijuana generally stays in the system longer than other drugs since THC is stored in fat cells. Marijuana can stay in the system for up to five weeks.

Q: What if the person tested claims the test is wrong?

A: Most home drug tests claim to have at least 99 percent accuracy. Talk with that person about the accuracy of the test. If in doubt, perform the test again.

Q: Do home drug tests expire?

A: Yes, the shelf life of most home drug tests is about 18 months. Make sure to check the expiration date before you administer the test.

Q: Can someone trick the test?

A: Yes, but the proper procedure should eliminate the test taker beating the test by swapping his or her urine sample with another or tampering with the specimen. Drinking heavy volumes of water can also dilute the sample, possibly skewing the test results.