Toxic substances: urine drug test

Do you want to check whether someone has taken drugs in the past few days, or is the result requested by a doctor or addiction treatment programme? The toxic substances test is a rapid urine test showing whether the most common drugs are present in the sample. You can choose a test for 5 or 10 parameters.

Who the test is for

• parents who notice sudden changes in their child’s behaviour, mood, sleep or friends and want a clearer picture, alongside discussion and professional support;
• people undergoing addiction treatment who use regular tests to monitor and demonstrate abstinence;
• when a doctor requests the result, for example for unexplained symptoms or before prescribing certain medications;
• people who want to check themselves, for example after a period of occasional use;
• when an employer or another institution requests the test (also read the answer about official results below).

Laboratory testing is not for emergencies. If someone is confused, difficult to wake, has difficulty breathing, seizures or chest pain after drugs or alcohol, call 194 or 112 immediately.

What the test reveals

The test looks for drugs and their breakdown products excreted in urine. It is a rapid (immunochromatographic) screening test: for each substance, it shows whether it is present above the test’s detection threshold.

• 5-parameter test: amphetamine, opiates (MOP), cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA) and cannabinoids (THC, cannabis).
• 10-parameter test: contains the same five substances plus methadone, barbiturates, benzodiazepines (tranquillisers), opiates (OPI) and methamphetamine.

Alcohol is not included in either of these two tests. Most drugs can be detected in urine from a few hours to a few days after use, and cannabis for several weeks in regular users.

The procedure and preparation

A urine sample is provided for the test. You do not need to fast, and no special preparation is needed. However, do not drink unusually large quantities of water before the test, because very dilute urine can produce a false-negative result. Bring the sample as soon as possible, preferably within 2 hours.

When handing in the sample, state which medications you take, including painkillers, cough medicines and tranquillisers, since some can affect the result. Providing the sample takes a few minutes.

What your result means

• Negative: no substance was found above the test’s detection threshold. This does not rule out use several days earlier or substances not covered by the test.
• Positive for a drug: a substance or its breakdown product was found in the urine. A screening test can be positive even without drug use, for example for opiates after medicines containing codeine or foods containing poppy seeds. When an important decision depends on the result, it is confirmed using a more precise method.

A positive result is not a diagnosis of addiction. A doctor interprets the result alongside the person’s medications, symptoms and the testing circumstances. If you need help with addiction, speaking to your family doctor can be a first step.

How to arrange testing

The test is available without a referral or appointment: you can hand in a urine sample at any of our branches (the list is on the page Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list. If you are unsure what to request, or if tranquillisers or methadone also need checking, the 10-parameter test is more practical.

Frequently asked questions

How long can drugs be detected in urine?

It depends on the substance, amount and frequency of use. Most drugs are detectable from a few hours to a few days after use, and cannabis for several weeks in regular users.

Can medications produce a positive result?

Yes. Medicines containing codeine can produce a positive opiate result, and prescribed tranquillisers or strong painkillers may be detected by the test. Therefore, list all medications you take when providing the sample.

Is the result valid for an employer or court?

Official purposes often require a special procedure, such as supervised sample collection or confirmatory analysis. Before coming, check exactly what the institution receiving the result requires.

Does the test also detect alcohol?

No. The 5- and 10-parameter tests cover only the listed drugs and medications; alcohol is not included. To assess drinking, a doctor uses a discussion, examination and other tests.