DOA Comparison Testing & Lab Technologies




Types of Diagnostic Testing Samples



Blood and Breath Tests


Used to detect current intoxication at the time that the sample is collected. The sample is tested for the actual drug in question.

Urine, Hair and Sweat Tests


Used to detect drug use in the recent past. The sample is tested for the presence of chemical metabolites left over after the drug has been eliminated from the body.

Comparison of Testing Technologies


Testing Technology

How Technology Works

Advantages

Disadvantages

Immunoassay Tests

Color change after reaction to drug metabolite

Low cost, easy to administer, widely accepted for screening ‘negative’ results

Other chemicals may produce ‘false positives’ on either lab screens or on-site screens. Chemical masking agents may reduce accuracy if no adulteration testing is done.

Thin Layer Chromatography

Color separation of chemical components; capillary action establishes a distinctive pattern for each drug.

Low cost, easy to administer, test for multiple drugs

Other chemicals may produce ‘false positives’, low accuracy may produce ‘false negatives’, chemical masking agents may reduce accuracy and minimize chance of detection.

Gas Chromatograph/ Mass Spectrometer(GC/MS)

High-tech analysis of chemical structures

Very accurate, can detect all drugs and masking agents; when performed correctly there is no chance of a confirmed false positive

High cost, takes longer for results, requires highly trained staff and sophisticated laboratory.  Should always be used to confirm any suspected “positive” screened result using other technologies.

Immunoassay Tests

How Technology Works

Color change after reaction to drug metabolite.

Advantages

Low cost, easy to administer, widely accepted for screening ‘negative’ results

Disadvantages

Other chemicals may produce ‘false positives’ on either lab screens or on-site screens. Chemical masking agents may reduce accuracy if no adulteration testing is done.

Thin Layer Chromatography

How Technology Works

Color separation of chemical components; capillary action establishes a distinctive pattern for each drug.

Advantages

Low cost, easy to administer, test for multiple drugs.

Disadvantages

Other chemicals may produce ‘false positives’, low accuracy may produce ‘false negatives’, chemical masking agents may reduce accuracy and minimize chance of detection.

Gas Chromatograph/ Mass Spectrometer(GC/MS)

How Technology Works

High-tech analysis of chemical structures.

Advantages

Very accurate, can detect all drugs and masking agents; when performed correctly there is no chance of a confirmed false positive.

Disadvantages

High cost, takes longer for results, requires highly trained staff and sophisticated laboratory. Should always be used to confirm any suspected “positive” screened result using other technologies.

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