subject: Some drug testing terminology explained [print this page] Drug testing is an extremely technical field both in regards to its legality and the chemistry and biological science that makes it possible. With this in mind, here is a brief guide to some of the common phrases used in the field:
This term refers to whenever drug testing is carried out directly beside or near the individual being tested, generally immediately after they have provided a sample for detection. This is often used in time sensitive situations, as the results arrive in minutes rather than days or weeks. Situations where this approach is commonly used include law enforcement drug testing, drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation, or in military medical screening.
Point of care testing can be used on oral fluid or urine samples for drugs consumed fairly recently. The term also covers the breathalyser test used by police forces throughout the world. Additionally, they are used for Drug Solids Testing.
Drug Solids
"Drug solids" is simply the technical term used for drugs themselves. Despite the name, it refers to liquids as well as powders, tablets, resins and the residues left behind when individuals use them. This type of testing is used most prevalently by police and customs/border control agencies but it's also used by private enterprises concerned about drug dealing on their premises. Drug solids testing is vital support in establishing that a suspicious substance is in fact an illicit drug, as simple visual confirmation is far from reliable.
Metabolite
This is a technical term referring to the by-product of the chemical reactions that take place within the body when a drug is introduced to someone's system. Often drugs tests, particularly those which detect substance abuse over extended periods, will detect the metabolites created by drug abuse as well as or even instead of the presence of the parent drug itself. This is because the body quickly processes such chemicals yet their waste materials can be absorbed into 'waste' cellular material.
Cannabinoid
These are the 'active principles' - the elements which are processed by the body - in Cannabis Sativa, possibly the most commonly detected and tested illicit drug. This term includes the well known THC as well as other substances.
Cut Off Concentration
Many drug metabolites naturally occur within the body or can be generated by other substances that are not controlled or restricted. However substance abuse generally results in a much higher concentration of these substances than would otherwise be possible; to differentiate between the two, a specific concentration of the metabolite or drug is chosen to determine a positive result from a negative result. Samples that fall below the cut off concentration level are considered negative, whilst those above are considered positive.
False Negative Test Result
This is a test result that shows that no drug or metabolite is present in the body when in fact, the tested drug or metabolite is present in a sample is actually larger than the cut off concentration.
False positive test result
This is the inverse situation; when a test shows that a drug or metabolite is present in higher concentrations than it actually is. Because analyses conducted by accredited laboratories comprise rigoruous quality checks before and after tests are completed, such occurrences in these centres of excellence are extremely rare.
