From a business standpoint, drug tests are necessary for providing information about an individual’s substance use or abuse. While drug screenings are common for employment or workplace purposes, some people aren’t aware of the terms and abbreviations associated with testing. The following list explains some of these basic terms and conditions that apply to the drug screening process. They can be useful for the proper implementation of alcohol and drug testing programs.
Drug tests determine whether someone has used a substance within a certain period of time. Typically, the test is limited to searching for a select group of substances. Since the timing of sample collection is critical, it’s best to choose a drug test suitable for the selected target drugs. It should also align with the information a provider wishes to gain from the sample.
If you’re wondering which drug tests are best for accurate and reliable results, you should be aware of the different drug abbreviations in drug testing. Let’s take a closer look at testing details to shed light on this crucial information.
Drug Testing Details
Drug tests are categorized in several diverse ways. The first way has to do with regulations—is the test necessary for federal employment purposes? If so, screening for federal employees is subject to predetermined mandatory regulations, which overrule any state or local laws about drug testing. If screening is not DOT or federally regulated, then employers can create their own testing policies, which include exactly what drugs for which to screen. Employer procedures are legal as long as they adhere to their state’s laws.
Drug tests are further categorized by the exact use of reportable screening methods. Employers can use express or rapid tests that determine positive and negative results almost immediately via non-laboratory analysis. These results can detect a specific panel of drugs, but lab-based methods are more traditional means of drug testing. These are utilized for exact examination as the tests provide more accurate results, though they may take more time as a result of thorough analysis in a lab. Either way, the manufacturers of these drug testing kits utilize the same straightforward terminology within the industry for their analyses.
Common Drug Testing Abbreviations
Below is a general list of the different drug abbreviations in drug testing. You may see these terms written on test kits and results, as there is limited space to fully list their proper names. These terms and abbreviations for drugs can be confusing, but they are relatively simple to decipher.
Alcohol = ALC
Alcohol is an ethanol-based liquor known as a sedative or hypnotic drug. Addiction is prevalent due to its side effects of feelings of pleasure and detachment.
Amphetamine = AMP
Amphetamines are prescription stimulant drugs commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. A slang name for the drug is “speed.”
Barbiturates = BAR
Barbiturates have a calming or relaxing effect on an individual’s body. They are used in pills to treat insomnia or seizure disorders like epilepsy. They create high tolerance and dependence.
Buprenorphine = BUP
Buprenorphine is a pain-relieving drug and an alternative opioid pill that is safer than methadone, but highly susceptible to abuse in users.
Benzodiazepines = BZO
Benzos are prescription drugs that calm or sedate an individual. They often treat anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, and insomnia, but are highly addictive. They are increasingly misused.
Cocaine = COC
Cocaine is one of the oldest known drugs. This stimulant causes euphoria and increased alertness similar to the effects of caffeine. It is highly addictive and powerful due to its pleasurable effects.
Ketamine = KET
Ketamine is a prescription dissociative anesthetic popular for pain relief. It’s dangerous for its hallucinogenic nature of detachment and sedation that users favor to separate themselves from reality.
Ecstasy = MDMA
Ecstasy is a synthetic drug that alters an individual’s mood and sense of perception. Its slang name is molly.
Methadone = MTD
Methadone is a synthetic opioid for pain relief. Typically used as a treatment for individuals with heroin addiction, it has become a recreationally abused opiate drug.
Methamphetamine = MET or MAMP
Methamphetamine is known as meth or crystal meth. It acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system and is a popular, strongly addictive party drug.
Morphine = MOP
Morphine is an opioid medication that relieves severe pain and acts on the central nervous system.
Opiates = OPI, OPI300, or OPI2000
The written number is based on drug-screening panel limits for detectable levels of an opiate.
Oxycodone = OXY
An opioid analgesics medication for pain relief. Another commonly abused prescription drug.
Phencyclidine = PCP
A dissociative anesthetic that can trigger detachment and hallucinations. Also known as angel dust.
Propoxyphene = PPX
A synthetic opioid pain reliever.
Tricyclic Antidepressants = TCA
These are drugs approved to treat depression but are inherently toxic and addictive.
Cannabis/Marijuana = THC
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug. Medical and recreational cannabis has become legal in certain states.
Tramadol = TRA
Another addictive prescription opioid medication used to treat severe pain.
Methods of Screening
Various screening methods can test for these illicit drugs in an individual’s system. Traditional methods are used based upon industry or company standards. Drug test kits are available in hair follicle, saliva, and urine-based formats. Most people are familiar with urine screening through a collected sample in a cup.
If your business needs drug screening kits, American Screening Corporation is your number one supplier for drug testing products. Our wide collection of drug testing cups contains the highest quality products that can ensure the reliable results that your business demands. Browse through our numerous options of urine drug testing cups that provide results for drugs such as opioids (OPI), amphetamines (AMP), marijuana (THC), cocaine (COC), and many others.
These cups are ideal for basic five-panel testing needs or even precision panel needs of up to 17 types of drugs. If you’d like further information about the testing products we offer or any discounts for bulk purchases, we’re here to help. Contact us online with our live support option or give us a call today!
