Email Us
POCT News & Blog of Prometheus

The Importance and Applications of Drug and Alcohol Testing

A key message from the analysis of the European Drug Report 2023 is that the effects of illicit drug use are now almost ubiquitous in our society. Almost anything with psychoactive properties has the potential to be used as a drug. This means that everyone, whether directly or indirectly, can be affected by illicit drug use and its associated problems. Whether from public safety (drug use and abuse poses safety threats to individuals and society), health risks (drug abuse can lead to physical and mental health problems, including cardiovascular disease, neurological problems, lung damage, liver disease, mental disorders etc.) or for occupational safety (drug use may cause confusion, slowed reaction times, poor concentration, and other problems, thereby increasing the risk of workplace accidents) drug testing is necessary.


Applications of Drug and Alcohol Testing

Pre-employment Drug and Alcohol Screening

Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is a common practice in many industries. It is a proactive measure to ensure that potential employees are not under the influence of substances that could impair their ability to perform their duties safely and effectively. This testing is typically conducted after a conditional job offer has been made, but before the employee begins work. It helps employers maintain a safe and productive work environment, reduce absenteeism, and decrease the risk of workplace accidents.


Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing

Workplace drug and alcohol testing is not just limited to the pre-employment phase. Regular testing can be conducted randomly, post-accident, or when there is reasonable suspicion that an employee may be under the influence. This helps to maintain safety standards, deter employees from using substances, and identify individuals who may need help with substance abuse issues.


Drug and Alcohol Test for Driver's License

In many jurisdictions, passing a drug and alcohol test is a requirement for obtaining a driver's license. This is especially true for commercial drivers who are responsible for the safety of many people. The test ensures that drivers are not impaired and are capable of operating a vehicle safely. Failing this test can result in the denial of a license or the revocation of existing driving privileges.


Drug and Alcohol Test for Seafarers

The maritime industry also requires stringent drug and alcohol testing. Seafarers are often responsible for large, expensive vessels and the safety of their crew and cargo. Impairment due to drugs or alcohol can lead to catastrophic accidents at sea. Regular testing ensures that seafarers are fit for duty and can perform their tasks safely and effectively.


Drug and Alcohol Testing for Railway Employees

The railway industry is another sector where safety is paramount. Railway employees, especially those in operational roles, are often subjected to drug and alcohol testing. This is to ensure that they can safely operate trains and other equipment, reducing the risk of accidents that could lead to loss of life or significant property damage.


In the realm of drug testing, there are numerous methods available, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. In the following part, we will focus on two popular methods: the one-step drug of abuse urine test and the rapid response saliva drug test. These tests are commonly used in various settings, from workplaces to law enforcement, due to their ease of use and quick results.


Drug of Abuse Urine Test Products

  • Multi-drugs of Abuse Urine Test: These tests can detect multiple drugs in one sample at one time, including traditional drugs (opiates, heroin and other drugs that were popular earlier) and new drugs (methamphetamine, ecstasy and other artificially synthesized hallucinogens and stimulants, fentanyl, synthetic marijuana, etc.), the accuracy is over 99%, the result only takes 5 minutes, and it has CE, FDA, and NMPA qualifications.


  • Drug Test Cassette: These products are usually used in laboratories. The types of drugs that can be tested include natural drugs (opium, morphine, cocaine, etc.), semi-synthetic drugs (Pethidine, codeine, caffeine, etc.) and synthetic drugs (gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Methadone, phencyclidine, ketamine, LSD, etc.). It can complete the detection of 10 kinds of drugs at one time, with an accuracy over 99%. The result takes 5 minutes. It has obtained the FDA, CE and NMPA certificate.


  • Urine Dipstick for Drug Testing: These products are more economical and affordable. They are naked strips without any other modifications. They can test common drugs on the market including Cotinin, Fentanyl, Mephedrone, Tramadol, Carisoprodol, Kratom, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, etc., with an accuracy of 99%, and the results only needs 5 minutes. FDA, CE, NMPA certificate has been obtained.


  • Instant Urine Drug Test Cups: It is a cup-shaped product that integrates sampling and testing, effectively avoiding contact with samples and ensuring the safety of the tester. The accuracy is as high as 99%. It can complete the detection of 22 kinds of drugs at one time. The testable products include adulteration, ALC, Ethyl Glucuronide (ETG), Buprenorphine (BUP), Morphine (MOP), Oxycodone (OXY), Propoxyphene (PPX), Zolpidem (ZOLP), etc. can get results in just 5 minutes, with complete certificates (FDA, CE, NMPA).


  • Drugs of Abuse Panel Test Card: One of the most popular types of drug testing products because they are economical and convenient. It can detect 12 items of drugs at one time with an accuracy of up to 99%. It only takes 5 minutes to get test results. Complete certificates and qualifications (FDA, CE, NMPA). Measurable New substances mentioned include synthetic cannabinoids, hexahydrocannabinol, synthetic cathinones, new synthetic opioids, benzimidazole opioids; Synthetic stimulants include Amphetamine, methamphetamine and, more recently, synthetic cathinones; Cannabis and other drugs.


Saliva Drug Tests Products

  • Saliva Cotinine Test Kit: This test cassette is a supplementary method to urine test. Using saliva as a sample to test can better protect the privacy of the donor. Up to 10 items can be tested at one time, the testing time is 5 minutes, and it has a CE certificate. Testable products include but not limited to Methadone, Methamphetamine, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Opiates, Oxycodone, Phencyclidine, Propoxyphene, 6-Monoacetylmorphine, Alcohol and their metabolites in oral fluids.


  • Oral View Saliva Multi Drug Test (Cup): The Saliva Test Cup is one of the most comprehensive Forensic Use Only (FUO) one-step oral drug testing devices on the market. It is ideal for government agencies, law enforcement and criminal justice sectors. Advantages of oral drug testing include lower cost, environmental friendliness, non-invasiveness, and lack of adulteration. It is the only device on the market that offers the most comprehensive range of drug panels recommended cut-offs by SAMHSA, including the most common drugs of abuse – alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin. It has two different shapes, rectangular and round, the former is convenient for copying test results, and the latter saves transportation costs.


Where to Buy Reliable Drug of Abuse Test Kits?

Prometheus Bio, Inc. was founded in 2005, is a leading supplier of drug testing products, delivering high-quality, fully customizable innovative products at competitive prices in the US and global markets. It offers the most comprehensive range of FDA (510k) approved and CLIA exempt instant drug of abuse products. Prometheus’s FDA approved and CLIA Waived tests come in a single panel or any combination of multiple drug tests configurations in Dip Card, Cup and Cassette formats including: Marijuana (THC), Cocaine (COC), Amphetamine (AMP), Methamphetamine (MET), Opiates (OPI), Morphine (MOP), Phencyclidine (PCP), Barbiturates (BAR), Benzodiazepines (BZO), Buprenorphine (BUP), Methadone (MTD), Oxycodone (OXY), Ecstasy (MDMA), Propoxyphene (PPX), and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA) with six different adulteration tests—pH, Creatinine (CRE), Specific gravity (S.G.), Oxidants (OX), Nitrite (NIT) and Glutaraldehyde (GLUT).

Prometheus’s product line including: Infectious Disease Test Kit, Veterinary Test Kits, Antigen Lateral Flow Fluorescence Test and POCT Platform. We specialize in OEM / Private Label manufacturing with completely customizable and highly innovative products.