Information about drug tests – what, how and by whom
Information about drug tests is needed in many different situations. Drug testing is used in working life, educational institutions, by authorities, within families, and on a voluntary basis when someone wants to make sure of their own situation.
Drug testing is not only a technical procedure. It also involves consent, purpose of use, and how test results may be interpreted and applied.
This page provides clear information about drug tests, different testing methods, and who is allowed to carry out drug testing in various situations.
🧪 What is meant by drug tests and drug test information
Drug testing refers to a method for finding out whether there are narcotic substances or their residues in the body or in a material.
Drug tests can be performed:
- on humans with different types of samples
- on objects, surfaces and materials
- in food and beverages
- in the environment
For example, wastewater surveys are used to monitor drug use at the city level. In individual cases, it is possible to learn how to test for a suspicious substance.
🔍 Rapid and laboratory tests
There are two main types of drug tests:
- Rapid tests, which give results quickly and are used for screening
- Laboratory tests, which are used to confirm results and, if necessary, measure concentrations
Rapid tests from urine and saliva are today easy to use and reliable as screening methods. The result is usually obtained within a few minutes.
Laboratory tests are used when the test result can have:
- Legal consequences
- significance for work, studies or decisions by the authorities
🧬 Different drug testing methods
Urine test 🧪
Urine tests are the most common form of drug test. The test is performed with a test strip that can also be used to test drinks.
Urine tests show whether drugs have been used recently or in the near future. The test measures substances stored in the body as residues of drugs.
Drugs can be detected in urine:
- in higher concentrations
- for longer than in blood or saliva
Even occasional use can be seen for at least half a day. Some substances can be detected for over a week, such as Cannabis.
Saliva test 👄
Saliva tests can be performed directly on site and are also used by the police during traffic checks. 
In saliva, the detection time is shorter than in urine, which makes saliva tests suitable for detecting recently used drugs. For more information, see the Saliva Drug Test
Hair test 💇
Hair tests are performed with hair or other body hair growth. The method is more difficult to manipulate and covers a longer period of time, up to several months.
However, chemical treatment of hair, such as bleaching or dyeing, can affect the outcome. Hair tests are often used in situations where zero tolerance for drug use applies.
Sweat test 💦
Sweat tests are performed with a patch that is attached to the skin for a longer period.
The method is mainly used in child welfare and supervision monitoring. The test is difficult to manipulate but costly and sensitive to external influences.
Blood test 🩸
A blood test is used to find out:
- Emergency use
- Intoxication
- the amount of substance in the body
Narcotics are only present in the blood for a short time. A blood test is always performed in a laboratory and is considered the most accurate way to assess acute poisoning.
Powder and surface test tests 🧂
Powder and surface tests are used to identify drugs or drug residues, such as from:
- Powder Bags
- Table surfaces
- tablets found on the floor
The tests are very sensitive and can detect even small amounts.
⚖️ Who is allowed to do drug tests
⚖️ Who is allowed to perform drug tests
Authorities
Authorities may carry out drug testing within the limits of their legal powers. Positive rapid test results are always confirmed through laboratory analysis.
Working life 🏢
An employee cannot be tested without their consent. Employers do not conduct drug tests themselves but may, in certain situations, request a drug test certificate issued by healthcare services.
During recruitment, employers may request reliable information regarding drug-free status, which is based on the applicant’s consent to supervised testing.
Educational institutions 🎓
In primary education, drug testing may be carried out within healthcare services if there is a justified suspicion of drug use. The pupil has the right to refuse.
Vocational institutions and higher education institutions may request a drug test if there is concern that a student’s functional ability is impaired due to drug use.
Parents and minors 👨👩👧
If parents suspect drug use by a child, open discussion is important. Drug tests performed at home may help clarify the situation and can also have a preventive effect.
Defence forces 🎖️
Within the defence forces, drug testing is based on safety considerations and official procedures. Individuals in service may be tested if there is reason to suspect drug use.
Testing yourself 🔍
Drug testing can also be carried out voluntarily, for example to ensure that a person has not been exposed to drugs and can safely drive or go to work.
⏱️ Detection times for drug tests
How long drugs can be detected depends on several factors, including:
- type of substance
- dose and method of use
- time of use
- individual metabolism
- sample type and analysis method
Below are approximate and indicative detection times for common substances. These timeframes vary significantly between individuals and should be considered general information only.
Approximate detection times
| Substance | Urine | Saliva | Blood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis (THC) | 1–3 days for occasional use up to several weeks with frequent use | up to 24–48 hours | up to ~1 day |
| Amphetamines | 1–4 days | up to 24–48 hours | 1–2 days |
| Methamphetamines | 2–5 days | up to 48 hours | 1–2 days |
| Cocaine | 1–3 days | up to 24–48 hours | up to ~1 day |
| Opiates (e.g. heroin, morphine) | 1–3 days | up to 24–48 hours | 1–2 days |
| Buprenorphine | up to ~7 days | up to 24–48 hours | 1–2 days |
| Benzodiazepines | from a few days to several weeks | limited use | 1–3 days |
This section is part of the general information about drug tests and their interpretation.
Important to note
- Rapid tests are used for screening, not for exact timing
- Detection times depend heavily on individual factors
- Results with legal or administrative consequences must always be confirmed by laboratory analysis
This overview provides general information about drug tests and does not replace medical or legal assessment.
🎥 Watch the video
Watch the video on the basic principles of drug testing
Summary
In summary, this page provides information about drug tests, testing methods, detection times, and who is allowed to perform drug testing in different situations. Understanding the purpose of testing and the correct method helps ensure responsible and appropriate use of drug tests.
Drug test selection
If you would like to explore different drug testing options and their intended uses, Testerit.fi offers a comprehensive drug test selection covering various sample types and situations. 👉 Drug Test Selection
