Substance Abuse Testing

We’ve all heard the term “substance abuse”, but what does it really mean? Substance abuse can be defined in many ways, but is most commonly defined as abusing (excessively using) drugs, alcohol and even tobacco. Substance abuse tests are commonly required by employers of potential new hires. Read on to find out more about substance abuse and how it can be tested at Windermere Medical Center.

Substance abuse can be defined as the harmful use of chemical substances that lead to an inability to control the use of the substance. Substance abuse is the consumption of alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs for mood-altering purposes. At Windermere Medical Center, we offer urine drug and alcohol screenings. Urine drug testing is a test that evaluates the urine to determine if the subject has been using the drug or drugs in question. Drug testing is often done for pre-employment, college or professional athletes, and post-accident (on-the-job accidents).

How Does a Urine Drug and Alcohol Screening Work?

Urine tests use a sample of urine to test for the presence of alcohol, certain illegal drugs and prescriptions medications. Urine tests are painless and only requires a urine sample of the person getting tested. The urine drug test usually screens for alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, and opioids (narcotics).

Urine analysis can test for alcohol use by detecting the presence of Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG), a metabolite found in alcoholic beverages. The test can show ethanol ingestion within the previous 3-4 days.

What To Expect During and After Urine and Alcohol Screening?

For a screening, a patient will be given a cup and escorted to the restroom. The patient will urinate into the cup in private. When finished, they will place the lid on the cup and wash their hands. The cup will either be left in the restroom, or the patient will be directed to bring the cup out of the restroom when they are done. Once the patient has provided the urine sample the test is complete.

The urine is than analyzed and a medical professional at Windermere Medical Center will review the results with the patient and/or employer. Results are usually returned within three to four days.