How to Drug Test Yourself

Whether you’re preparing for a work-related drug test or simply curious, there are a variety of home test kits at your disposal. Depending on your needs, choose a multi-panel test or one that detects a specific drug. Look for kits with FDA or CE certification at your local pharmacy, and make sure any product you purchase isn’t expired. Collect your sample, test it according the kit’s instructions, and read your results within the allotted window of time. If necessary, mail a sample that tests positive to a lab to verify the results.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using a Kit with a Test Lid

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    Fill the collection cup. Most home test kits read a urine sample. Remove the collection cup from its foil or wrapper, and fill it with your sample. Make sure to fill it at least to the indicated minimum line.[1]
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    Twist the lid and tilt the collection cup. Once you’ve filled the collection container to the minimum line, twist and seal the test lid. Tilt the cup onto its side to activate the test.
    • Check your kit's collection cup for small legs near the rim, which allow you to rest the cup on its side during the testing process.
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    Check the results within five to ten minutes. Most kits take a few minutes to generate results, so wait as long as the instructions stipulate. You should stay close by, as the results will only be visible for a limited window of time. Typically, results can be read within five to ten minutes of testing.[2]
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    Read your test kit’s instructions carefully. Before using a test kit, make sure you read and understand the instructions. Improperly using the kit could yield inaccurate results. Further, for most kits, there’s a limited window of time within which you’ll be able to read results.[3]
    • Different kits test for different drugs. Read the label carefully to ensure the test you’ve bought detects all the drugs that are relevant to you.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Test Strips

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    Fill the collection container. Check the instructions to be sure whether your kit tests urine or saliva. Fill the collection tube or cup with your sample up to the minimum fill line.[4]
    • If your kit tests saliva, check the instructions to see if you should wait after eating before you collect a saliva sample.
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    Dip the testing strips into the sample. Your kit will either provide individual test strips or a multi-panel strip that's the size and shape of a credit card. Dip the test strip into the sample container. Leave it in the sample for ten minutes, or as directed by the kit's instructions.[5]
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    Read the results within your given window of time. After a few minutes, check the test strips for lines or colors that correspond with the results key included in the kit. Double check your kit's instructions so you know the specific window of time you'll have to read the results.[6]
    • Your results will likely be visible for around ten minutes.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Choosing a Home Test Kit

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    Decide which drugs your test kit should detect. You can find kits that detect a specific drug or multi-panel kits that test for up to twelve drugs. Decide which drugs you need to test for, and choose a kit that fits your needs.[7]
    • Multi-panel tests are more expensive, but most companies that drug test administer multi-panel tests. These tests are most like the ones frequently used for pre-employment screening.
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    Go with an FDA or CE certified test kit. There are now inexpensive kits available at most dollar stores, however they’re often inaccurate. Before making a purchase, check a kit’s label to make sure it’s certified by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).[8]
    • For locations outside of the U.S., look for a comparable certification seal, such as the CE (European Conformity) mark.
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    Check the test’s expiration date. Most test kits have a shelf life of one year. After the expiration date, the reagents that detect drugs start to degrade, which makes the test inaccurate.[9]
    • You should be particularly careful about purchasing tests online. Make sure any product you purchase has a guarantee or return policy in case you find that it’s expired when you receive it.
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    Invest in a kit that includes lab testing. If you’re concerned about getting the most accurate results possible, look for kits that include lab testing in the purchase price. If you yield positive results, you can mail the sample to a lab for confirmation.[10]
    • While more expensive, a lab can rule out false positives caused by foods, drinks, and over the counter products, like cold or allergy medications.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Dealing with Positive Results

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    Send your sample to a lab to confirm the result. If you purchased a kit that includes lab testing, you can mail in a sample that has tested positive for confirmation. More specific chemical tests can rule out false positives and generate more accurate results.[11]
    • If your test doesn’t have a pre-addressed shipping container, you can still send it to a lab for confirmation. Look online to find a local lab that offers positive drug test verification.
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    Detox to pass a drug test for work. If you’re testing yourself to prepare for a work-related drug test, a positive result will let you know you have some work to do. Try to detox your system in order to pass your test:[12]
    • Abstain from taking drugs. A detoxification period of at least 2 weeks is recommended if you’ve been taking them.
    • Drink plenty of fluids
    • Get lots of exercise
    • Purchase a detox drink or cleaning program
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    Talk to a counselor or addiction specialist. If you’re concerned about drug use, abuse or addiction, you should take steps to help yourself. Start by talking to a trusted friend or family member. Look for an addiction specialist or behavior counselor and, if necessary, seek medical treatment for the detoxification and withdrawal processes.[13]
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Warnings

  • If you believe you’ve been given a drug without your consent, contact emergency services immediately. If you suspect you’re the victim of any form of abuse, visit a hospital emergency room without delay and do not attempt to test yourself on your own.[15]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.phamatech.com/athome-facts1.html
  2. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/DrugsofAbuseTests/ucm125722.htm
  3. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/DrugsofAbuseTests/ucm125722.htm
  4. ↑ http://www.health24.com/parenting/child/mind/diy-drug-tests-some-facts-20120721
  5. ↑ http://www.phamatech.com/athome-facts1.html
  6. ↑ http://www.phamatech.com/athome-facts1.html
  7. ↑ https://patch.com/california/pinole-hercules/unregulated-dollar-tree-drug-tests-would-you-trust-the-results
  8. ↑ https://homehealth-uk.com/drug-tests/
  9. ↑ http://www.ebay.com/gds/Drug-Testing-Supplies-Past-Expiration-Date-/10000000004671536/g.html
  1. ↑ https://www.homehealthtesting.com/blog/2012/12/where-to-get-a-home-drug-test/
  2. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/DrugsofAbuseTests/ucm125722.htm
  3. ↑ http://hightimes.com/culture/drug-testing-101/
  4. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/drugabuse.html
  5. ↑ https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/drug-abuse/tab/test
  6. ↑ https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/date-rape-drugs

About This Article

Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Co-authored by:
Jurdy Dugdale, RN
Medical Review Board
This article was co-authored by Jurdy Dugdale, RN. Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989. This article has been viewed 47,159 times.
13 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 7
Updated: May 25, 2021
Views: 47,159
Categories: Drug Testing
Article SummaryX

If you’re preparing for a work-related drug test or you’re simply curious, you can easily drug test yourself with a home test kit. Most home kits require a urine sample to determine if substances are in your system. Make sure to buy a kit that’s been certified by the FDA or CE, since these will be more accurate than cheaper, generic kits. Once you have your kit, fill the collection cup with urine, twist and seal the lid completely, then tilt the cup on its side to activate the test. Follow the instructions in the box, but most likely you’ll need to wait 5-10 minutes for results. To learn how to detox if you didn’t pass the test, read on!

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