At Home Drug Test in NZ: What Can Be Detected?

Drug use and abuse is a serious problem in New Zealand. It can have detrimental impacts on a person’s physical and mental health, and affect the safety of the people around. Thus, many people and industries test for illicit drugs to monitor and prevent safety risks. At home drug tests in NZ can detect ethanol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and heroin. There are also devices for alcohol detection, like breathalysers.

In New Zealand, the use of illegal drugs is a growing concern, especially among young people. Parents and guardians want to ensure the well-being of their loved ones by monitoring for drug use. It is also helpful for individuals in rehabilitation. As such, it is important to be aware of ways to identify drug use in order to take preventative measures. This article will provide information on the common substances that can be detected, testing methods, and how they work.

At Home Drug Test in NZ: Illicit Drugs

At home drug tests in NZ trace for commonly abused substances. One of the most tested drugs is cannabis, also known as marijuana. Test kits can detect the presence of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of cannabis. Another type is cocaine. It is a stimulant drug that speeds up the functions of the central nervous system.

Amphetamines, such as ecstasy and methamphetamine, can also be identified in a drug test. In addition, opiates, including heroin and prescription medications like codeine, morphine, and benzodiazepines, are included in home drug test kits. Moreover, many tests also detect synthetic or designer drugs. However, the availability of home test kits for synthetic drugs may vary.

Finally, although legal, many people test for ethanol (alcohol) because of its severe intoxicating effects. The number of substances tested largely depends on the type of kit. These instruments can identify recent drug use over the past few days. They are cost-effective for determining whether one is using an illegal drug or abusing prescription medications.

Purpose of Drug Testing

• Identify individuals who may be struggling with substance abuse or addiction.
• Monitor drug use among family members.
• Monitor patients undergoing rehabilitation.
• Screen employees before working in a safety-sensitive environment. It helps ensure safety and minimise risks.
• Assess job applicants who may have potentially abusive or risky behaviours.
• Regulate the use of prescription painkillers and other medications. It aims to prevent misuse or abuse.
• Confirm if an individual is under the influence of drugs based on signs and symptoms displayed, especially in the workplace.
•  To confirm suspected use of drugs after an accident or emergency.
• Requirement for legal proceedings, such as child custody and driving violations.

At Home Drug Test in NZ: Testing Methods

The most common at home drug tests in NZ are urine and saliva screening. Urine can trace a wide range of substances and drug metabolites in the body for several days. It comes with test strips, dip cards, or integrated cups that use immunoassays. It will show a visible line or change colours if it detects drugs.

A saliva test is convenient for determining recent drug use. It comes with a collection swab that absorbs saliva and examines it through immunoassay technology. It is non-invasive and easy to use that shows the results within minutes. A saliva test is an efficient alternative to urine if a person has difficulty producing a sample.

A hair test kit is also available for those who want to see long-term drug use. It can trace substances for the past 90 days through a few strands of hair. It comes with a collection pouch to store the sample and requires sending it to a laboratory for analysis. Lastly, a breath test can identify alcohol use for the past 24 hours through a breathalyser device.

Where to Get Drug Test Kits

Home drug test kits are available over the counter in pharmacies and medical stores. Another option is to order online from reputable retailers. There are plenty of selections for each type of test, from single to multi-panel kits. To be sure, check the product label for the list of substances it can detect.

When getting these kits, make sure to read the instructions carefully. Follow the directions to ensure accurate results. It is important to note that cut-off values or sensitivity for certain drugs may be different for each test kit. Thus, check the specifications before buying them.

At Home Drug Test in NZ: How It Works

Using at home drug tests in NZ is simple and easy. Depending on the type, it requires following the exact instructions for accurate results. For urine screening, provide a sample using the specimen container at room temperature. Dip the test strip or card into it and wait several minutes to read the result.

For saliva, use a collection swab and rub it around the mouth for about 20 seconds. Place the swab into the test device and wait three to five minutes before reading the result. Ensure not to eat for at least 10 minutes before the test. For hair tests, pluck out a few strands of hair from the crown and place them in the collection pouch.

Lastly, a breath test requires a person to blow into a breathalyser. The device analyses the breath sample and measures Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) within seconds. The BAC indicates a person’s level of intoxication. Hence, the higher the BAC level, the more severe the impairment. The device is reusable, making it cost-effective for alcohol use monitoring.

Results

Interpreting the results correctly is important for making informed decisions. Typically, home test kits show positive or negative results. A positive result means a person has consumed drugs or alcohol within the detection window. However, false positives are possible with certain factors, such as medication interactions.

If the test is positive, it is recommended to send the sample to a laboratory or clinic for further analysis. Drug checking services perform advanced procedures to determine the exact substance present and the concentration levels. Furthermore, consult a medical professional or drug testing expert for diagnosis and understand their implications.

Conclusion

At home drug tests in NZ provide individuals and companies with efficient tools for detecting illicit substances in the body. They are beneficial in monitoring drug use and preventing its associated harm. Test kits can detect commonly abused drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, opiates, and ethanol. Moreover, they are available in several forms, including urine, saliva, hair, and breath test kits. They provide quick results to help make informed decisions.

Using these kits is simple and easy. However, it requires following the exact instructions, including the preparation and collection of specimens. This ensures securing accurate and reliable results. Drug test kits are available in pharmacies or online. For personal or workplace breathalysers, a comprehensive selection is available in Breathalysers New Zealand. Finally, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for concerns about drug use or interpretations of results.