A drug test looks for the presence of one or more illegal or prescription drugs in your urine, blood, saliva, hair, or sweat. Urine testing is the most common type of drug screening. The drugs most often tested for include:

• Marijuana

• Opioids, such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl

• Amphetamines, including methamphetamine

• Cocaine

• Steroids

• Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital and secobarbital

• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Other names: drug screen, drug test, drugs of abuse testing, substance abuse testing, toxicology screen, tox screen, sports doping tests

What is it used for?
Drug screening is used to find out whether or not a person has taken a certain drug or drugs. It may be used for:

Employment. Employers may test you before hiring and/or after hiring to check for on-the-job drug use.

Sports organizations. Professional and collegiate athletes usually need to take a test for performance-enhancing drugs or other substances.

Legal or forensic purposes. Testing may be part of a criminal or motor vehicle accident investigation. Drug screening may also be ordered as part of a court case.

Monitoring opioid use. If you’ve been prescribed an opioid for chronic pain, your health care provider may order a drug test to make sure you are taking the right amount of your medicine.