‘How to pass a drug test?’ is one of the most commonly searched ‘how’ questions on the internet today. This question is right up there together with other drug tests related questions like ‘how long does marijuana stay in your stay in your system?’
All in all, drug screening is an integral part of the employment process for many people. The best way to pass a drug test is obviously by abstaining. But, when that ship is sailed, and you’ve already crossed that bridge, there are a couple of ways to get a negative on your drug test successfully.
The first step in passing a drug test is to understand the basics of a drug test. Let’s start from here.
Basics of Drug Tests – All You Need To Know About Drug Testing
In technical terms, a drug test is an analysis of biological specimens, i.e., blood, sweat, hair, saliva, or urine, to determine the presence or absence of specific drugs or metabolites in your system. The tests aim to detect illegal substances or drugs prohibited by the law, such as cocaine, heroin, etc.
However, most mandatory drug tests required by institutions or at the workplace are to discover whether you intoxicate.
Most drug tests are done under the following circumstances:
- Before employment – it is very common for employers to screen applicants before granting them a seat at the table. This is mainly to discourage drug use while working.
- Random screenings – random tests are offered when employees are unaware at certain intervals. However, some states prohibit employers from administering random tests without giving employees prior notice and enough time to prepare.
- After an incident – post-work related incidents call for a drug test, especially if it caused damage to property, injuries and it was suspected because of impaired judgments.
- Return to duty testing – is given before an employee can return to work, either from a suspension or a work leave.
The most common types of drug tests are issued for alcohol and cannabis.
Common Types Of Drug Tests
There are different types of drug screening. Let’s take a look at the most common types of drug tests issued:
Urine Drug Test
Urine drug test, also known as UDS (Urine Drug Screening), involves testing urine samples to analyze the presence of illegal drugs and substances in your body. This is one of the most painless drug tests. Quite often, the test is used to screen for:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methadone
- Opioids
- Amphetamines
- Methamphetamines
- Benzodiazepines
Alcohol can also be tested using a urine test, but it can only be detected within 12 to 48 hours after drinking, making it less effective. When it comes to cannabis, urine tests have a longer window to detect THC and its metabolites even after months of consumption.
THC is the short form for Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the main component responsible for cannabis psychological effects. This component is retained in the body’s fatty tissues instead of being flushed out by the kidney. That’s why a heavy marijuana user can fail a urine test months later after stopping.
Blood Drug Test
Blood tests are mostly used when a person is suspected to be heavily under the influence of drugs. Why? First, because blood tests are costly as compared to urine tests.
Second, they have a very small detection window since most drugs are often quickly metabolized and eliminated from the body. Therefore, a drug test can only detect drugs within minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the type of drug you used and the dosage.
On the other hand, urine tests can be effective for several days. Even though blood tests are not effective for an extended period, they aren’t easy to beat. Once THC starts coursing into your body, you must have at least 24 hours before planning and clearing it out of your system. After that, the chances of you passing become very slim.
The main disadvantage of blood drug tests is that it doesn’t appear there are known tricks of passing this test because a specialist and not just anyone draws blood.
Saliva Drug Test
Saliva drug test, also known as mouth swab tests or oral fluids drug tests, is a screening test commonly used to detect substance use. Employers prefer a saliva test because it is easy to administer. All you have to do is open your mouth, a cotton swab collects fluids from your mouth, and your results will be ready in no time. No needles are used, nor are you required to pee in a cup.
The samples collected are hard to tamper with, mostly since they are often done on-site in your employer’s presence. Results collected can also be immediately tested for drugs even without being taken to the lab.
Saliva drug tests don’t require much preparation. Although, you’re not required to eat or drink for at least 10 minutes prior to taking the test.
When it comes to cannabis, mouth swabs only test for activated THC, which is the substance that remains in your mouth after taking an edible, vaping, or smoking.
Hair Follicle Drug Test
Hair follicle drug test, also known as merely the hair drug test, can detect drugs used over the last 90 days. Yes, you read that right, 90 days!
The process involves cutting a small hair strand using scissors and analyzing it for any drugs used. Quite often, they cut hair from different parts of your head to avoid creating bald spots. But, if you have little or no hair on your head, they can use your body hair. The test doesn’t have to take place in a laboratory setting. It can be done in your office using mailed in testing kits.
The worst part is you can dye your hair, wash it and even use a ton of styling products without affecting the results’ accuracy. This makes it extremely hard to beat.
To prevent getting a false result, two different tests are conducted. The first one is called ELISA, which can deliver a positive or negative within 24 hours. The second one is GC/MS, which can detect up to 17 types of different drugs.
Breath Test
Initially, breath tests were only used to test for alcohol in your body using breathalyzers. However, due to scientific research and advancement, breath tests can be used to detect THC. It is an excellent alternative to urine tests, especially since they are often viewed as inconvenient and violate privacy.
Breath tests for other substances are not yet common. The test works by filtering saliva and larger particles from tiny particles. They are then passed through a filter, and tests are done from the residue.
How To Beat a Drug Test
After looking at the different types of drug tests, let’s take a closer look and analyze how to pass each test:
How To Pass a Urine Test
Cheating in a urine drug test is one of the most common tricks in drug screening. Therefore, you have to be very careful to prevent being flagged or raising unnecessary eyebrows.
There are 3 different ways:
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Diluting
Diluting involves flushing your system free from drugs. Most organizations have caught the flushing strategy, making it very easy to be flagged when cutting beyond normal levels. It is important to note that this system may not be effective for heavy consumers.
The dilution techniques first step is to stop using drugs the minute you discover there is an upcoming drug test. Abstaining for more extended periods raises your chances of successfully passing the test.
Secondly, eat and drink healthily. Ensure your meals are packed with plenty of nutrients and drink a lot of water. You can supplement with natural drinks like coffee and cranberry juice from time to time.
Thirdly, exercise if you have enough time. Exercising helps your body to release THC stored in your body, i.e., under fatty tissues. However, if the test is close, refrain from exercising because this will stimulate your system from releasing stored THC in your body and causing it to be highly concentrated in your urine.
At about 24 hrs before the test, take a vitamin B complex. This helps to return your urine to its original color, making it appear less diluted. Alternatively, you can substitute it with creatine, which is excellent for censoring dilution.
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Detoxification
Another option is to use detoxification products to alter your urine sample and increase your chances of testing clean. Most drug detoxification products work by masking the substance in your urine. They can be in the form of capsules, chewable, or drinks.
It is important to remember that there isn’t a particular product that ultimately eliminates substances, primarily THC, from your body within a day. However, some specific cleansing drinks work a few hours before the test. If you do so, ensure the sample you provide isn’t the first urine after taking the product.
After taking the detoxification substance:
- Drink plenty of water to clear water frequently to wash everything out of your system.
- Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks like soda.
- Eat healthily and take plenty of fruits when possible.
3. Substitute Your Sample
This is one of the most guaranteed ways of passing your drug test. As the name suggests, it entails replacing your pee with another sample.
One, you can either ask someone you know to pee in a cup for you, which can be kind of awkward. Also, you can never trust that someone else is 100% clean from any substance.
Two, you can purchase premixed powdered urine. This is 100% natural human urine that has undergone mass dehydration. It contains all the components of drug-free human urine, but it has to be mixed with water first. The main disadvantage is, most powdered premixed products don’t have a long shelf life. Plus, its preparation can be very tricky.
Third is purchasing synthetic urine, also known as fake urine. This is manufactured in a lab and composed of chemicals, creatinine, yellow coloring, and even uric acid to mimic human urine’s natural components.
However, not all powdered urine kits contains real human components. Some smell like urine but lack even the essential ingredients. This can quickly be flagged even with the most outdated tests. Three products that we have reviewed are the Urinator, Whizzinator and multi-day drug detoxification programs.
How To Pass a Urine Drug Test in 3 Hours or Less
Picture this scenario; you’re in your office, and suddenly, without prior notice, your superior summons you to an impromptu drug test. At this point, panicking isn’t even an option. So, what do you do to pass this test?
Such tests are often of high stakes, and you can quickly lose your job.
Step 1: Gather as much information as possible
Ask around to know whether you’re taking a urine or saliva test. Since such tests are administered within short notice, there’s a slight chance that it’s a hair follicle drug test.
Once you know which test will be administered, gather the necessary tools. Nevertheless, if you fail to get this information, don’t worry, focus on gathering all the tools you can get your hands on.
Tools refer to substitution urine kits, or you can drink plenty of liquids, or detox drinks since they can effectively get rid of THC and other substances in your body.
Step 2: Start the process
If your superiors have explained that you’ll be taking a urine test, start by drinking your detox drink. Finish the drink within 15 minutes. For discretion purposes, remove the label or put the drink in a regular bottle.
Fill the bottle with water and finish it within the next 15 minutes. After that, refill the bottle with water once more. But, you can finish this bottle within the next 30 minutes.
Frequent urination is better since it helps remove the toxins from your body. The diuretics from the detox drink will help mask the HTC. If you’re detoxing in the morning, you can have your morning coffee or tea without a creamer.
But, if you’re using the substitution method, you can sit back, relax and wait for the next step.
Step 3: Enhance the value of your detox
Keep yourself highly hydrated with water and juice. But avoid coffee, tea, or any other caffeinated drink. This will help to increase urination and flush away the substances in your body.
If you’re using the substitution method, start preparing the urine. Ensure you bring the sample to body temperature. When mixing urine powder, ensure everything dissolves completely.
Wrap the bottle around its warmer and put it in your pocket. Remember to check the temperature from time to time to ensure it is as required.
Step 4: Get ready for the test
As the moment of truth approaches, you have finished all the processes and it’s time to prepare your body and mind for the test. If you’re conducting a urine test, stay hydrated as much as possible. Your water intake should be 12-16 ounces within 30 minutes. The goal is still the same, to flush substances out of your system.
If you’re using the substitution method, keep the sample warm. You can remove the warmer if it gets too warm. Also, don’t forget to hydrate. This is necessary because it is best to urinate while pouring the sample in your cup to avoid drawing any suspicion.
Even though preparing to pass a urine test on such short notice can be stressful and involves a lot of work, if done correctly, it can give you the negative you need to pass the drug test.
How To Pass a Saliva Drug Test
Passing a saliva drug test is easy unless you’re given an impromptu test.
There are 3 main ways of passing a mouth swab test:
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Refrain From Smoking or Vaping For a Week or Day
Saliva tests work effectively in cannabis testing by finding THC in the lining of your mouth consumed within a short period. That’s why 24 hrs are enough for you to nail the drug test. But, if you don’t want to take any chances, you can take a one-week tolerance break.
Remember to factor in the amount you consume. If you’re a heavy user, take a more extended break. It is better to be safe than to face the negative consequences of a positive drug test. However, if you have to take cannabis for other reasons, i.e., for medical purposes, you can opt for an edible during this break.
Note that this tactic doesn’t work when you have to take the test within a short period.
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Clean Your Mouth Thoroughly
Before going for a swab test, ensure you clean your mouth regularly. This includes any food particles stuck in your teeth or drinks remnants in your mouth. So, floss regularly, brush as many times as you can, and rinse your mouth from time to time. You might as well think of it as general oral care.
We also encourage you to use an antiseptic or mouthwash. Listerine is a good option. You can also use hydrogen peroxide, especially if the test is being administered without little notice.
Brushing your teeth is the best option because it has a long-lasting effect. Mouthwash and antiseptic are only viable for 30 minutes. After that, THC can be detected in your saliva.
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Flush Out The THC
This is another old classic trick, just like in the urine test. Drinks can eliminate traces of cannabis from your mouth. But, instead of drinking large amounts of water or fluids in general, you have to get a little tactical.
In saliva tests, a cotton swab is passed around your mouth. So, swish the drink in your mouth just like the way you would a mouthwash. Repeat the process continuously and even add ice cubes if possible.
How To Pass a Hair Follicle Drug Test
The hair follicle drug test is the most dreaded because it can detect THC for longer periods. It is tough to beat because of the lengthy testing and the ability to see even the lowest levels in your system.
Simple washing won’t cut it. There are two significant methods:
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Using a Detox Shampoo
Detox shampoo eliminates toxins from your hair—examples of cleansing shampoos Old Style Aloe Rid Detox Shampoo, and Zydot Ultra Clean Shampoo.
When using these products, ensure you thoroughly scrub your scalp. You can wash between 10-15 times before the actual test. Don’t tire. Continuous use is essential for optimum results. After that, follow with deep conditioning to restore your hair’s natural health.
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The Macujo Method
The Macujo method is a routine method but very useful when it comes to the follicle exam. However, it requires discipline and commitment for good results. Also, all the steps must be followed in the same order. You’ll need:
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- Shampoo that can get rid of toxins
- Shower cap
- Goggles
- Clean towel
- A comb.
Step 1: Stop consuming cannabis from the minute you find out about the test until your results are back from the lab.
Step 2: Put on your gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes.
Step 3: Immerse your hair in warm water. But, don’t soak it.
Step 4: Apply vinegar on your scalp and massage it thoroughly for 10 minutes. The vinegar helps to get rid of toxins from your hair follicles. The acidic content opens the hair shaft and cleans the acidic content and drug residues.
Step 5: Wear your shower cap for at least 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
Step 6: Add the shampoo to your hair. Massage it thoroughly until it blends well in your hair and scalp.
Step 7: Once again, your shower cap comes into use. Put on your shower cap once more and keep the mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Note that this duration depends on the type of toxin removal shampoo you’ll be using.
Step 8: Rinse your hair. You can do a second wash with laundry detergent to complete the cleaning process. Ensure the goggles protect your eyes from coming into contact with all these ingredients.
For better results, continue this process 3 times a day before the actual test. Since this process is highly demanding, we only recommend it when you need to pass a hair follicle drug test. If you want this test to come out clean, ensure you follow the Macujo method strictly.
At Home Drug Test Vs. Drug Store Tests
Unfortunately, drug tests are part of many Americans’ lives. Many employers and people in general still have a negative view of legalized drugs like cannabis. This includes states where using marijuana for recreational purposes is useful.
Since drug tests are inevitable, it might be helpful to know your status at home before undergoing the actual test. This is where at-home drug testing kits come to play.
At-home drug testing kits aren’t a new concept. There are many mixed reviews online. We’ll look at the different types of at-home drug testing kits to help you make an informed decision when purchasing one.
What do At Home Drug Tests Detect?
As the name suggests, these tests detect the presence of one or more drugs in your system. There are different types of tests. Unless you’re taking a blood test, you can pretest everything at home. Your selection criteria should be determined by the type of test you’ll be subjected to.
But before we delve into the different types, let’s answer the most asked question about at home drug tests.
How Accurate Are At-Home Drug Kits?
At-home drug testing kits have advanced and are nearly perfect, thanks to technology and scientific advancements. In some instances, when you get a presumptive positive result, you’ll have to send a sample to an actual laboratory for a second test.
The accuracy of these tests is affected by multiple factors such as;
- What you ate or drank before the test. Some tests are sensitive to food supplements, beverages, certain foods, or medicine.
- The procedure of undertaking the test. How cautious or how careless were you.
- The way you stored your sample. Urine samples are susceptible. You can quickly get a false result when stored carelessly.
To get good results, you must ensure your test kit comes from a reliable source. When shopping online, consider companies with numerous positive reviews and a variety of tests.
Note that these tests aren’t 100% accurate. The chances of getting a false negative or positive are relatively high. However, these tests are still necessary since they give you a sneak peek of what to expect on the day of tests.
Different Types of At-Home Drug Testing Kit
Let’s look at the three main types of home drug tests;
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At Home Urine Drug Test
At home, urinalysis tests detect HTC and any other psychoactive cannabis component in your body. To use this test, start by reading the instructions on your test. Understand the step by step guideline first before even opening the kit.
After familiarising yourself with the instructions:
- Get a clean container (sterile cup) to collect the urine sample.
- Remove the test and dip it in the pee.
- Immerse it according to the arrows or mark indicated on the test.
Timing and temperature are crucial in at home urine drug tests. The results vary from one test to another. Some tests don’t display a line for positive, while others do. That’s why it is essential to read the instructions before starting the test.
2. At Home Saliva Tests
Most at-home swab tests detect THC in your saliva and not its metabolites. The detection span is shorter than hair follicle tests or fatty tissues that can store THC for much longer periods.
To use it, get a sterile mouth swab; to avoid contaminating the sample, introduce saliva, leave it for a couple of minutes (according to the test kit’s instructions), and read the result.
Just like in the urinalysis test, strictly follow the guidelines to prevent tampering with the test. If the results are invalid, repeat another test.
3. At-Home Hair Drug Test
While hair follicle tests are increasingly becoming popular, a complete at-home test isn’t available. Well, generally, this test is naturally complicated. Even after a result appears positive, a follow-up chromatography/mass spectrometry test confirms the specific drugs used. All these sounds technical already!
Hair follicle tests are some home-laboratory testing. You are required to collect the hair samples in the privacy of your own home and mail the sample to a laboratory for testing. The results will then be available within a couple of business days, depending on the laboratory.
When collecting the hair sample, ensure you cut as close to the scalp as possible. About 90-120 follicles are enough. However, be cautious when cutting. The last thing you want is a bald scalp before the supervised test.
The advantage of this particular test is that you can get accurate results because the actual testing is conducted in a laboratory with professionals.
What are Drugstore Tests?
In this modern world, everything is commercialized. If you’ve been to Walgreens, Dollar Tree, or even the grocery store right around the corner, you’ve probably spotted at home marijuana testing kits next to pregnancy strips. Or, if you’ve been scrolling through Amazon, you’ve probably come across these testing kits.
Well, most people are skeptical about whether or not they work efficiently and are reliable. The answer is yes and no. Most of these tests detect the commonly abused drugs; marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine, and amphetamine.
Drug store tests were created to give consumers the chance to take a drug test in their own homes’ privacy. The type of test you purchase will determine how accurate the results are. Let’s compare the two most common drug store tests to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for you.
What Is The Difference Between a Urine and Saliva Test?
Apart from the apparent distinction in the samples required for the different tests, they are accurate in detecting THC in the body. The main difference is the period required to detect cannabis remnants in your body.
Saliva tests are only useful within 48 or less. But, urine tests can detect THC weeks or even months later, depending on consumption level. Heavy consumers can fail a THC test months later after quitting. This is why most employers prefer urine tests as compared to mouth swabs.
However, saliva tests clearly illustrate the intoxication levels compared to urine tests. Urinalysis test for both THC and its metabolite component THC-COOH. This type of testing is called immunoassay, suitable for drug discovery. When these two substances combine, they prevent the color indicator from rising. That’s why, when a line appears on your test, regardless of how faint it is, you have successfully passed the test. But if it doesn’t, then you’ve failed.
Most drug stores and even higher-end tests use this system in their testing kits.
Urine Vs. Saliva At Home Testing Kits; Which One Is The Best?
Before purchasing an at-home drug testing kit either online or from your local drug store, you must know the purpose of getting the test.
- Do you want to know the level of your THC before starting on a cleansing journey?
- Do you want to check yourself before going for a supervised test?
- Do you want to test a loved one to help them seek professional help?
- Do you want to seek help for yourself?
Your decision and urgency will determine which of these two tests you need. If you are testing to determine whether you’ll pass the drug screen testing for a new job position, take the urine test. Most employers prefer urine screening because they are cheap, and results are ready within a few minutes.
Furthermore, if you pass a urine drug test a day or more before the actual supervised test, you can be sure you’ll pass a saliva test.
But, if you want to determine whether someone is currently under the influence of drugs, conduct a saliva test. The mouth swab test detects substances in your system within 2-3 hours.
Essential Products To Help Pass Drug Tests
Drug testing is now an essential part of our lives. If you want to pass a drug test, you must have some essential products to help you get a quick fix solution or thoroughly cleanse your body.
With so many products available in the market, it isn’t easy to pick the right one. All in all below is a list of essential products that will help you pass drug tests;
Detox Drinks
Detox drinks are excellent but risky when it comes to passing a drug test on short notice. It is better to do a full cleansing or follow the urine substitution method if possible.
But, detox drinks are designed to remove drugs and toxic substances from your body. If you want to get rid of THC from your body, it’s better to detox naturally. However, as mentioned earlier, this method isn’t suitable for immediate tests since natural detox products can take a few days to even months for heavy consumers to get rid of toxins in your body completely.
Detox drinks contain a combination of chemical actions to help you produce urine free from drug components. In simple terms, they work by diluting your urine to make it free from THC and its metabolites. They help your urine mask cannabis components.
It is important to note that detox only removes the ‘top coat’ of these substances. Therefore Frequent urination is encouraged for better results. The main ingredients to look for in a detox drink are;
- Caffeine
- Ginseng
- Cranberry extract
- Guarana
- Niacin
- Taurine
- Creatine
- Vitamin B6 and B12
And other adulterants and diuretics.
Urine Kits
Urine substitution kits are among the surest ways of passing your drug test. But most online urine kits are labeled for fetish purposes. So, if you come across a product with a kinky or rather sex-crazed name, don’t worry. The names are used to mask regulations that are against cheating products. Note: that a fetish kit might not necessarily help you pass a drug test.
Most get can detect between fake and ‘real’ human urine. Fetish kits are flavored to smell like urine, but they aren’t.
It is best to purchase formulated kits with all the essential components of urine. Therefore, always opt for authentic modern urine created to emulate modern urine.
Cleansing Products
THC is retained in your body for more extended periods by attaching itself to fatty layers. This makes it hard to flush it out from your system.
Most retail products labeled as cleansing don’t work quite effectively, especially if you’re looking for a quick solution. Instead of store cleansing products, you can purchase ingredients like dandelion, turmeric, and Cayenne pepper to help THC be easily flushed out through your kidneys.
Also, vitamin B can dilute and improve the chemical content of your urine. You can also use diuretics substances like caffeine and cranberry juice to remove THC from your body.
Enroll in Drug Test Programs
Purchasing a drug testing kit on your own can be quite challenging. Most retailers and brands aren’t trustworthy. To prevent being ripped off, it is better to enroll in a reliable drug test program.
These programs aren’t for employers only who want to test their employees only. There are numerous diverse drug testing programs that can help you in recommending the best test to take and offer excellent customer care services.
There are well-established sites like TestClear that cater to testing needs. They advise on the best test to take, when to take the test, and so much more.
Final Thoughts
Drug tests play a crucial part in our life. Failing or passing a drug test can be the marker between landing your dream job or any other life transformation.
The secret to passing a drug test is understanding the concept of drug testing inside out. Also, remember to first inquire about the type of test you’ll undergo to prepare effectively. This will make your preparations easier.
We hope the tips listed above will help you pass your upcoming or future tests. If possible, have substitution urine at hand if you’ve to take a high stakes drug test. But, note that the best way to pass a drug test is through abstaining!