Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Types of Home Drug Test Kits?

Tiffany Manley
Tiffany Manley

There are four basic types of home drug test kits. The various kits test urine, saliva, hair follicles or sweat for the presence of drugs. These kits can be purchased online or in most drugstores, convenience stores or grocery stores.

Urine home drug test kits are favored by many because they are accurate, easy to use and cost effective, and they provide results relatively quickly. These types of tests can detect approximately 10 different drugs in a person’s system at any given time. The downside of urine drug test kits is that it can be contaminated easily, and its ability to detect the presence of drugs diminishes over time.

Hair follicle drug testing is capable of testing drug usage as far back as 90 days.
Hair follicle drug testing is capable of testing drug usage as far back as 90 days.

Another type of home drug test kit is one that uses saliva; these tests sometimes are called oral drug tests. Saliva test kits are good at detecting drug use that has occurred very recently, generally within one to two days. Many people also like them because, just like urine tests, they are easy to use, cost effective and accurate, and they provide almost immediate results. It also is harder for someone to manipulate the test because it can be given directly by another person, such as a parent. It is important to remember that saliva home drug test kits are good only for detecting very recent drug use and will not detect usage that has occurred more than about two or three days prior to the test.

Home drug test kits can be purchased online or in most drugstores.
Home drug test kits can be purchased online or in most drugstores.

Hair follicle testing is another way to test a person for drug usage. This type of testing generally is more expensive than urine and saliva testing, but it is very accurate and much harder to manipulate. After the hair sample has been collected, it is sent off to a lab for testing. Drug usage that occurred 90 days or more prior to the test can be detected by using hair follicle testing. This type of test must be sent off to a lab, so the results are not instantaneous.

Drug tests based on bodily fluids an only detect drugs that are still lingering in the system from recent use.
Drug tests based on bodily fluids an only detect drugs that are still lingering in the system from recent use.

Although not nearly as common as the aforementioned home drug test kits, sweat testing is another type of drug test. A special patch is attached to a person’s skin, and it collects the data needed over a one- to two-week period. The patch has measures in place to prevent it from being removed and replaced without the tester’s knowledge. After the patch is removed, it is sent to a lab that processes the results. This type of test is considered by some people to be unreliable and very intrusive.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Hair follicle drug testing is capable of testing drug usage as far back as 90 days.
      By: gaborphotos
      Hair follicle drug testing is capable of testing drug usage as far back as 90 days.
    • Home drug test kits can be purchased online or in most drugstores.
      By: .shock
      Home drug test kits can be purchased online or in most drugstores.
    • Drug tests based on bodily fluids an only detect drugs that are still lingering in the system from recent use.
      By: aaabbc
      Drug tests based on bodily fluids an only detect drugs that are still lingering in the system from recent use.
    • A hair drug test usually requires multiple strands of hair for the most accurate results.
      By: Africa Studio
      A hair drug test usually requires multiple strands of hair for the most accurate results.
    • Marijuana use may be detected through a mouth swab drug test.
      By: berc
      Marijuana use may be detected through a mouth swab drug test.