Using a Home Drug Test Kit: Accuracy Concerns?

Using Home Drug Tests: Home Drug Test Kit Accuracy?

By Dr. Deb Carlin

If you're not trained to recognize the signs of drug use or symptoms of drug use in your teen and are considering the idea of using home drug test kits to prevent or solve problems before they get worse, then you might be wondering if the home drug tests you are thinking about using are accurate.

Some home drug test kits are more accurate than others. There are certainly some variables associated with different collection methods. It makes a difference if the tests are urine based, saliva based, or hair based.

However, the short answer is that the accuracy of these tests are comparable to lab results. If they weren't, then we wouldn't be seeing doctors, hospitals and medical clinics all across the country using them.

Plus, you always have the option and are encouraged to verify any disputed results using a GCMS confirmation test from an accredited lab. Often, if your teen has been using and the home drug test kit shows it, they will admit it. However, confirmation testing is always an option.

If you want to know more about using home drug tests or picking out the best home drug test kit for your teen, or the steps to starting a home drug testing program, visit TestMyTeen.com for more information like program checklists, counselor approved strategies and free video tutorials.

About The Author http://www.testmyteen.com Dr. Deb Carlin works closely with the TestMyTeen.com initiative which offers home drug test kits and home drug testing strategies to prevent symptoms of drug use in teens. Copyright 2010 TestMyTeen, LLC.