Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Urine Drug Testing for Opiates/Opioids

Nov 26, 2021

What is opioid testing?

Opioid testing looks for the presence of opioids in urine, blood, or saliva. Opioids are powerful drugs that are used to relieve pain. They are often prescribed to help treat serious injuries or illnesses. In addition to reducing pain, opioids can also increase feelings of pleasure and well-being. Once an opioid dose wears off, it’s natural to want those feelings to return. So even using opioids as prescribed by a doctor can lead to dependence and addiction.

The terms “opioids” and “opiates” are often used in the same way. An opiate is a type of opioid that comes naturally from the opium poppy plant. Opiates include the medicines codeine and morphine, as well as the illegal drug heroin. Other opioids are synthetic (man-made) or part synthetic (part natural and part man-made). Both types are designed to produce effects similar to a naturally occurring opiate. These types of opioids include:

  • Oxycodone (OxyContin®)
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
  • Hydromorphone
  • Oxymorphone
  • Methadone
  • Fentanyl. Drug dealers sometimes add fentanyl to heroin. This combination of drugs is especially dangerous.

Opioids are often misused, leading to overdoses and death. In the United States, tens of thousands of people die every year from opioid overdoses. Opioid testing can help prevent or treat addiction before it becomes dangerous.

Other names: opioid screening, opiate screening, opiate testing

What is it used for?

Opioid testing is often used to monitor people who are taking prescription opioids. The test helps ensure you are taking the right amount of medicine.

Opioid testing may also be included as part of an overall drug screening. These screenings test for a variety of drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine, as well as opioids. Drug screenings may be used for:

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

Types of Opioids

There are three main types of opioids: Natural Opiates, Semi-Synthetic Opioids, and Fully Synthetic Opioids. Natural opiates are made with a naturally occurring compound found in plants like the opium poppy. Semie-synthetic use parts of the natural compound and fully synthetic only use chemical compounds that were man made.

List of Opioid Names:

  • Morphine
  • Codeine
  • Hydrocodone
  • Oxycodone
  • Fentanyl

Brand Names and Other Names for Opioids:

  • MS-Contin
  • Oramorph SR
  • MSIR
  • Roxanol
  • Kadian
  • RMS
  • Cough Syrup
  • Vicodin
  • Lorcet
  • Vicoprofen
  • Roxicodone
  • Oxecta
  • Oxycontin
  • Percocet
  • Actiq
  • Duragesic
  • Sublimaze

 

Reference

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/opioid-testing/

 

Prioritizing Simple Testing and Fast Results

Toxicology testing is important in many applications, whether for employers, government entities, or in the criminal justice system. However, not just any kit will do. Ensure you have simple toxicology tests and gain fast results by partnering with TOPLAB®. No matter what industry you’re in or where you’re located in the United States, New Jersey-based TOPLAB® is standing by to provide simple toxicology tests that you can rely on for speed, accuracy, and ease of use. To learn more, contact TOPLAB® today.