If you wonder what the difference between a drug test and a drug screen is, don’t worry; you are not alone. Lots of people confuse these two terms because they sound so similar. The truth is that there is quite a large difference between them. This article will talk about the differences between a drug test and a drug screen.

1. Purpose

The first and most obvious difference between a drug test and a drug screen is the purpose for which they can be of use. A drug test is used to detect the presence of drugs in someone’s system, while a drug screen is used to detect the presence of specific drugs in someone’s system.

2. Scope

A drug screen is limited to detecting only a select number of drugs, while a drug test can detect any drug.

3. Timing

Drug screens are usually done immediately after someone has been suspected of using drugs, while drug tests can be done at any time, including long after someone has stopped using drugs.

4. Detection Period

Drug screens can only detect drugs that have been used recently, while drug tests can detect drugs that have been used in the past.

5. Cost

Drug screens are generally less expensive than drug tests.

6. Accuracy

Drug screens are not as accurate as drug tests and sometimes produce false positives.

7. Sensitivity

Drug screens are not as sensitive as drug tests and can sometimes miss drugs in someone’s system.

8. Types of Tests

Drug screens typically only use urine or saliva as specimens, while drug tests can use various specimens, including blood, hair, and nails.
9. Confirmation

Drug tests always require confirmation through a separate test before they can be considered valid, while drug screens do not always require confirmation.

10. Legality

Drug screens are not as legally defensible as drug tests and often cannot be used in a court of law.

11. Advantages

Drug screens have the advantage that they can detect specific drugs at any given time, while drug tests have the advantage that they can detect all types of drugs at any given time.

12. Disadvantages

The major disadvantage of drug screens is that they cannot always be used as evidence in a court of law. The major disadvantage of drug tests is that they can only detect drugs for a limited period.

13. Actual Tests

The actual test conducted during a drug screen is usually more complicated than the actual test conducted during a drug test.

14. False Positives

Drug screens are more likely to produce false positives than drug tests.

15. Performance

A well-trained person can conduct a drug screen in a matter of minutes, while a well-trained person can conduct a drug test in a matter of hours.

16. Detection Methods

Most drug screens use immunoassay as their detection method, while most drug tests use chromatography as their detection method.

17. Test Results

Drug screen test results are usually available within minutes, while drug test results can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to be available.

18. Confirmation

Most drug screens do not require confirmation, while most drug tests require confirmation through a separate test.

In conclusion, while there are some similarities between drug tests and drug screens, there are also a number of significant differences. If you are wondering whether or not you need a drug test or a drug screen, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to find out what would be the best for you.