| This article will discuss the most common type of | | | | chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) |
| drug test, the "Dip Test". Dip drug tests come in 1 | | | | has been established as the preferred |
| to 12 panel test configurations. A one panel test | | | | confirmatory method by the National Institute on |
| will test for one drug at a time, a two panel tests | | | | Drug Abuse (NIDA). Clinical consideration and |
| for 2 drugs at a time, etc. | | | | professional judgment should be applied to any |
| Most dip tests come individually packaged in foil | | | | drug of abuse test result, particularly when |
| pouch (one test per pouch). | | | | preliminary positive results are indicated. |
| DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS | | | | INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS |
| 1. Allow the test panel and urine specimen to | | | | NEGATIVE:* Two lines appear. One colored line |
| equilibrate to room temperature (15-30°C) | | | | should be in the control region (C), and another |
| prior to testing.Bring the pouch to room | | | | apparent colored or a faded color line adjacent |
| temperature before opening it. Remove the test | | | | should be in the test region (T). This negative |
| panel from the sealed pouch and use it as soon | | | | result indicates that the drug concentration is |
| as possible. | | | | below the detectable level. |
| 2. Take off the cap outside of the test end. With | | | | NOTE: The shade of the test line region (T) will |
| arrow(s) pointing toward the urine specimen, | | | | vary, but it should be considered negative |
| immerse the test panel vertically in the urine | | | | whenever there is even a faint colored line. |
| specimen for at least 10-15 seconds. Do not pass | | | | POSITIVE: One colored line appears in the control |
| the arrows on the test panel when immersing the | | | | region (C). No line appears in the test region (T). |
| panel. The same procedure is followed for a | | | | This positive result indicates that the drug |
| multi-panel test card. | | | | concentration is above the detectable level. |
| 3. Place the test panel on a non-absorbent flat | | | | INVALID: Control line fails to appear. Insufficient |
| surface, start the timer and wait for the colored | | | | specimen volume or incorrect procedural |
| line(s) to appear. The results should be read at 5 | | | | techniques are the most likely reasons for control |
| minutes. Do not interpret results after 10 minutes. | | | | line failure. Review the procedure and repeat the |
| Please note: dip test assays provide only a | | | | test using a new test panel. If the problem |
| preliminary analytical test result. A more specific | | | | persists, discontinue using the lot immediately and |
| alternative chemical method must be used in | | | | contact your local distributor. |
| order to obtain a confirmed analytical result. Gas | | | | |