How Long Can You Store Pee for a Drug Test: The Truth Revealed!

Urine testing is a common method for detecting the presence of drugs in a person’s system. It is commonly used for pre-employment screening, probation and drug treatment programs. The accuracy of urine drug testing depends on various factors such as sample collection, storage, and transportation.

One of the most common questions asked regarding urine drug testing is how long you can store pee for a drug test. This article aims to reveal the truth about storing pee for a drug test.

The Science Behind Urine Drug Testing

Drug testing works by detecting the presence of metabolites in the urine. Metabolites are the breakdown products of drugs that are produced by the body after ingestion. The presence of metabolites in the urine indicates recent drug use.

Urine drug tests are designed to detect the presence of various drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opioids, and amphetamines. The sensitivity of the test depends on the drug being tested for and the method of testing.

The Importance of Sample Collection

The accuracy of urine drug testing depends on the quality of the urine sample collected. The urine sample should be collected in a sterile cup to avoid contamination. It is important to collect the first urine of the day as it is the most concentrated and contains the highest levels of metabolites.

Sample Storage

Sample storage is another important factor that can affect the accuracy of urine drug testing. The urine sample should be stored at the proper temperature to avoid degradation of the metabolites. The ideal temperature for urine sample storage is between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). If stored properly, urine samples can be used for drug testing for up to 72 hours.

How Long Can You Store Pee for a Drug Test?

The duration for which urine samples can be stored for drug testing varies depending on the method of testing used. The three most common methods of urine drug testing are:

  • Immunoassay Test
  • Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
  • Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)

Immunoassay test is the most common method used for urine drug testing. This method is quick, cheap and easy to perform. The test is based on the principle of antigen-antibody reaction. The urine sample is mixed with a solution that contains specific antibodies that can bind to the metabolites of the drug being tested for. If the drug is present in the urine, the metabolites will bind to the antibodies, indicating a positive result.

Immunoassay tests have a high rate of false positives and are therefore not considered confirmatory tests. If the immunoassay test is positive, the sample is then subject to confirmatory testing using a more accurate method such as GC-MS or LC-MS.

Immunoassay Test

The ideal storage temperature for urine samples for immunoassay testing is between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). If stored at this temperature, the urine sample can be used for testing for up to 48 hours. If the sample is stored at room temperature, the metabolites will begin to degrade, leading to false-negative results.

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

GC-MS is a confirmatory test used to eliminate false positives. This method is highly accurate and specific and can detect the presence of drugs in the urine at very low levels. If the urine sample is stored at the proper temperature, it can be used for GC-MS testing for up to 72 hours.

Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)

LC-MS is another confirmatory test used to eliminate false positives. This method is highly accurate and specific and can detect the presence of drugs in the urine at very low levels. The ideal storage temperature for urine samples for LC-MS testing is between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). If stored at this temperature, the urine sample can be used for LC-MS testing for up to 72 hours.

Factors That Affect Sample Storage

Several factors can affect the storage of urine samples for drug testing. These include:

  • Temperature: The ideal storage temperature for urine samples is between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). If the sample is stored at room temperature, the metabolites will begin to degrade, leading to false-negative results.
  • Time: The duration for which urine samples can be stored for drug testing depends on the method of testing used. Immunoassay tests require the sample to be used within 48 hours, while GC-MS and LC-MS tests can be performed on samples stored for up to 72 hours.
  • Contamination: Contamination of urine samples can lead to inaccurate results. It is important to collect the urine sample in a sterile cup to avoid contamination.
  • Specificity of the test: Some drugs can be detected in urine even after several days or weeks of use, while others may only be present for a few hours. The duration for which urine samples can be stored for drug testing varies depending on the drug being tested for and the method of testing used.

Conclusion

The accuracy of urine drug testing depends on various factors such as sample collection, storage, and transportation. The duration for which urine samples can be stored for drug testing depends on the method of testing used. Immunoassay tests require the sample to be used within 48 hours, while GC-MS and LC-MS tests can be performed on samples stored for up to 72 hours. It is important to store urine samples at the proper temperature to avoid degradation of the metabolites.

Most Common Questions Regarding Urine Drug Testing

  • How is urine drug testing performed?
  • What drugs can be detected in urine drug testing?
  • How long can you store pee for a drug test?
  • What is the ideal storage temperature for urine samples?
  • Can you tamper with a urine sample?
  • How accurate are urine drug tests?
  • Can prescription drugs cause a false positive on a drug test?
  • When should you collect the urine sample?
  • What factors can affect the accuracy of urine drug testing?
  • Can secondhand marijuana smoke cause a positive drug test?

References

  • Urine Drug Testing. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2021, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/drug-testing/urine-drug-testing
  • Urine Drug Test: Purpose, Types, and Procedure. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/urine-drug-screen
  • Urine drug testing: What you need to know. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/drug-screen/about/pac-20385091

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