Test Description

Why get tested?

Opioids are prescription medicines but their misuse can lead to drug addiction. Heroin is one of the most dangerous forms of opioids, and it is never used as a medication. The misuse of drugs can impair the judgment ability and sharing of injections increase the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, such as HIV. 

What is being tested?

Opiates test looks for the presence of opioids in blood, saliva, and urine samples. These drugs are natural pain relievers but are misused for their euphoric effects. The other names used to refer to opiate tests are opioid screening, opiate testing, and opiate screening. 

Opiates can be synthetic or natural and their pharmacological action is similar to morphine. The main medical use of opiates is to relieve pain. Opiates test detect all forms of opiates and their metabolites. Opiates consist of morphine and drugs that have the same structure as morphine, for instance, oxycodone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, and codeine. These drugs not only relieve pain but can also increase well-being and pleasure feelings. Hence, even the prescribed opioids can lead the patient to addiction and dependence. 

Preparation needed?

It is necessary to inform the healthcare practitioner and testing provider about the use of any over-the-counter or prescription medications before the opiates test as some of these medicines can cause a positive diagnosis for opioids. Poppy seeds may cause positive opioid results. Hence, the tested individual has to avoid poppy seeds for about three days before having the opioid drug test.

Fasting required?

No