What is a common specimen type used for drug screening?

Urine is commonly used for drug screening due to several practical and physiological reasons. First, urine tests are relatively easy to administer and can be done quickly, making them advantageous for both medical and employment contexts. Urine is also less invasive than blood tests, reducing discomfort for the individuals being tested.

Additionally, urine tests can detect a wide range of substances, including both recent use and some metabolites that indicate use over a longer period, depending on the drug. This provides a broader perspective on an individual's drug use history. The cost-effectiveness of urine tests also plays a significant role in their prevalence; they tend to be less expensive than blood tests.

While other specimen types, such as saliva, blood, and hair, are also utilized for drug screening, they have specific limitations or are used for particular situations. For example, saliva testing is less common and typically used for its ability to detect recent substance use. Blood tests, while highly accurate, can be more invasive, require professional administration, and are generally more costly. Hair testing can provide information about long-term use, but it is not typically used for immediate screening scenarios. Thus, urine stands out as the most widely accepted and practical choice for drug screening.