Why to Choose Dip Test Cards for Urine Drug Screening (Or Not!)

When they want to test for the presence of drugs or other substances in employees, some of our clients opt to use a “dip test” -- also called a dip test card -- that tests a personʼs urine for the presence of various drugs.

The process is fairly simple, but we wanted to give you a few reasons why you may or may not choose dip cards for the drug testing needs of your business or organization.

Here are some pros and cons of using dip tests/cards for drug testing:

Perhaps the biggest pro of using a dip test card: Theyʼre the most economical type of drug test available. Whatʼs more, theyʼre small and easy to store, and have a relatively long shelf life of more than one year. Whatʼs more, youʼll get the results almost immediately.

On the down side, dip test cards require an extra step in testing than other methods of drug testing, since youʼll need to dip the card into a urine sample. That process also requires you to have a cup for testing.

How to use dip test cards

Urine dip test cards are easy to use -- but they still require a certain protocol. To get started, make sure the specimens and any controls are at a temperature of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Then:

• Remove the test card from the pouch
• Remove the cap from the test card end
• Dip the test strip into the urine, with the arrows pointing toward the specimen. Do not immerse the arrows into the specimen
• Hold the card upright in the specimen for about 10 to 15 seconds before removing
• Place the cap back on the test card end and place the test card on a flat, hard surface
• Set a timer for between 3 to 5 minutes, as directed on the packaging
• To test for adulteration of the specimen, compare the colors on the adulteration pads with those on the color chart that came with the package
• Consult your workplace drug policy if you find the sample is adulterated
• Read the results of the drug strip after five minutes.

Reading the Dip Test Strip Results

If the sample is negative, two lines will appear.
If the sample is positive, only one line will appear next to the “C” for “Control.”
If the test is invalid, one line will appear next to the “T” for “Test.”

The process is relatively straightforward, but if you have any questions about selecting the right test or using the tests youʼve bought, our knowledgeable customer service team is here to help. Get in touch at info@toxtests.com or (714) 881-3436.