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The marijuana dip strip drug test is based on the principle of competitive antibody binding, a highly accurate immunochemical reaction between antigens and antibodies. This type of test is used to identify the presence of many different substances in biological fluids. In the case of marijuana, the test threshold is 50 ng/ml of THC metabolites. This drug-screening threshold is set by SAMHSA (The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and is the standard for screening in the USA. Reliable, fast, and inexpensive; results are obtained in 3 to 5 minutes. Each test strip is packaged individually in a sterile foil pouch.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Provide a sample by urinating into a sterile container.
- Remove the test strip from the foil pouch.
- Dip the end of test strip into the urine sample for approximately 5 seconds.
- DO NOT swish or stir the sample with the test strip.
- Withdraw the strip after 5 seconds and place it face up on a clean, flat surface.
- Read the results at 5 minutes. Readings made after 5 minutes may no longer be valid.
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
There are only 3 possible outcomes for the test strip: Negative (passing), Positive (failing), and Invalid. There are two color lines that appear when using the test strip. The 'control line' indicates that the test has been used properly; this line is the darkest and easiest to see. The 'test line' will indicate whether or not marijuana metabolites are present in the sample; this line is usually not as bright as the control line.
PASSING: TWO COLOR LINES
The appearance of two color lines indicates a negative test result for THC. The concentration of THC is below the 50 ng/ml cut-off level and is considered a passing drug screen result. The two color bands are seldom the same exact color, with one band being slightly less vibrant than the other.
POSITIVE (FAIL): ONE COLOR LINE
The appearance of only one color line indicates the test is positive for THC at or above 50 ng/ml. This is considered a failing drug screen and would be followed by more accurate testing to confirm the results.
INVALID:
A distinct color line should always appear for the 'control line'. The test is invalid if no clearly visible color line appears.
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