Instant-View® Drugs of Abuse Tests FAQs
What is included in a kit?
What are the recommended storage conditions for the testing device and the urine specimens?
How can a sample be diluted or adulterated?
How far should the dip strip and multi-panel device be dipped into the specimen?
For the optional procedure, how many drops of the specimen should be used on the multi-panel device?
How do I know if the test worked properly?
How are the results interpreted?
What should I do with a positive result?
Cassette test: 25 tests/kit and one (1) instruction sheet
Dip Strip test: 50 tests/kit and one (1) instruction sheet
Multi-panel test (2-6 panel): 25 tests/kit and one (1) instruction sheet
Multi-panel test (7-12 panel): 20 tests/kit and one (1) instruction sheet
What are the recommended storage conditions for the testing device and the urine specimens?
The kit, including the test strips, cassette or multi-panel devices, can be stored at room temperature 15-30°C (59-86°F) until the printed expiration date on the label if it remains sealed in its pouch containing desiccant.
The urine specimens may be kept at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F), for 8 hours, at 2-8°C for up to 3 days and at -20°C or lower for prolonged storage.
How can a sample be diluted or adulterated?
Samples may be diluted by either adding a fluid to the sample after collection or by drinking excess amounts of fluids before taking the drug test.
Another form of tampering is substitution. Samples can be substituted with non-urine substances such as apple juice, lemonade, beer, or water. Also, samples can be substituted with another person’s urine and be brought into the collection site by taping a bag of urine to their leg or by using a pump.
Having a controlled sample collection environment and procedure can help minimize tampered samples. Diluted or substituted samples can have abnormal temperatures; therefore, we offer a sample collection cup with a temperature strip to ensure the sample is the correct temperature before the test is performed. Make sure temperatures are taken within 4 minutes of sample collection. In addition, donors can be required to wash their hands prior to providing the sample and/or provide their sample in a bathroom with limited water supply.
How far should the dip strip and multi-panel device be dipped into the specimen?
When performing the dipping method, make sure to dip the test strip or multi-panel device into the specimen for at least 10 seconds. Make sure to keep the specimen below the level indicated by the arrows on the test strips. For multi-panel devices, keep the specimen level below the level indicated by the arrows on the test strip, but above the sample well on the device.
For the optional procedure, how many drops of the specimen should be used on the multi-panel device?
The Instant-View® 2-6 multi-panel devices have the option to be used as either as a dip and read device or with the transfer pipette method. When using the pipette method, a full dropper (or 12 drops) of specimen should be used to insure sufficient sample size.
How do I know if the test worked properly?
The Instant-View® tests have a built-in control line to show the test is working properly. If the Control (C) line does not appear, repeat the test with a new device. External controls may be used according to local laboratory guidelines.
How are the results interpreted?
Read the test results between four (4) to seven (7) minutes after adding the specimen. The results should not be read after seven (7) minutes.
Positive: The absence of the Test (T) line indicates a positive result
Negative: If the C line and the T line both appear, the result indicates that the level for the corresponding drug or its metabolite is below the cut-off level. Please note, a very faint line in the test region (T line) should be considered negative.
Invalid: If no C line develops within five (5) minutes, the test is invalid. In this case, repeat the test with a new testing device.
What should I do with a positive result?
The absence of a line in the test region (T line) indicates a presumptive positive result. Samples with positive results should be confirmed with a more specific method before a positive determination is made.
The Instant-View® tests provide only a preliminary analytical test result. A more specific alternate chemical method must be used to obtain a confirmed analytical result. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrophotometry (GC/MS) is one of the preferred confirmatory method. Clinical consideration and professional judgment should be applied to any drug of abuse test result, particularly when preliminary positive results are used.