- Daniel Miller
- Updated: May 31, 2023
What To Expect From A Probation Drug Test
If you’re on probation, you may have to submit to random drug testing as part of your court order.
There are a few different types of drug test which could be carried out. However, it’s important to note that most drug tests while on probation will be carried out “at-will” without notice.
What Is A Probation Drug Test
Probation drug tests could be carried out quite frequently or only occasionally, depending on your offense. If you’re considered low-risk, you may just be tested bi-monthly or even less often, whereas if you are believed to be higher risk, you will be tested more frequently.
The procedures and types of the drug test will vary depending on the county’s regulations or state in which you live.
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What Do They Test?
If you are given the standard five-panel urine test, your probation officer will be looking for evidence of you having taken marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, PCP, and opiates (as well as alcohol).
If you have to have a 10-panel test, your PO will be looking for all of the above, plus benzodiazepines, methadone, barbiturates, Quaaludes, and propoxyphene.
Sometimes, additional testing for opiates will be added to either of the above tests, looking for oxymorphone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and hydrocodone.
Are Probation Drug Tests Supervised?
Procedures will differ from place to place. While some urine drug tests are supervised, with a same-gender technician or nurse accompanying you to the bathroom to ensure that all testing procedures are adhered to correctly, others will be carried out without another person being physically present.
If you are permitted to go to the bathroom alone to fill the cup, you will be required to leave all of your belongings in a different room while the test is carried out, and your pockets must be emptied.
Once you have given the sample back to the technician, its temperature will be taken to ensure it is in the right range. The collector and yourself must always have sight of the specimen until it has been packaged and sealed for testing.
What Tests Will Be Required?
Usually, the probation drug test involves urinating into a cup. This either has a five-panel drug test built into it, or a 5-panel test strip will be dipped into it. If the sample fails, further analysis will often be required. Sometimes, a more complex probation drug test may be carried out, for example, a 12-panel test.
Sometimes, you may be asked to give a hair sample instead of a urine sample for testing instead, should you be unable to produce a suitable sample. The hair follicle test can detect drug use from as long ago as three months. There is also a saliva test, which involves taking a swab of the inside of the mouth and testing it for marijuana, amphetamines,
