As a musician, you might not think much about drug testing. After all, you’re just playing music, right? However, think again if you hope to get a gig or a recording contract. Many parts of the music business require drug tests. The use of mouth swab test kits is becoming increasingly common.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Virology found that mouth swab tests were equally effective as nasal swab tests for detecting the influenza virus. The study involved a sample of 74 individuals who were tested using both a mouth swab test and a nasal swab test. In this post, we’ll explore why musicians should be aware of the drug test and what you can do to prepare.
What is a Mouth Swab Drug Test?
It is a non-invasive drug test that checks for drugs in your body by looking at your saliva sample. The test is often used because it is quick, easy, and painless. The swab is rubbed on your cheek to collect saliva, then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why is the Test Important in the Music Industry?
Drug testing has become a standard practice in many industries, including music. Musicians may take a drug test before being hired for a gig, tour, or recording contract. Drug use can seriously affect a musician’s ability to perform and safety.
For example, if you’re playing an instrument or singing, you must be alert, focused, and coordinated. Drug use can impair your ability to do these things, putting you and your bandmates at risk. Drug use can also make people act in unpredictable ways, which can be a problem on tour or in the studio.
What Drugs Can The Test Detect?
The test can detect a variety of drugs, including:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Amphetamines
- Methamphetamine
- PCP
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?
The effects of drugs and how long they last depend on many things, such as the type of drug, the amount used, and the person’s metabolism. In general, though, the following drugs can be found in your saliva for the following lengths of time:
- Marijuana: up to 24 hours
- Cocaine: up to 72 hours
- Opiates: up to 48 hours
- Amphetamines: up to 72 hours
- Methamphetamine: up to 72 hours
- PCP: up to 72 hours
- Benzodiazepines: up to 48 hours
- Barbiturates: up to 72 hours
How Can You Prepare for a Mouth Swab Drug Test?
If you know, you’ll be taking a mouth drug test. There are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Stop using drugs: The most obvious thing you can do is to stop using drugs. If you stop using drugs at least a few days before the test, there’s a good chance that the drugs will be out of your system.
- Cleanse your mouth: Several mouthwash products help cleanse your mouth of drugs. There’s no guarantee that these products will work. They may be worth a try if you’re concerned about passing the test.
- Be honest: If you know you won’t pass the test, be honest with your potential employer or bandmates. They may be willing to work with you or help you get the treatment you need to overcome your drug problem.
Conclusion
As a musician, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of this test in the music industry. Drug use can seriously affect your ability to perform and safety on the job. The oral test can detect various drugs. You can do several things to prepare, including stopping drug use, cleansing your mouth, and being honest about your situation.
At Halux Diagnostic, we understand the importance of drug testing in the music industry and beyond. We offer different kinds of drug testing, like mouth swab drug tests, to help employers and individuals make sure their workplaces are safe and drug-free. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
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