Premier Biotech Help Center

A resource outlining answers to common questions regarding our drug testing products, laboratory services, customer solutions and additional helpful information. Have a question that is not answered here? Require additional assistance? We would appreciate the opportunity to help. Please contact us directly via email and one of our experienced support staff will contact you back shortly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the BUP strip take longer and more faint compared to other drug strips?

The Premier Bio-Cup is testing for BUP at 5ng/mL. Because we are testing at such a sensitive level, which studies indicate is necessary to effectively detect BUP use, the test chemistry takes a bit longer than other test lines to form and tends to form a lighter line because of the low cut-off level. It is very important to remember that it is completely normal for the BUP line to take longer to form and be less intense (lighter) than the surrounding test strips. Make sure to wait the full 5 minutes before calling a BUP line positive.

Why do some test (T) lines appear more faint than others?
The presence of a line, regardless of its intensity, is to be read as a NEGATIVE result. Because of the chemical composition of certain drugs and metabolites along with the test strip chemistry, variation in cut-off levels for each drug, and expected variation in human donor specimen, it is normal for some lines to appear more intense (darker) than others. Any shade of color in the test (T) region should  be considered a NEGATIVE result.
What does a lab confirmation test tell us?

The LC-MS/MS laboratory confirmation provides a specific and definitive result. Lab confirmation testing will indicate the exact compound in the sample ie. It WILL differentiate whether the OPI positive result was due to heroin, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, or a combination of these. The confirmation result is absolutely specific and definitive. Premier Biotech will provide toxicology testimony if necessary so that results are upheld in court.

What are the differences between screening and confirmations?

Screening refers to a preliminary test that yields a qualitative “Positive or Negative” result. Screening can be conducted with a rapid test or using laboratory instrumentation (EIA, EMIT). Both rapid tests and lab screens use the same testing technology, called immunoassay technology. Screening technology is non-specific in that it does not differentiate among the drug class. For example, a positive OPIATE result only indicates that there is some opiate present. It does not indicate whether it is hydrocodone (vicodin), codeine (tylenol 3), heroin, or a combination of these.

Confirmation testing utilizes high complexity instrumentation that yields a definite and specific result. Best practice for confirmation testing involves using either a GC/MS or LC-MS/MS. The results of a confirmation test provide an absolute and definite result that indicates the specific drug/compound present in the urine or oral fluid sample. Premier Biotech utilizes all LC-MS/MS instrumentation for confirmation testing which is considered to be the platinum standard. LC-MS/MS results are defensible in court.

Would someone taking Vicodin report a presumptive positive for both the OPI and OXY strip?
No, only the OPI (opiate) strip would be positive.
If a donor is taking Tylenol-3. Would they report a presumptive positive result for oxycodone?
No. They would be positive for codeine, and possibly morphine/hydrocodone as they are metabolites for codeine. Donor should not be positive for oxycodone.
Does the opiate strip pick up Oxycodone?

No. Oxycodone requires its own separate test to effectively detect.

What cross reacts with the standard opiate (OPI) panel?
The standard OPIATE panel cross reacts with morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone. To effectively test for the synthetic opioids (prescription pain pills) specific tests strips are required. Oxycodone, fentanyl, tramadol, and buprenorphine require their own specific test strips. Premier Biotech’s innovative portfolio includes exclusive configurations that tests for many of the prescription opioids and the most relevant drugs of abuse.
Why would EDDP be advantageous over a test for MTD?

In many cases, the test administrator would like to know if the individual is actually taking their prescribed methadone and not diverting it. If you are using a standard methadone test you cannot tell the difference as you can sprinkle some MTD from a tablet into the sample and you will get a positive. If you use an EDDP test, you are testing for the MTD metabolite which allows you to make sure the person is taking their recommended dose.

Additionally, you will also pick up the abuser that is not prescribed and is just abusing it.

EtG negative, EtS positive...Alcohol consumption?

EtG can degrade. EtS is present, alcohol was consumed.

Can EtG be confirmed at the lab??

Yes.

Why would THC be negative in the rapid cup while positive on a lab confirmation?

Cutoff for THC is much lower via the confirmation method. Low result may not be enough to be detected within a cup.

Why are cutoffs lower with confirmation testing compared to rapid test devices?

Screening technology is less specific than mass spec (LC/MS/MS, GC/MS) technology. It is recommended to have presumptive positive results confirmed at the lab.

Would adderall be picked up on the methamphetamine strip?

No. Adderall would only test positive for amphetamine.

Does Premier Biotech offer testing services onsite?

No. We do not have any onsite testing at our facility.

Are personal use drug tests available for purchase?

Tests for personal use can be found on Amazon.

What is a non-fatal flaw on the lab report?

Premier Biotech notates on the final report if there are any incomplete fields. The fields that were omitted on this specimen are not central to the chain of custody procedure and are therefore insufficient to reject the specimen, i.e. “non-fatal flaws”.

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