Methadone accounts for around 1% of all opioids prescribed for pain but accounts for approximately 23% of all prescription opioid deaths.

This is likely because methadone is also prescribed for opiate addiction and many people misuse their prescriptions. The best way to avoid prescription and illegally obtained opioid deaths is through drug testing.

The methadone clinic drug test is a great option for medical facilities and their patients. Keep reading to learn more about this drug test.

Understanding Methadone

Before learning about the methadone clinic drug testing, it is essential to understand the drug. Methadone is often used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to reduce the use of heroin and other opiates.

When taken as prescribed, the medication is effective and safe to use. However, methadone is addictive and a lot of people don’t take methadone under supervision.

Safety Tips for Methadone Clinics

Do methadone clinics test for drugs and how often do methadone clinics drug test are two questions that staff members and patients might be curious about.

Methadone clinics will test for multiple substances, including opiates and methadone. The number of times a clinic will test a patient depends on the location of the clinic and the patient’s circumstances.

Patients going to a methadone clinic should use the following tips to achieve the best treatment results:

  • Never use more methadone than what is prescribed
  • Don’t take extra doses if you miss a dose or feel like it’s not working
  • Don’t consume alcohol while taking methadone
  • Be careful when driving or operating machinery on methadone
  • Call 911 if you suspect an overdose
  • Store methadone at room temperature

Some methadone clinics will offer in-patient treatment programs for those who need full-time care to overcome opiate addiction. The best drug test can also help to achieve effective treatment results.

Methadone Side Effects

A methadone clinic drug test is necessary if you or someone you know is experiencing side effects. All side effects should be taken seriously as some of them indicate major problems. Common side effects include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shallow breathing
  • Feeling lightheaded or faint
  • Swelling of the throat, face, tongue, or lips
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Confusion or hallucinations

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to call emergency services right away.

What Is the Best Methadone Clinic Drug Test?

A methadone clinic urine test is the best option for methadone clinics and those who want to test for methadone at home. A methadone urine test from 12 Panel Now is 99% accurate, easy to use, and affordable.

At 12panelnow.com, there are a variety of urine drug tests that test for methadone. The most popular option is the 12 panel drug test cup because it tests for methadone along with 11 other substances.

At 12panelnow, there are different 12 panel drug test cup options to choose from. A common option for clinics is the 12 Panel Drug Test with TCA that tests for the following substances:

  • Amphetamines (AMP)
  • Barbiturates (BAR)
  • Benzodiazepines (BZO)
  • Buprenorphine (BUP)
  • Cocaine (COC)
  • Ecstasy (MDMA)
  • Marijuana (THC)
  • Methadone (MTD)
  • Methamphetamine (mAMP or MET)
  • Morphine (OPI)
  • Oxycodone (OXY)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)

The other three 12 paneled urine test cup options are variations of the above drug test but all include methadone. The other three options include:

  1. 12 Panel Drug Test with PCP
  2. 12 Panel Drug Test with Adulterants
  3. 12 Panel Drug Test with EtG

Methadone clinics might find it useful to use the last option because it tests for EtG, the metabolite of alcohol. It is important for patients taking methadone to not be drinking alcohol with the medication.

Other paneled rapid drug test cups that test for methadone include the following:

All of these urine drug test cups are available through 12panelnow. You can check 12panelnow reviews to figure out which is best for your methadone clinic.

How Does Testing Work?

Now that you know where to buy drug tests, you’ll need to know how the testing process works.

The methadone urine test administered through a paneled cup is simple to use. When you purchase a bulk drug test kit, you receive instructions on how to administer the test. We’ll go over the steps to show you how easy it is.

  1. Remove the drug test cup from the pouch
  2. Write the patient’s information on the cup
  3. Collect the urine sample in the cup
  4. Close the secure lid
  5. Remove the label from the test cup
  6. Read results after 5 minutes

The urine cup drug test works the same no matter which paneled test you choose. Another benefit is that reading results for any of the tests also works the same.

Interpreting Test Results

Methadone drug test results are easy to interpret. A paneled test will have multiple membranes for each substance that are clear to read. Each membrane will have a control region (C) and a test region (T).

When only one colored band appears in the control region (C), the test is positive. If colored bands appear in the control region (C) and the test region (T), the test is negative.

The test is invalid if a band fails to appear in the control region (C) for any test. This is why ordering drug tests in bulk is recommended so you can readminister the test if it were to come up invalid.

Plus, methadone clinics can benefit from having additional drug tests on hand for any circumstances.

Methadone Drug Test Strip

If you don’t want or need a cup drug test because you only need to test for methadone, a methadone drug test strip might be your best option. These tests also use a urine sample to detect methadone in the body.

Although interpreting the results is the same whether you choose a urine cup test or a urine test strip, the process of administering a strip test is a bit different. Here’s how it works:

  1. Take a urine sample from the donor
  2. Remove the drug test strip from the pouch
  3. Hold the strip by the end without touching the membrane
  4. Dip the strip into the urine specimen for at least 10-15 seconds
  5. Remove the test strip and place it on a flat, non-absorbent surface
  6. Read results after 5 minutes

Reading the test results after 10 minutes might show invalid or inconclusive results. Set a timer to ensure you are reading the results when 5 minutes is up.

Why You Should Test for Methadone

Although methadone can be used to stop an opiate addiction, the medication has addictive properties. Using a methadone clinic drug test can benefit staff and patients.

When you order tests from 12 Panel Now, you can take advantage of detecting more than one substance. Doing so can help substance abuse problems overall.

We’re ready to start your bulk order now! Contact us today to learn about our quick shipping options.