Collection: Methadone (MTD) Drug Tests

What is MTD on a Drug Test?

Methadone (or MTD, as it is referred to when drug screening), is an opioid medication that has pain-relieving effects. Essentially, when MTD is listed on a screening device, it means that the test is capable of detecting methadone in the human body.

Why Test for Methadone?

Many consumers are surprised to learn that methadone is a substance that is often misused.

This confusion often comes from the fact that methadone is primarily prescribed to treat addiction. In many cases, methadone is used to help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal in patients who are addicted to other drugs, including heroin, morphine and oxycodone. Methadone actually suppresses the “high” that is produced by these drugs, while simultaneously having a sedating effect. 

Despite being designed to block the tranquilizing feelings other opioids produce, and being regarded as a much-needed relief for those suffering from withdrawal, methadone does have the potential to become addictive.

In high doses, particularly when the substance is injected, methadone can also produce a euphoric feeling— a sensation many addicts chase.

For this reason, administering a MTD test is recommended for healthcare professionals, law officials, and other entities who suspect an individual may be abusing methadone or may be experiencing adverse side effects caused by the drug.

How Does a MTD Drug Test Work?

MTD drugs can be detected in the body several different ways. Urine, hair, saliva and blood samples can all accurately and conclusively reveal whether or not a person has methadone in their system.

The sample method used is essentially a matter of preference. But some organizations and healthcare professionals opt not to use urine tests if they suspect a person might try to provide a false sample or employ other cheating techniques to get a clean result.

It is much harder to deceive saliva, hair, or blood tests, and these methods also provide a more detailed account regarding how much of the drug is present in the body and how long a person has been using a particular substance.

With this being said, urine sample MTD drug screens are most affordable and are still 99% accurate. Thus, it is up to the consumer to decide which method best suits their needs.

Below is a brief overview of how each methadone drug test method works:

Urine Test

To complete a urine MTD drug analysis, the individual being tested has to urinate into a container. When using test strips, the strip is then submerged in the urine sample for 1-5 minutes until results are indicated. 

At Countrywide Testing, however, we offer QuickScreen cups that have the screening mechanism built into the collection container, eliminating the need to manually submerge a test strip.

With these tests, the person being screened is simply required to urinate into the cup and the results will automatically be revealed in the results panel within 1-5 minutes.

Saliva Test

When administering a saliva MTD drug screen, a cotton swab is removed from a sealed, sterilized package and inserted into the mouth for three (3) minutes. The swab absorbs saliva from the mouth and is then immediately placed in a test cube. 

It is important to note that saliva tests take a little longer to display results, requiring 10 minutes before accurate results can be read. 

Hair Test

Hair follicle MTD drug screens are used by healthcare professionals and other entities who want to determine if an individual has been using methadone for an extended period of time.

In frequent users, methadone can be detected in the hair for up to 90 days.

This testing method is completed by cutting a small bundle of approximately 100 hair strands from the back of the head (where it is less noticeable) and sealing the hair sample in a sealed tube to prevent contamination.

The sample is then sent for laboratory testing, since medical-grade equipment and specialized expertise is required to accurately examine hair follicle specimens.

Because hair follicle samples must be sent to a lab, it can take a week or more for results to be available. However, for organizations and medical professionals who require a more historical understanding of an individual’s methadone use, hair MTD drug screens are the best available testing method aside from ordering blood work.

Blood Test

Blood tests are by far the most conclusive way to determine if a person is abusing or misusing methadone. 

They are also virtually impossible to manipulate.

However, these tests must be completed by physicians or laboratory professionals. 

At Countrywide Testing, our parent company Pharmatech Inc., is one of 27 laboratories worldwide to be accredited as a SAMHSA facility— making it one of the most advanced and reliable labs in existence.

We offer FDA-approved lab drug testing services with industry-leading turnaround times, providing definitive results in under 48 hours in most cases.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN PURCHASING MTD DRUG TESTS? CONTACT US TODAY. WE’D BE HAPPY TO RECOMMEND THE BEST SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEEDS.