The sweat patch drug test is a type of drug testing that involves applying a patch to the skin to collect sweat over a period of time. The patch is typically worn for up to 14 days, and it is used to detect the presence of drugs in the individual’s system.
What kinds of drugs does the drug patch detect?
The exact drugs that the patch can detect will depend on the specific test being used.
Most sweat patches can detect a wide range of drugs, including but not limited to:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- PCP
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone
- LSD
How far back does a sweat patch detect drugs?
This test is typically able to detect drug use within the past few days. However, the exact length of time that the test can detect drug use will depend on several factors, including the type of drug being tested for and the individual’s metabolism.
Are sweat patch drug tests accurate?
No drug test is 100% accurate 100% of the time. According to the National Library of Medicine’s study: “the results of this study suggest that it would be premature to replace urine toxicology testing with sweat patch testing in both research and clinical settings…”
Indeed, sweat patches are subject to false positives. That brings us to our list of pros and cons.
Advantages and disadvantages of sweat patch testing:
Pros:
- Sweat patches are fairly tamper proof because the patch can not be removed and reapplied without it being obvious that the patch was tampered with.
- Sweat patches provide long detection windows. For example, many patches are worn for around 14 days. Any drug usage during that time frame may show up on the sweat patch test.
- Sweat patches are non-invasive.
- Results from sweat patch tests are readily available in around 2 days.
Cons:
- Sweat patches are subject to false positives.
- Sweat patches are limited because they may not be used on very hairy people or people with abrasions on their skin.
- Some people fine sweat patches embarrassing.