Drugs that are commonly missed by standard UK drug tests
Drug testing in the UK—whether in the workplace, healthcare, or legal settings—typically involves screening for a defined list of commonly abused substances. These standard panels are effective for detecting the most prevalent drugs, but they do not cover all possible substances. It is important for employers, individuals, and testing providers to understand the limitations of routine drug tests and which substances may go undetected.
Which drugs are typically tested for in the UK?
Standard UK drug testing panels generally include:
- Standard 5-panel drug tests: Cannabis (THC), cocaine, opiates (heroin/morphine), amphetamines, MDMA
- 6 to 10-panel tests: May include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, MDMA (ecstasy), in addition to the above
More comprehensive drug test panels are available but are less commonly used unless specifically requested.
Drugs commonly not detected by standard drug test panels
1. Prescription and less commonly abused drugs
Many prescribed medications do not show up on a routine drug screen unless the panel is specifically designed to detect them. These include:
- Antidepressants: SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and others are not targeted in workplace drug screens.
- Certain opioids: Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, tramadol, and oxycodone may not be detected unless specifically included in the panel.
- Some benzodiazepines: Drugs such as lorazepam or temazepam may be missed, particularly if the test is not sensitive to benzodiazepine metabolites.
2. New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)
Often referred to as “legal highs,” these include:
- Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., “Spice”)
- Synthetic cathinones (e.g., mephedrone)
- Designer opioids
These substances often fall outside the detection capabilities of standard panels and require specialised drug test panels or laboratory-based testing.
3. Inhalants and volatile substances
Solvents such as butane, propane, nitrous oxide, and toluene (often used recreationally) are not detected by urine or saliva drug tests and require specific toxicology screening.
4. Alcohol
Standard drug tests do not include alcohol. While breathalysers detect recent alcohol use, tests for alcohol metabolites (such as ETG ethyl glucuronide) are not typically part of standard workplace drug screens. Many of our multi-panel saliva drug test kits now include a saliva screen for alcohol.
5. Ketamine
Ketamine is not included in most standard 5 or 6-panel drug tests and would only be detected in extended or bespoke drug testing solutions. UK Drug Testing have a range of drug testing panels that include a test for ketamine.
6. Anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are another group of substances that typically do not show up on standard UK workplace drug tests. These performance-enhancing drugs are often used illicitly by individuals looking to build muscle mass or improve athletic performance, and their misuse is increasingly seen among both professional athletes and members of the general public, particularly in gym environments. Steroids can pose serious health risks, including liver damage, cardiovascular issues, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects such as aggression and mood swings. Because they are not part of routine drug screening panels, detection usually requires specialised laboratory testing, such as urine or blood analysis designed specifically for steroid metabolites. Employers or organisations concerned about steroid use must request these targeted tests separately.
Why this matters
Understanding what is not included in a standard drug test is just as important as knowing what is. A negative drug test result does not necessarily mean the individual is drug-free—it simply indicates that the substances included in that specific test panel were not detected.
In recent years, newer synthetic drugs—often referred to as Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS)—have posed a growing challenge across the UK. Substances like synthetic cannabinoids (commonly known as “Spice”) and synthetic opioids, including fentanyl analogues, have been linked to a rise in drug-related incidents, hospital admissions, and fatalities. These drugs are often cheap, highly potent, and unpredictable in their effects, making them particularly dangerous. Unlike traditional drugs of abuse, NPS are frequently designed to evade standard drug testing and legislation, complicating both detection and regulation. Their presence is increasingly noted not only in street use but also within prisons, homeless communities, and among vulnerable individuals, highlighting an urgent need for more robust testing and public health responses.
In safety-critical industries or situations where the use of less common drugs is suspected, it is advisable to use an extended or customised drug panel that includes newer drugs including synthetic opioids, ketamine and other relevant substances.
Tailored drug testing options at UK Drug Testing
At UKDrugTesting.co.uk, we offer a range of drug testing kits and solutions, from standard 5-panel kits to extended 18-panel tests and laboratory-confirmed analysis. Our team can advise you on:
- Choosing the right test drug test panel for your needs
- When laboratory confirmation may be appropriate
- How to manage declared prescription drug use within workplace drug testing policies
- Ensuring legal compliance in workplace and healthcare drug testing programs
Key points to remember
- Standard UK drug tests only screen for a specific list of substances.
- Many prescription drugs, synthetic substances, and solvents may not detected by many drug tests performed in the UK currently.
- Customised drug testing is available for more comprehensive screening.
- Always consider the context of the test and the potential need for a broader panel.
Contact us
For professional advice on workplace drug testing and to explore our full range of products, visit UKDrugTesting.co.uk or contact our team for tailored support.