Drug and Alcohol Testing Flashcards
30 cards from real MEPS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Drug and Alcohol Testing flashcards as text
What type of drug test is typically administered at MEPS during the initial enlistment physical?
Answer: Urine drug screen
MEPS uses a urine drug screen as the primary method to test for illicit substances during the enlistment physical.
What drugs are typically included in the standard military urine drug panel at MEPS?
Answer: Marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP
The standard MEPS drug panel tests for marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines (including methamphetamine), opiates (including heroin and morphine), and phencyclidine (PCP).
What is the 'chain of custody' in military drug testing?
Answer: A documented process ensuring the urine sample is tracked from collection to laboratory result without tampering
Chain of custody is the documented, unbroken record of how a urine specimen is collected, labeled, sealed, transported, and analyzed, ensuring its integrity and admissibility.
If a prescription medication causes a positive drug test result at MEPS, what is the proper procedure?
Answer: The applicant must provide documentation of the prescription, and a Medical Review Officer (MRO) evaluates the result
A Medical Review Officer (MRO) reviews positive test results and considers legitimate prescription documentation before making a final determination.
What happens if an applicant tests positive for marijuana at MEPS?
Answer: They may apply for a waiver, but policies vary by branch and depend on the amount detected
A positive marijuana test at MEPS typically results in disqualification, but applicants may seek a waiver; policies vary by branch and current regulations.
How long does THC (marijuana) typically remain detectable in urine after occasional use?
Answer: Up to 3 days for occasional use, up to 30 days for heavy chronic use
THC metabolites can be detectable in urine for about 1–3 days after a single use, but chronic heavy users may test positive for up to 30 days after last use.
Which substance is NOT typically screened for in the standard MEPS urine drug panel?
Answer: Alcohol
Alcohol is not screened for in the standard urine drug panel at MEPS; urine testing targets illicit substances. Alcohol is evaluated through observation and interview.
What is a 'dilute' urine specimen in drug testing?
Answer: A specimen with abnormally low creatinine or specific gravity, suggesting excessive water intake to mask drug use
A dilute specimen has a urine creatinine level below 20 mg/dL or specific gravity below 1.0030, indicating the sample was excessively diluted, possibly to lower drug concentrations below detectable thresholds.
What action does the military typically take when a specimen is reported as 'substituted'?
Answer: It is treated as a refused test or a positive result, typically resulting in disqualification
A 'substituted' specimen is treated as a refusal to test, which is equivalent to a positive result and typically results in disqualification and possible legal consequences.
What must MEPS applicants disclose regarding drug use prior to the drug test?
Answer: Past drug use on the medical history questionnaire, even if the test is negative
Applicants must disclose drug use history on the DD Form 2807 medical history questionnaire, regardless of whether the urine test is negative. Failure to disclose is considered fraudulent enlistment.
What does the MEPS drug testing laboratory use to confirm a positive immunoassay screen result?
Answer: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is the gold standard confirmatory method used to verify positive immunoassay drug screen results at DoD-certified laboratories.
What is the military's zero-tolerance policy regarding drug use?
Answer: The military prohibits all illegal drug use and will discharge service members found to have used illegal drugs, with very limited exceptions
The military's zero-tolerance policy means that any confirmed illegal drug use is grounds for separation, and there are very limited exceptions or second chances.
How long is cocaine typically detectable in urine?
Answer: 2–4 days
Cocaine metabolites (primarily benzoylecgonine) are typically detectable in urine for 2–4 days after use in most individuals.
What does the MEPS evaluator look for regarding alcohol specifically?
Answer: They look for behavioral signs of intoxication and may conduct a breathalyzer if alcohol use is suspected
MEPS staff observe applicants for behavioral signs of alcohol intoxication and can administer a breathalyzer test if alcohol use is suspected, though alcohol is not part of the standard urine panel.
What is a 'moral waiver' in the context of MEPS drug testing?
Answer: An official permission allowing an applicant with a prior disqualifying history (such as drug use) to enlist under specific conditions
A moral waiver is an official permission granted by the branch's recruiting command allowing an applicant with a prior disqualifying issue—such as drug use history—to enlist under carefully reviewed conditions.
Can an applicant who was previously disqualified for a positive drug test at MEPS ever reapply?
Answer: Yes, typically after a waiting period and sometimes after completing a drug rehabilitation program
Applicants who were disqualified for a positive drug test may reapply after a specified waiting period, typically ranging from 90 days to over a year depending on the branch and substance involved.
What is the detection window for methamphetamine in urine?
Answer: 3–5 days
Methamphetamine is typically detectable in urine for 3–5 days after last use, though heavy chronic use can extend this window slightly.
Why do MEPS drug tests use both a screening test AND a confirmation test?
Answer: To ensure accuracy by catching false positives from the initial immunoassay screen with the more specific GC-MS method
The two-step process catches false positives: the fast immunoassay screen is sensitive but not perfectly specific, and GC-MS confirmation ensures only true positives are reported.
What happens if an applicant refuses to submit a urine specimen at MEPS?
Answer: Refusal is treated as a positive test result and typically results in disqualification
Refusal to provide a urine specimen is treated as equivalent to a positive drug test result, leading to immediate disqualification.
What is the standard urine drug test cut-off concentration for marijuana (THC-COOH) in military screening?
Answer: 50 ng/mL
The military uses an immunoassay screen cut-off of 50 ng/mL for THC-COOH (the primary marijuana metabolite), with GC-MS confirmation at 15 ng/mL.