Last updated: April 22, 2024
Random drug testing is an effective tool in combating drug use and creating a drug free workplace.
What is Random Drug Testing?
Random selection is used to create a pool of employees to be tested for the use of drugs or alcohol. The time and date of the test remain confidential until it is conducted which prevent employees from avoiding it or preparing ahead of time.
All staff may be tested, regardless of their title or position within the company. All safety-sensitive personnel, such as those in manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, transportation, etc., should be included in the selection pool.
How is Random Drug Testing Conducted?
When an employee is informed that they have been selected, they will proceed immediately to the collection site. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, any time spent taking a required drug test is considered hours worked, so employees must be paid for that time. USAMDT will set up your collection site at your location or the location of your choice so there is virtually no downtime and employees don’t have the opportunity to cheat the test.
We produce a computer-generated selection pool to prevent tampering or “favors” that might help an employee avoid being tested.
Results can be obtained from urine, saliva, or hair samples, so we can conduct random drug testing anywhere, even without private facilities.
What Will Show up in a Drug Test?
There are various types of drug tests, including 5 panel, 10 panel, and non-standard drug tests, enabling employers to test for:
- Amphetamines (meth, speed, crank, ecstasy)
- THC (cannabinoids, marijuana, hash)
- Cocaine (coke, crack)
- Opiates (heroin, opium, codeine, morphine)
- Phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust)
- Barbiturates (phenobarbital, butalbital, secobarbital, downers)
- Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers like Valium, Librium, Xanax)
- Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
- Methadone (often used to treat heroin addiction)
- Propoxyphene (Darvon compounds)
- Hallucinogens (LSD, mushrooms, mescaline, peyote)
- Inhalants (paint, glue, hairspray)
- Anabolic steroids (synthesized, muscle-building hormones)
- Hydrocodone (prescription medication known as Lortab, Vicodin, Oxycodone)
- MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy)
Who Can See the Results of a Drug Test?
Drug test results are classified as personal health information, so there are restrictions on when and how that information can be shared with others. Employers need to have employees sign a release form before drug testing. More information about these restrictions can be found on the HIPAA Web site or by contacting your USAMDT representative.