Last updated : November 11, 2024
Many employers require potential candidates to successfully complete a background verification and drug screening process before they formally extend an employment offer. This preliminary research is helpful for employers who want to ensure they are choosing the best candidates for a specific role. Having these results beforehand also helps companies avoid avoid potential liability issues if an accident or injury occurs while an employee is active on the job. Pre-employment drug testing is a comprehensive tool that can be tailored to the specific needs of any particular business or industry.
Substances Revealed
An employer can request a general pre-employment drug test or can specify that a screening search for the presence of a particular substance. Drug and alcohol testing is usually performed immediately following an accident or when an employer suspects impairment based on erratic employee behavior. Since pre-employment drug testing procedures are performed as a precautionary measure, they are broad and may test for alcohol, barbiturates, cocaine, marijuana, methadone, opiates, and other natural and synthetic substances.
Collection Methods
Depending on the specific needs of an employer, there are many options for a pre-employment drug screening collection contract. Urine specimens are still the most commonly collected samples for a drug test, but blood and hair samples may also be analyzed for the presence of drugs and alcohol. New technology even allows a mouth swab to collect enough tissue to make a reasonable determination of recent drug use. Results for most tests are available within a few business days when sent to a laboratory for processing. When industries have a need for frequent and immediate determination of potential drug use, they can employ the expertise of drug testing facilities that offer mobile services and can conduct tests onsite and provide instant results.
