Last updated : November 18, 2024
Random drug testing is a potent means to eliminate drug use and establish a drug free workplace.
What is random drug testing?
Employees are randomly selected for drug and alcohol testing. In addition to random selection, the time and date of the test remain confidential until it is time for employees to be tested. This helps to prevent employees from avoiding it or preparing ahead of time.
All employees and volunteers are subject to testing, regardless of their title or position within the company, and all safety-sensitive personnel, like construction, factory, warehouse, etc., should be included in the selection pool.
How is random drug testing conducted?
When an employee is notified that they have been selected, they must proceed immediately to the collection site. Time spent taking a required drug test is considered hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act 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 very little downtime and employees don’t have the opportunity to cheat the test.
We use a computer-generated selection pool to prevent tampering or “favors” that might prevent someone from being tested.
Results can be obtained from urine, saliva, or hair samples, so we can conduct random drug testing anywhere, even if privacy is not available.
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 considered personal health information, so there are restrictions on whether and how the information can be shared with others. This is why a release form must be signed prior to drug testing. More information about these restrictions can be found on the HIPAA Web site or by contacting your USAMDT representative.