Last updated : June 16, 2025
If you have decided to promote a drug-free workplace, good for you! Drug use should never be condoned in the workplace. If you’re just starting to get the ball rolling, we strongly urge you to reach out to someone—like us, perhaps—knowledgeable about your state’s drug testing laws before writing any policies or procedures. The same goes for choosing the test method and panels for your drug test. Some states have stipulations on these issues, and you don’t want to fall out of compliance.
By now, everyone realizes that employee drug testing isn’t viewed as a detriment to a company by anyone but drug users. Employers choose to drug test for many reasons. One is because it deters drug use in the workplace from the get-go. Many people who use drugs don’t even bother to apply if they know the company identifies as drug-free.
Employees impaired by drug use are far more likely to cause an accident, which puts them and anyone working near them at higher risk of being involved. Moreover, drug users tend to be absent more often, require frequent trips to the doctor, and cause a drop in productivity because they aren’t able to remain focused on the task at hand.
Statistics prove that operating a drug-free workplace has a positive effect on the company as a whole.
Which test is right for you?
The first thing to decide is which employee drug testing method best fits your company. Actually, unless mandated by federal or state entities, employers are free to use different test methods for specific scenarios that can arise.
For instance, currently the Department of Transportation (DOT) only allows safety-sensitive employers to use urine drug testing. However, wanting to give employers options, the oral fluid test is approved for use as soon as there are two SAMHSA-certified laboratories to receive samples. Approval of the hair follicle test is being closely looked into as well.
Let’s take a closer look at all three test methods.
Urine drug test
This test method has always been the most commonly used employee drug test. They are economical and accurate. However, because the test subject is out of sight of the technician while producing the sample, cheaters can tamper with it in hopes of achieving a false negative result. This is done in several ways, which include:
- Adding adulterants such as vinegar or water to the specimen
- Using synthetic urine smuggled into the restroom
- Substituting someone’s urine who doesn’t use drugs
Oral fluid drug test
Also known as the mouth swab drug test, the oral fluid test is gaining more support within the drug testing industry. The tests have proven to be accurate and, due to their shorter detection period, are beneficial in determining recent drug use.
They are considered less invasive than urine tests. Moreover, the test subject is never out of the technician’s sight, making it impossible to tamper with the specimen.
Hair follicle drug test
Despite the name of the test, technicians aren’t required to remove actual hair follicles; rather, hair follicles are one of the areas where drug metabolites store themselves to await excretion from the body. Once they leave the body, however, they fuse with the hair shaft and remain in the hair permanently.
The hair test detects any drug use for 90 days before the test. Technicians always have sight of the subject, thereby eliminating any risk of tampering. A quick snip of the scissors provides the needed sample, and minutes later, the remaining documentation is complete.
Plethora of panels
Safety-sensitive employers are mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to use a 5 panel test that looks for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, including methamphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP).
Many employers of the general workforce tend to use a “non-DOT” drug test, which includes the same drug testing panels used for the safety-sensitive workforce. Drug testing companies offer a variety of standard drug tests that include a variety of test panels. The 5 panel and 10 panel screens tend to be the most popular.
The standard five panel test includes the same drugs that the DOT tests for, while the 10 panel drug test adds the following drugs:
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Methaqualone
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
Moreover, in light of the massive amounts of fentanyl flooding into our country, some employers are adding this test panel to their employee drug tests. They can easily request that one of the test panels be removed and replaced with a fentanyl panel rather than adding another panel to the line-up.
Small companies looking to cut costs at every turn could benefit from participating in our Drug Testing in a Box program. It allows employers to drug test their employees on-site and eliminates the “middle man.” We train your chosen employee to become a qualified test technician. If a question or problem arises, we’re only a phone call away. Once enrolled, we monitor your supplies and replace items as they are used.
Drug testing companies—like ours, for instance—also allow employers to create a unique company test. It enables them to choose the specific drugs that are plaguing their communities. This includes specialty drugs such as steroids, synthetic marijuana, and bath salts.
Confidence brings peace of mind
Once you decide to go drug-free, decide which drugs to test for and the method you will use for employee testing. Next, choose a drug testing company to work with that can oversee your program, even ensuring that your testing policies and procedures are correctly documented in writing.
It won’t be long before you see the benefits of operating a drug-free workplace firsthand. Workplace accidents will decrease, so will absenteeism and tardiness issues. Productivity levels will rise, and your turnover rates are likely to decrease as well.
Moreover, though, company morale is likely to become more positive and easygoing. That’s because your employees who don’t use drugs will appreciate the fact that you’re looking out for them. It’s no picnic working with—or picking up the slack for—someone suspected of using drugs in the workplace.
Employees who know that their employer truly cares about their well-being feel good about working for them. They’re encouraged to give their all, all day, every day. They feel satisfied with their career choice. Wait and see how the ripple effect of that flows throughout your entire company in a very positive way.
