Last updated : December 16, 2024
Drug testing in the workplace has become a common occurrence in many industries. For instance, the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates employers of the safety-sensitive workforce to drug test their employees in a number of instances. Employers of the general workforce have more leeway in regard to when and where to drug test their employees
Pre-employment drug testing is one of the common denominators among businesses that have adopted a drug-free workplace policy. Some companies choose to drug test before hiring a candidate to fill a position. Once hired, they are never required to take another test. Post accident testing is usually mandated by workers’ compensation insurance companies and requires that all employees involved in the accident submit a blood sample for testing purposes.
Blood tests can identify parent drugs which indicates that someone is high in the moment. They also identify drug metabolites which are the part of the drug left behind after passing through the body’s metabolization phase. Other drug tests only identify drug metabolites. They’re very expensive, however, and are considered to be the most invasive testing method.
Drug tests used for employee testing
There are three methods from which employers can choose for employee drug testing when putting their drug-free program together. All are proven to provide accurate results, but not all are approved for use in every state. If considering a drug-free workplace, it’s best to check out the laws pertaining to employee drug testing where you operate your business before writing out policies and procedures.
Unless otherwise mandated, employers are free to test for whichever drugs they choose. Many opt to follow the example set by the DOT drug test.
It contains the following test panels:
We’ll note here that although it’s a synthetic opioid, fentanyl is not detected on the normal opioid panel. In light of the fact that traces of it, at the very least, are found in virtually every confiscated drug, it could be wise to specify the panel for your company’s test.
The same goes for oxycontin.
Urine drug test
The urine drug test was the first on the scene and is the number one ranking drug test on the market. Employees have become so used to them, in fact, that they assume it will be time to “pee in a cup” upon hearing about a company drug test. Test technicians document the employee’s arrival and explain the testing process before escorting the subject to the designated restroom.
The restroom toilet water is dyed, usually a dark blue, and the water source is shut off during the time it’s in use for testing. Moist towelettes, or something similar in nature, are provided in lieu of washing hands at the sink.
After the urine specimen is collected, it’s returned to the technician who immediately tests the temperature to ensure it is in the accepted range documented in the company’s policy. The test is signed off as complete and readied for shipment to the lab.
Oral fluid drug test
This drug testing method is becoming more popular—especially for on-site testing. States that allow rapid response tests are seeing an increase in use. That makes sense because rapid response tests are less expensive and there’s really no way to mess them up. Moreover, the majority of drug tests are negative. However, should an employee test positive for drug use, it’s advised that the specimen—or a new one—be sent out to a SAMHSA-certified lab for confirmation testing.
The test is easy to administer. The technician places the oral fluid test swab between the cheek and lower gum. It remains there for a few minutes—it could take up to five—until it becomes saturated. The technician removes the swab from the subject’s mouth and readies it for shipment to the lab.
If rapid tests are being used on-site, the negative result is documented and that’s the end of that. Only positive results are sent out for further testing. This is mainly to ensure the result should a disgruntled employee try to stir up trouble pulling you into court down the road.
Hair testing
The hair follicle drug test remains the most expensive and the least used at this point. However, employers are beginning to realize the value that the hair test affords them that the others do not. It yields 90 days of “look back” time. This points to habitual use and many employers find that information to be very valuable.
The test is considered the least invasive of the three testing methods. The technician simply snips a small group of hairs that resemble the size of a #2 pencil. The hair is cut as close to the scalp as possible from a spot that won’t draw attention.
The technician readies the hair for transport to the lab and the test is completed.
Faking the test
It’s becoming very hard to obtain a false negative drug test result. Advancements in technology and laboratory equipment are seeing to that. Moreover, lab techs are trained to spot visual “red flags” as well.
For instance, in regard to the urine test, “fake pee” is available over the counter in some states and on the black market everywhere. It’s hard to detect the difference when using laboratory equipment, but the trained eye is another matter. These products are the right color, but completely clear. That’s the flag raiser because all urine has varying degrees of sediment in it. Further testing would be performed on the specimen.
Products that claim to mask drug metabolites for a period of time aren’t going to get the job done either. That goes for things ingested into the body and special shampoos or mouthwashes as well.
Most drug tests are negative
We already mentioned above that the majority of employees live drug-free lifestyles. Employee drug testing is a way for employers to weed out the “bad apples.” That makes the work environment a safer place to be for employees and customers alike.
Living a drug-free life affords people the best opportunity to live life to the fullest. Many, however, have fallen prey to addiction which eventually destroys families and friendships. Oftentimes, the addict finds themselves homeless and living on the street alone.
An employee who tests positive for drugs is going to be faced with the consequence of their decision to come to work with drugs in their system. Perhaps it will be the catalyst that causes them to seek help. Voice your hope for their future by encouraging them to dig deep and beat their drug problem. It’s a lot easier to tune out family and friends than it is an employer.
Your input could spur them on to victory.
