Last updated : November 11, 2024
A company committed to a drug-free workplace may conduct drug testing on its employees. Unfortunately, some people try to game this system, stopping drug use only long enough to pass the test, or by using products that supposedly mask the effects of drug use. To combat this behavior, some companies choose to do random drug testing.
What Is Random Drug Testing?
As the name implies, a random drug test will test employees at random for drug use. In some cases, the company will test all employees on a random day of their choosing, similar to a pop quiz in the classroom. In other cases, the company will insert the names of all employees into a database and have a computer program select a few employees for sampling. Using the computer makes the process truly random.
What Does Random Drug Testing Entail?
You should be aware that your company does random drug testing, so getting called for a test shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Employees who have been called for testing will have to meet with the testers. Most times, drug testing requires a urine sample, and you may have to provide this sample with the tester present in the bathroom. Other drug tests look at blood or hair samples.
What Happens If You Fail a Random Drug Test?
Company policies vary widely. A failed drug test could be cause for immediate termination. However, mistakes can happen in drug testing. A seemingly innocuous substance, like poppy seeds or ibuprofen can cause a false positive. If you test positive for drugs, the company will request another test. They’ll take disciplinary action if both tests show that you are using drugs.
A random drug test may feel somewhat invasive, but the company does this to ensure a truly drug-free workplace. When employees do not know when they’ll have a drug test, they aren’t able to manipulate test results, so random testing acts as a deterrent.
