Companies are aware of the importance of pre-employment drug testing as a means to ensure that their new hires are not using illegal drugs. Job applicants are usually required to undergo alcohol and drug testing before a job offer. Employees may also be tested for drug use in the workplace as permitted by state law.
There are different drug tests utilized by employers, including a urine drug test, mouth swab drug test, blood drug test, and a hair drug test. These types of drug tests are different from each other. Employers choose a particular test based on their specific needs and the kinds of drugs they want to test for.
When should drug testing be done?
Apart from testing applicants before they are given a job offer, drug testing may also be done randomly on existing employees to check for drug use. It is also usually required if the company thinks that a certain employee is under the influence of drugs on the job or when the person is always absent or late for work. Furthermore, drug testing may be done when an employee is involved in a workplace accident or suffers an injury. Companies that perform drug testing on both job applicants and employees need to have a written drug and alcohol policy that discusses when, how, and why new and current employees may be tested. With a good drug testing policy, companies can maintain a drug-free workplace and prevent accidents and injuries caused by substance abuse.
Blood Drug Tests
A blood drug test measures drugs in a person’s blood at the time blood is drawn and may be used to screen job applicants and existing employees. Blood tests are not as frequently used as urine tests because a blood drug test does not measure residues in the body once the drug’s effects have worn off. Amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine are the drugs usually screened in a blood test.
Hair Drug Tests
A hair drug test has a window period of 90 days and is quite impossible to cheat, making it a good option for any employer. Drug users cannot clean up quickly as special shampoos cannot beat this type of drug testing. Hair can be used to screen a person for cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, opiate, and phencyclidine use.
Mouth Swab Drug Tests
This type of drug test is also known as a saliva test and uses a person’s saliva to detect drug use. The saliva is tested for alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, amphetamine, and marijuana use within the past few days. It is a popular choice among employers as it is cheaper than other forms of drug testing and is easily done.
Urine Drug Tests
A urine drug test is the most common type of testing done to screen job applicants and employees for alcohol or drug use. A urinalysis shows if there are any drug residues present in the body even after the drug’s effects have worn off. A urine drug test typically screens for cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, methamphetamine, opiates, and alcohol.
Whether you are growing your company or staring out one, you must always be familiar with drug testing programs. It is a must in the industry and in some place, it is illegal not to have a drug screening every now and then. Before putting up your money and practices on your business, make sure you already have this one covered.
