Popular Workplace Drug Testing: What’s the Most Common and Why

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a significant number of illegal substance users are part of the workforce. Hence, it’s not surprising that workplaces often conduct random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug testing as standard protocols. However, the most widely adopted drug testing approach is pre-employment testing.

Implementing a zero-tolerance drug policy in the workplace not only ensures the well-being and safety of employees but also has several positive effects on productivity. It helps reduce absenteeism, improves overall efficiency, and safeguards the industry’s reputation.

Prospective employees typically undergo a 5-panel screening, which tests for substances like cocaine, opiates, marijuana, phencyclidine (PCP), and methamphetamines. In safety-sensitive industries like transportation, more extensive 10-panel or 12-panel screens may be required, which include testing for benzodiazepines, alcohol, MDMA, barbiturates, and others. DrugTestKitUSA is a reliable online supplier of drug tests since 2016. DTKUSA can be found at https://drugtestkitusa.com.

Various specimen types and techniques are available for drug testing, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis is the most commonly used method, preferred by around 90% of employers, according to the background screening firm HireRight. Its popularity is attributed to its convenience, ease of administration, affordability, and rapid result delivery.

While urinalysis has a relatively short testing window, allowing detection of substances consumed within the last 1 to 10 days (depending on the drug), it can still detect even trace amounts of drugs in the body. This makes it the “gold standard” for drug testing and the only accepted method in cases where federal requirements demand testing. For instance, the transportation industry is legally bound to conduct urine drug screens, though they typically employ lab-based testing for this purpose.

Mouth Swab Drug Test

An alternative to urinalysis, the oral swab test is almost as affordable and convenient, particularly suitable for detecting immediate drug use. Also known as the ‘saliva test’ or ‘oral fluid test,’ it involves analyzing drug and/or metabolite presence in saliva samples taken from the mouth. Typically, this test can only detect substances consumed within the last 2 days.

Background screening company, HireRight, found that 10% of employers use saliva drug testing, but it has been gaining popularity in the last few years.

This procedure is minimally invasive and can be conducted directly in front of the employer, significantly reducing the chances of tampering or adulteration. Collecting samples is easy, allowing on-site testing to save time and costs. Additionally, the oral swab test eliminates the need for same-gender sample collection, adding to its practicality.

Hair Testing

Among the pricier options for drug testing is hair testing, offering the advantage of detecting drug use over an extended period. By cutting a small amount of hair near the scalp and subjecting it to testing, this method can confirm the presence of opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, or other drugs consumed within the last 90 days.

Hair drug testing is selected by only 7% of employers.

Compared to urinalysis, the window of detection is significantly longer. However, a potential disadvantage is the possibility of receiving a false negative result if the drug use occurred recently. Approximately 7 days are required for the drug-containing hair to grow out and become detectable.

One noteworthy benefit of hair testing is that it remains unaffected by dyes, styling products, or other hair chemicals, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Blood Screen

Blood screening is the most invasive drug test. This type of testing provides a direct measure of drug concentration in the bloodstream at the time of testing, making it an effective way to determine recent drug use or impairment.

While blood testing is considered one of the most accurate forms of drug testing, it is not as commonly used in the workplace due to its invasiveness and higher cost compared to other methods like urine or oral swab testing. It requires a trained medical professional to administer, and cannot be done on site. The process of drawing blood can cause discomfort for the individual being tested, which can be a concern for both employers and employees.

Sweat Test

A sweat test involves collecting sweat through patches worn on the skin for a specific duration, usually several days. The patch is then analyzed to check for the presence of drugs of abuse. This method can detect drug use during the period the patch is worn, which is often longer than the detection window of urinalysis. However, the sweat test is not as commonly used in workplace drug testing, likely due to its less widespread availability and the relative novelty of the method.

Selecting the Right Test

It’s important to note that choosing the most appropriate drug testing method for a workplace setting depends on various factors, including the nature of the job, safety requirements, legal considerations, and the desired detection window. Developing a comprehensive workplace drug testing policy and procedures is crucial, and seeking the guidance of a consultant well-versed in legal and effective practices can be invaluable in ensuring the implementation of an appropriate and fair drug testing program. This consultant can help navigate the complexities of drug testing regulations and create a tailored plan that aligns with the specific needs and goals of the organization.