ENSURING A SAFER WORKPLACE

Urinalysis – A urine test is the most common form of pre-employment testing and is typically conducted once a conditional offer of employment has been sent. A urine test can show traces of drug use even after the effects of the drug has worn off and remain in the body for an extended period of time. Typical drugs screened in a pre-employment urine drug test include marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamines, PCP, opiates, with the option for employers to test for many additional substances. A urinalysis is the only method approved for federally mandated testing and is often chosen for both regulated and non-regulated employees.

Hair Testing – Hair testing has a longer detection window for drug use spanning up to 90 days, according Psychemedics, an industry leader in hair testing technology. It will not detect current use, only past, and does not detect alcohol. Common drugs tested for in a hair sample include methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, opioids and PCP. A sample of 100 strands of hair cut close to the scalp is collected from the employee from an unnoticeable area of the head.

Oral Fluids – Oral fluid testing is 100% observed making it difficult for employees to cheat, dilute, or adulterate the test. This test can also be collected on-site reducing costs and time. Just like traditional testing methods, the window in oral fluid testing is different for each drug. Most significantly, oral fluid testing identifies recent usage - during the first four hours after drug use. For most drugs, the detection window of oral fluid is about one to three days. The employee will be required to provide an oral fluid sample through a swab of the inside of their mouth.