Different Types of Drug Screenings & Methods Used

By: Ashlee Arnold

Drug use in our nation has taken an interesting and somewhat startling turn over the last several years. Two major factors — the opioid epidemic and the legalization of both medicinal and recreational marijuana use — have changed the landscape entirely. Our country is seeing the highest levels of drug use in more than a decade.

This means that employment drug screening is more important now than ever before. So, what can employers do to ensure their place of business is a safe and secure place to work?

There are many ways that employers can look for drug or alcohol use in their workplace environment. The most common methods are urine drug testing and hair follicle drug testing. Breath testing is often used to screen for alcohol specifically. Furthermore, employers can opt for instant (point-of-care) testing and receive the results in a matter of minutes, or they can use lab-based testing, in which case, the specimen going to a laboratory for further analysis.

Drug screening has the power to detect hundreds of substances, both prescription and non-prescription. However, the most common drugs screened for are marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP.

Employment drug testing goes back to the 1980s. Since then, it's proven to offer a number of benefits, including:

• Fewer on-the-job accidents
• Reduced crime
• Increased productivity
• Reduced employee turnover

While drug use costs American businesses tens of billions of dollars each year, workplace drug testing can ease some of the financial burden.

Employee drug testing can happen at any time, but the six most common occurrences are:

• Pre-employment
• Post-accident
• Reasonable suspicion
• Random testing
• Return-to-duty/follow-up

Drug laws are evolving rather drastically, and it's getting harder for employers to keep drug use out of their workplace and know what's legally within their rights. US Drug Test Centers works with both DOT and non-DOT businesses to help them keep drugs and alcohol out of their workplaces while remaining compliant. Contact us today to learn more.