Basics of an Employment Drug Test
An employment drug test may be required for many different fields of work. A drug testing program is generally set up for a person who is being considered for employment, although there are also programs that randomly or regularly test employees for drug use.
It is especially common in fields where it is dangerous for an employee to use drugs. If there are concerns about the use of a drug, employment pass pre test requirements may be put in place. Regardless of whether drug testing is done as a pre-hiring requirement or during employment, the company must be aware of legal issues and standards for certain industries. For example, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has strict requirements for truck drivers. The rules of testing must be followed closely.
Employment drug alcohol testing must be verified with laboratory testing, such as high performance liquid chromatography from a qualified laboratory. However, screening can be done with tests on site with easy-to-use test kits. Samples sent to a laboratory for testing generally take at least 24 hours before results can be obtained. Positive results may take even longer since confirmation is required.
Very often a five or ten panel test is used to test for the most common illicit drugs. Alcohol testing can also be done. A positive test result must be confirmed. Very often a company will have a medical review officer look into the situation to make sure that there is no other explanation for the positive test results.
Employment drug and alcohol testing programs must be managed carefully to make sure they are done effectively and cost effectively. A five panel test can be reasonably priced and detect the major drugs. The Integrated 5 Panel (COC, AMP, mAMP, THC, OPI with pH, Specific Gravity, Oxidants/PCC, Nitrite, Glutaraldehyde, Creatinine) E-Z Test Cup II tests for cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, marijuana (THC), and opiates. It also tests for pH, specific gravity, oxidants/PCC, nitrite, glutaraldehyde, and creatinine in order to test for specimen adulteration. This integrated testing procedure also has a test cup that makes administering the test easier. It is available for between $9.95 and $14.05. The test kit is easy to use and FDA approved.
Alcohol testing can be done with a breathalyzer or through saliva testing. Breathalyzer testing has become widely used in law enforcement and with other institutions and organizations. Saliva testing is a low cost alternative.
A ten panel drug test is available for a more comprehensive test. The Integrated 10 Panel (COC/ AMP/ mAMP /THC /OPI /PCP /BAR /BZO /MTD /MDMA ) E-Z Test Cup tests for cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, marijuana (THC), opiates, phencyclidine, barbiturate, benzodiazepine, methadone, and ecstasy. This test is available for $9.85 and $11.65. It is FDA approved, ‘510k’ cleared, private, accurate, and conforms to SAMHSA guidelines for cut off levels. It is a self contained kit that can be easily used as an employment drug test.
Tags: Drug employment pass pre test, employment drug alcohol testing, employment drug and alcohol testing, employment drug test
