What do employment drug screens test for

For example, if your sample tested positive for benzodiazepines, you might be asked whether you have any current prescription for this class of drugs. An MRO might not contact you. Instead, you might first learn your results from a human resources professional at the company where you applied.

In most cases, failing a pre-employment drug test will mean that you will not be eligible for the position. Before a company can conduct pre-employment drug tests, they must first clearly state that an offer of a position to the candidate is contingent on passing a pre-employment drug test. Companies might make this type of statement in the job posting, a conditional offer of employment letter, or in another official document.

A clear statement that your offer is contingent on passing a pre-employment drug test gives a prospective employer the right to rescind an offer if you fail the test. In addition to a pre-employment drug screen, some employers also require candidates to agree to random drug tests after they are hired if the employers suspect that the candidates might be using substances either on or off duty when the substance use might affect workplace safety and job performance. Once your prospective employer notifies you that your drug test was positive, you can request that the specimen be retested.

If the lab collected a split specimen sample, the lab will retain the second sample for potential retesting when the initial sample tests positive. If the lab only collected one sample, it might save a portion of the sample for potential retesting. If you are notified by a medical review officer that your drug test was positive, you will have 72 hours to ask for a retest.

You can make this request orally or in writing. If you request a retest of the original sample or of the split sample, it will trigger the confirmation testing. You will have to pay for the cost of the retest and should be prepared to do so. If you make a timely request for a retest, the medical review officer will send a notice in writing to the lab to forward the portion of the initial sample or the split sample.

The time and date of your request for retesting will be reported by the MRO to the company, and the MRO will also report whether the retest confirmed the positive result. Typically, some time will pass between an interview, job offer, and your pre-employment drug screen. If you cannot abstain from using drugs during that period, you might consider whether treatment could benefit you. While you have the right to request a retest at your own expense when you fail a pre-employment drug test at your own expense as described above, you do not have a right to retake a pre-employment drug test.

Instead, if you dispute the results, your original sample will be retested. You will not be asked to submit a new sample. Pre-employment and random employment drug tests are important for protecting the safety of your workplace and your employees. When you include drug screens as a part of your pre-employment background check process, you can find candidates that are well-suited for your workplace. At iprospectcheck, we offer comprehensive pre-employment background checks and clinical services to our clients.

Our professional staff members use the latest technology and methods to quickly return results. To learn more, contact us today for a free quote and consultation. Consult your counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.

Last Updated on August 20, What is Pre-Employment Drug Testing? The testing process might include the following three phases: Collection and initial screen to determine the absence or presence of detectable drugs Confirmation screen if an initial screen returned a positive result with a review performed by a medical review officer Results provided for the drugs selected to the job applicant and employer within one to three days Why is Drug Screening Important?

The following statistics demonstrate why it is important for employers to take steps to achieve drug-free workplaces: The National Safety Council reports that employees with substance use disorders miss an average of The U. Urine Tests Urine tests are the most common type of pre-employment drug test used by employers in the U. Hair Tests Hair tests have a long detection span and can detect drug use from up to three months before the testing date. Blood Screens Some employers use blood drug tests to screen applicants or employees for illegal drug or alcohol use.

Saliva Tests Saliva testing is used by some employers since the applicants or employees can be observed throughout the collection process, making it difficult for the applicants or employees to dilute the results or adulterate them. Breath Alcohol Tests Breath alcohol tests may be used when an employer suspects an employee may be impaired by alcohol on the job.

Pre-Employment Drug Test Laws A Complete Overview Other than in federally-regulated safety-sensitive industries, including nuclear energy, transportation, and military contractors, states are largely in control of laws governing pre-employment drug testing.

Federal and State Discrimination Laws Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of and state anti-discrimination laws prohibit workplace discrimination based on the protected characteristics of certain groups of applicants or employees. Disability Discrimination Under the ADA An applicant or employee who takes prescription drugs for a covered disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may test positive on a drug screen, depending on the type of drug he or she is prescribed.

Invasion of Privacy If an employer conducts drug testing in the workplace in a way that violates the privacy of its employees, the employer may face a lawsuit for invasion of privacy. In general, your drug testing policies and procedures should adhere to the following guidelines: Notify applicants in advance that pre-employment drug testing is a part of your screening process.

Give the same type of test to applicants for the same positions. Choose a company that has a state-certified laboratory. We pride ourselves on our convenience, efficiency and cost. We maintain a clean, professional and friendly environment and can provide you with any type of drug testing in a kind and respectful atmosphere.

Our staff is familiar with pre-employment and workplace-related drug testing procedures and we can service your needs.

In addition to our drug testing services, we offer a plethora of other diagnostic services , including lab work, imaging services, surgical and non-surgical procedures. With 17 convenient walk-in urgent care clinics throughout southern California, we offer fast professional service without a long wait.

We offer weekday, weeknight and weekend hours to service you on your terms, at your convenience. Let us assist you with all your drug testing and other clinical needs. Stop by the location nearest to you today. Search for:. Pre-Employment Drug Testing Drug testing for pre-employment screening purposes can be done using blood, urine, saliva, or even hair.

Drug Tests for Employment As noted above, drug testing is utilized as a part of the pre-employment process by many prospective employers. Employment Drug Testing Employment drug testing should be efficient and confidential. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

Do not sell my personal information. Cookie Settings Accept. Manage consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent.

You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Drug Screen. Be Proactive About Compliance Always consult with your legal counsel if you have questions about drug tests as part of your employment screening program. Before you can purchase drug screening services, your organization needs to have a written drug screening policy in place. Identify any federal and state laws with which you must comply.

The notification must stand alone and cannot be hidden within an employment application. Once you order the drug test, your candidate or employee will receive an email requesting consent before the test is administered. Like the FCRA consent form, the drug screen consent form informs the candidate about the test and requests authorization. Once consent is provided, the candidate will receive instructions for completing the drug screen at the test location of their choice.

Once a site is selected, the candidate will receive a CCF, which provides a paper trail of the seizure, custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of the specimen. Candidates and employees provide a urine sample at the testing facility. To lessen the risk of false-positives, we encourage the candidate to bring any prescriptions of drugs they are currently taking.

Results are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer MRO , who is specially trained to interpret test results for the highest accuracy. Both the employer and candidate can review the results within days of the test.

The candidate will only be notified if there is an alert i. If the results of a background check prompts a decision to deny employment, the FCRA requires employers to follow specific adverse action steps. Ensure a safer, more productive workplace with pre-employment and employee drug screening.