As companies face an ever-growing challenge in trying to keep drugs out of the workplace, many have turned to more effective ways of testing employees for drug use. However, while traditional urine tests can detect a variety of drugs used in the past few days, there are certain drugs that can’t be detected using this method.
This has led many companies to explore other methods of drug testing, such as hair follicle testing. This type of test is much like taking a hair sample at the doctor’s office-it can detect drug use over the past several weeks or even months. Check out East Green drug testing for more information on hair follicle testing and what substances can be revealed.
Hair Follicle Testing
According to the Hair Follicle Forum, certain types of drugs can escape detection by traditional testing methods. The most common types of drugs that might fall into this category are marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates (codeine), and phencyclidine (PCP). However, hair follicle drug tests can easily detect these kinds of drug use.
The best way to test hair follicles for drug use is to send them to a lab. The lab will analyze the sample and determine whether or not the person has been using drugs. There are also at-home kits that you can use to test your own hair follicles, but these are less accurate than sending them to a lab.
If you do decide to send the hair follicles to a lab, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to get a hair sample that is about an inch and a half long. Second, you’ll need to make sure that the hair is clean before you send it in. Finally, you should make sure that you include all of the information they ask for.
Urine Sample Testing
It is important to note that even with an effective method like hair follicle testing many companies choose to implement a program that includes routine or random urine tests as well. While some federal regulations prohibit the refusal of employees to provide a urine sample at random testing; some states restrict this practice. This means it’s important for any company choosing to implement both kinds of testing programs to be sure to have all employees sign a contract that clearly states what will be required of them as part of the testing company.
Urine sample testing is the most common type of drug test, and it can detect a variety of drugs used in the past few days. The most efficient way to test employees is with a 12 panel drug screen, which is proven to detect the most popular drugs. However, there are certain drugs that can’t be detected using the urine testing method.
Saliva Testing
Saliva testing is a newer method of drug testing that is becoming more popular. It is less invasive than other methods, and it can detect drug use in the past few days. However, like urine testing, it cannot detect all types of drugs.
The best way to collect a saliva sample for drug testing is to have the person spit into a collection tube. You should also make sure that you include all of the information they ask for. Then, it is important to send the saliva sample to a lab for analysis. For best results, you should use a cheek swab rather than collecting saliva in a tube.
Sweat Testing
Some companies also use sweat testing as a way to test employees for drug use. Sweat is not as popular as urine or saliva, but it can detect certain types of drug use for about five days after the drug was used.
The best way to collect a sweat sample is to place three patches on the person’s arm, shoulder, and back. The patches need to be changed every day for three days. After the third day, you should send them to a lab for analysis.
Blood Sample Testing
Blood testing is also an option for companies looking to test employees. This method can detect drug use within the past few days, but it’s not as effective with certain types of drugs. It can detect marijuana and cocaine use up to three days after taking the drugs, but heroin, methamphetamines, and PCP are undetectable in the blood after only one day.
Breath Alcohol Testing
Many companies test employees for alcohol use as well. Breathalyzers are useful because they can detect the presence of alcohol within the past few hours, making them more effective than blood testing at detecting recent alcohol use. However, breathalyzers cannot detect whether or not an employee is intoxicated- only that they have used alcohol recently.
On-site Testing
Finally, some companies choose to use on-site testing as a way to test employees for drugs. This is relatively new compared to other types of drug testing, and it’s more costly.
On-site tests can detect whether or not an employee has used marijuana recently, but they cannot detect the presence of any other type of drug. In addition, employees can simply refuse to participate in this type of testing. This means it is critical for you as a company to make sure that your employee contract makes it clear what will happen if an employee refuses on-site drug tests.
When is Testing Required?
Testing requirements vary from state to state. However, in most cases, companies can require employees to take a drug test when they:
– Hear or see someone using drugs on the job.
– Receive a positive result after reasonable suspicion testing.
– Complete an accident investigation and reasonable cause is suspected.
– Have a near miss or an accident where safety was compromised.
– Intentionally causes property damage, injury, or death.
Drug testing is an important way to ensure the safety of employees and customers. While there are some drugs that can’t be detected by certain methods, there are many types of drug tests available. It is important for companies to choose the right type of test based on what they are looking to detect. If you’re unsure which type of test is best for your company, contact a professional who can help you make the right decision.
