What is involved in workplace drug testing?
If you have been pulled over for a random breath test, had a urine test as part of a job interview, or had a blood test as part of a sporting body’s testing requirements, you have been part of a drug test.
A drug test is an analysis of a biological specimen such as urine, blood or breath. It can also include testing of hair follicles, saliva and other bodily fluids.
The most common examples are roadside breath testing for alcohol by police, screening of employees before they are hired or during employment as part of their contract, and testing in elite sport to determine whether illicit substances such as steroids are present in an athlete’s body.
Why is workplace drug testing important?
Workplace drug testing can save money and it can save lives. Whether you run a factory or an office, testing your workforce can help prevent accidents that cost money and, potentially, lives.
In a financial services business, one employee arriving under the influence can lead to poor decisions and costly results. On a factory floor, a forklift operator under the influence can destroy product and put the lives of co-workers at risk. Drugs in the workplace are a serious matter, which is why workplace drug testing exists.
How does workplace drug testing work?
A variety of tests can be used to determine whether a substance is present in a person. The most common techniques for workplace drug testing are urinalysis and oral fluid screening.
Urinalysis (urine screening)
Urinalysis is the analysis of urine. It is one of the most common workplace drug testing procedures and is typically used to determine whether a person has been using amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, cannabis or opiates.
It is a non-invasive technique that involves collecting a small amount of urine, which is then tested onsite with an instant drug test, sent to a laboratory for analysis, or both.
Oral fluid screening
Oral fluid screening is the analysis of oral fluid, or saliva. It is used to test for amphetamines, cocaine, cannabis or opiates, and involves a mouth swab that is taken to a laboratory for analysis.
When and how to implement drug screening at your workplace
If you are asking when the right time is to begin screening your employees, the answer is probably now. A regular drug screening program minimises the risk of drug-related accidents and incidents in your workplace.