In 2022, it is estimated that 46 million Americans aged 18 or older suffered from a substance use disorder, with nearly two-thirds (30.1 million) of them being employed individuals. As a precautionary measure, many employers now conduct pre-employment drug testing to ensure a safe work environment and protect themselves from the adverse effects of drug use on their employees and those around them.
Potential employees may find the thought of undergoing drug testing stressful, significantly affecting their chances of obtaining a desired job. Despite this, they understand that it is an essential part of the application process that must be addressed. If you are among those frantically searching for information on pre-employment drug testing, this article will be a helpful resource.
What Are the Types of Drug Tests?
Employers use various drug tests for drug screening. However, some tests are used more often than others. Below we are describing the most popular of them:
Urine Drug Test
This one is definitely used most often. It’s the cheapest yet very effective test for detecting drug residue that has remained in the system long after the effects have worn off. In the next section of this article, we explain the difference between the 5-panel urine drug test and the 10-panel urine drug test.
Blood Drug Test
This test is the most expensive and more intrusive than any other drug test. It involves drawing blood, which is later sent for analysis. Although it is considered the most accurate, this test is used less often than the urine drug test because it measures the amount of drugs present in the blood at the time of the test, unlike the urine test, which detects the metabolites of a drug that have remained in the body up to even a week after the drug was taken.
Hair Drug Test
It detects the presence of substances like cocaine, marijuana, opiates, phencyclidine, and methamphetamine. However, it doesn’t detect alcohol. It is the only test that can be used up to 90 days after the drug is taken. It’s not invasive as it only requires a sample of hair.
Saliva Drug Test
This test is collected by swabbing the inner cheek. It’s designed to detect both drugs and alcohol in the system. The detection window is short, usually 24-48 hours.
Sweat Test
Also known as patch tests, these are a less common type of drug test. They involve placing a patch on the individual’s skin, which collects sweat for several days. Sweat tests are used to detect long-term drug use, and they have a detection window of up to 14 days. However, they are less accurate than other types of drug tests.
What Drugs Will You Be Screened for?
Drug testing includes the most common drug screens employers require: the 5-panel and 10-panel drug tests.
The 5-panel drug test is used to screen for:
- Cocaine
- Opiates such as heroin, codeine, and morphine
- Phencyclidine or PCP
- THC (marijuana)
- Amphetamine / Methamphetamine
The 10-panel drug test screens for:
- Cocaine
- Opiates such as heroin, codeine, and morphine
- Phencyclidine or PCP
- THC (marijuana)
- Amphetamine
- Methamphetamine
- Propoxyphene
- Methadone
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
Steps of the Drug Testing Process
Let’s review the different steps of the drug testing process so you can better understand what it entails.
Step 1: Collection of Samples
The first step of the drug testing process is collecting samples. This usually involves taking the tested individual’s urine, blood, or hair sample. The sample is then adequately labeled and sealed to ensure its integrity.
Step 2: Transport and Storage of Samples
After collecting the samples, they are transported to the laboratory for testing. During transport, the samples must be handled and stored correctly to prevent contamination and maintain the accuracy of the results.
Step 3: Preparation of Samples for Testing
Once the samples arrive at the laboratory, the testing process begins. Trained technicians prepare the samples and place them in a machine for analysis. This machine can detect the presence of various drugs in the samples.
Step 4: Screening Tests
The first type of test conducted is a screening test. This test is designed to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in the sample. If a positive result is obtained, the sample undergoes further confirmatory testing to eliminate false positives.
Step 5: Confirmatory Tests
Confirmatory tests are more accurate and specific than screening tests. They are used to identify the exact drug or drugs in the sample. These tests are more time-consuming and require specialized equipment and highly trained technicians.
Step 6: Review of Results
After the testing, the results are reviewed by a medical review officer (MRO). The MRO is a licensed physician trained to interpret drug test results and determine whether they are positive or negative. If the results are positive, the MRO will contact the individual to inform them of them and request medical documentation to verify any prescription medication that may have caused the positive result.
Step 7: Reporting of Results
The final step of the drug testing process is reporting results. Depending on who requested the test, the MRO will report the results to the employer or the concerned individual. The results are considered confidential and are only shared with authorized individuals.
Can You Cheat on a Drug Test?
The test is susceptible and will show positive results even if there is a trace amount of drugs in a person’s system. Some people have tried cheating on a drug test by (for example) “adulterating” their urine samples, substituting or diluting them, etc. However, modern labs use various measures to detect whether the specimen has been altered by the donor. They accurately establish whether the results are positive or negative by checking the temperature, pH, specific gravity, and creatinine levels.
If a person gets caught tampering with their sample, they are immediately reported as “positive” and are automatically disqualified from being hired in the place that required the drug test.
Where to go for Drug Testing in West Palm Beach?
At Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches, we are committed to promoting a healthier and safer community. We offer fast and reliable drug testing for employers and job seekers.
Find quick and convenient drug screening and testing services at a nearby urgent care facility.
If you’re a job seeker needing a pre-employment drug test, make an appointment with us today. Our urgent care facility offers convenient walk-in services, affordable prices, and quick results. With our highly trained staff, you can trust that your results will be accurate and confidential.
As a leading provider of urgent care with x ray services and Occupational Medicine, we understand the importance of drug testing when hiring. Employers seeking to implement drug testing can rely on our customizable programs to meet their business’s specific needs, whether one-time or ongoing employee testing. Contact us today to learn how we can assist your drug testing efforts.
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The material on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.