Everything You Should Know About Employment Drug Test and Urinalysis. If you wish to start working your dream job, you have to prepare yourself for screening. In most cases, applicants will have to pass the drug test for illegal and prescription substances so that they can start working.
Of course, everything depends on the company’s policy and state law, but employers can conduct screening as part of a job application, and they can decline your offer in case you fail it.
On the other hand, if the employer wants to screen current employees, he can do it only in areas where it is permitted by law, and by following specific regulations.
Tests vary based on the biological specimen used to check for illegal substances and other compounds. Therefore, we can differentiate urinalysis, blood, hair, saliva, and sweat drug tests.
We decided to provide you with relevant information that will help you understand each test because that is the best way for you to learn how to pass it.
Keep in mind that by checking out Drug Testing Reviews’ official website, you will be able to understand more about urine tests and the ways that will help you pass it with ease.
Pre-Employment Drug Screening
We have mentioned above that employers tend to conduct screening as part of the hiring process so that they can avoid employing risky individuals that may cause safety issues within the working place.
At the same time, they can test the current employees but under specific regulations and circumstances.
In most cases, the employer will decline you if you fail the test. Remember that methods and regulations tend to vary depending on the state you work in, and there are limitations and ways that employers have to follow while conducting a screening.
In other cases, the regulations require the testing as the mandatory consideration that will allow the specific employee to remain in the spot. We are talking about industries that are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and all others under federal contracts.
Even though random tests may happen, they have to be consistent and conducted to all applicants. Employers cannot choose only a portion of employees for screening while avoiding other employees.
Drug Testing Policies
Numerous companies tend to test their job applicants for illicit drug abuse and prescription meds misuse as part of the employment process. However, they have to follow state and local laws while doing so.
It is vital to read the company’s policy so that you can see their actions in case of suspicion and in what specific situations they can test you without prior notice.
Some state and federal laws will provide comprehensive guidelines on policies that employers can set depending on substance abuse within the workplace.
Remember that employers can easily prohibit illegal substances consumption, conduct screenings and terminate contracts when they find that someone failed to follow the policy.
The main problem lies in the idea that employees with substance abuse problems are protected by both state and federal laws regarding disabilities and discrimination.
That is the main reason why they conduct pre-employment screening because it is much easier to decline an applicant than to fire an employee due to drug misuse.
If you wish to start working at someplace, or if an employer wants to promote you, he/she may require you to pass a test beforehand. Therefore, you can follow specific ways and methods that will help you remove the metabolites from your body.
Learn about the best ways to pass a urine test by reading this article:
What Happens With Legal Marijuana?
The main problem and controversy that surrounds the drug testing regulations and no-tolerance policies are that recreational and medical marijuana became legal in dozens of states across the USA.
Public opinion has radically changed, and today, we have a comprehensive understanding of both health and social benefits that come with cannabis.
However, federal regulations are still considering weed as an illegal substance, and since testing laws fall under federal laws, the employers can even fire and decline applicants for smoking weed in spare time.
In some states, on the other hand, the legislation urged the creation of another state act that protects employees against discrimination.
The prime example is New York’s Compassionate Care Act, in which people that consume medical marijuana are considered disabled, which is why employers have to treat them accordingly.
Types of Drug Tests
1. Blood Screening
A blood test is not that popular among employers, but it is commonly used in courts and law enforcement. The main disadvantage is that you cannot determine the past consumption with this testing, but only the current percentage of drugs within the system.
Since THC and other compounds leave the blood in a matter of hours and linger in other parts of our bodies such as urine and hair follicles, this particular testing method is efficient for checking the current state of intoxication.
Law enforcement may request the blood drug test in case of an accident or some other problem in which they wish to see the current level of impairment.
The common drugs tested with this method include cocaine, meth, amphetamines, weed, alcohol, nicotine, and opiates.
2. Saliva Drug Test
Saliva, or mouth swab drug test, requires a specimen from your mouth by using testing equipment. The best thing about it is the simplicity that comes with it because you can do it within the working area by following instructions.
However, it has a short window of detection, which is why it is not efficient for determining whether an applicant has a history of drug abuse.
3. Urinalysis
A urine drug test is the most common choice among both employers and federal law enforcement. The procedure involves taking the urine sample into the cup you will get inside the lab. It shows the presence of drug byproducts inside your urine days after consumption.
Even though most drugs will leave your urine in a matter of a few weeks, weed tends to stay much longer, which is why you should abstain before the test.