Drug testing is a routine procedure imposed on potential employees by most companies worldwide. The finalization of their job offer is entirely dependent on the results of the test. It is a mandate for all large-scale corporations to incorporate pre-employment drug testing in the application process for any position.
Companies are also required to notify candidates prior to their application for the job position. The offer is entirely dependent on whether the applicant passes the test and the discretion of the employer if the result is not rendered negative. Prior to applying for an open job position in a company, there are some things you need to know about pre-employment drug tests and DOT drug and alcohol testing. Keep reading to know more about this.
What to expect in a pre-employment drug test?
Drug testing prior to a job offer is a mandatory procedure and is oftentimes conducted at separate medical facilities. The most common and standard type of drug test is a urine test where a specimen of the applicant’s urine is sent for testing. It has been imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
A urine test is highly reliable and can detect numerous substances that may be present in the bloodstream from up to five days before the test. Some of the drugs that are screened for are as follows:-
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opiates
- Other illicit drugs requested by employers
There are other types of pre-employment drug tests as well. Some of them include:-
- Saliva test
- Blood test
- Hair test
When are drug tests conducted by employers?
Pre-employment drug screening is conducted by companies to reduce any risks associated with hiring applicants who abuse drugs. Drug test routines may differ from company to company as per their requirement. They can be conducted both before and after employment. Some instances of drug testing imposed by employers are as follows:-
- Pre-employment: For a safe hiring procedure, prospective candidates need to qualify for the drug screening prior to joining the organization. It is usually conducted after applicants receive their employment letter. Their hiring decision is left at the employer’s discretion if they fail the test. In most cases, a negative test will prompt employers to not hire them.
- Reasonable suspicion: This instance only takes place after an employee has been hired. When an employee shows clear signs of drug or alcohol abuse and the said symptoms are observed by the employers themselves, they have the liberty to impose a drug test on that employee. Suspected employees are usually barred from working till results arrived.
- Post workplace accidents: If an employer suspects an accident or unfortunate event to be the result of drug or alcohol abuse, they may impose a drug screening on the suspected employee or the ones involved. In such instances, it is a mandate to have criteria for determining the conducting of the test. Examples may include injuries, deaths, or damage to property. However, it is important to note that even if a test result is rendered positive, it might not always be the reason behind the accident.
- Periodic Testing: This type of testing is usually conducted annually or on a periodic basis. Jobs that demand physical activity such as driving might need compulsory periodic testing.
- Random Testing: Employers have the right to conduct a random and unannounced test on selected employees. In such cases, the selection basis is done by computers so that all employees have an equal chance of being tested.
- Post recovery: If an employee returns to work after an extended leave granted because they tested positive in a past drug test, they have to go through a test again before re-joining. This ensures that the employee has succeeded in completing the drug treatment and is ready for work. Employers can also conduct drug tests on employees who have been on leave for a long time due to illness or injury.
Choose Affordable Rapid Testing for conducting reliable DOT drug and alcohol testing
Drug testing is a part of both pre-employment and post-employment in order to ensure the safety of both the employee and other employees. Employers and organizations need to make sure they hire a reliable drug testing service for acquiring quick and accurate results Affordable Rapid Testing, Phoenix is a good place to start if you are looking for a trustworthy drug testing service in Arizona. You can check out their website to know more.
