Why Do We Need to Go Through Pre-Employment Drug Testing?

Today, Large companies and major establishments normally implement Pre employment drug testing. This is imperative in keeping the work place and the environment safe and drug-free.

Preventing someone who regularly use illegal substances to join the company will save a lot of money and time because issues relating to undesirable events that occur when an employee is under the influence of prohibited drugs will be avoided. Also, companies have no desire in jeopardizing their company’s reputation just by hiring someone who is addicted to illegal substances and cause trouble to the company.

Pre-employment drug testing became an essential procedure in every job applicant screening in order to prevent possible problems, injuries or damages to the company. This involves retrieval of specimens or samples like blood or urine; hence, subjects are generally required to visit specific clinics that cater to drug testing where laboratory tests on samples are performed.

The standard pre employment drug testing usually consists of a 5-panel test, which fins out if there is any illegal substances consumed by the subject, they are; cocaine, PCP, marijuana, amphetamines like methamphetamine, and opiates like morphine and codeine. Sometimes, major companies prefer to have a more comprehensive drug test that checks if there is any physician-prescribed drugs and verify current medications of a person. But the cost of comprehensive drug testing is quite expensive; that is why most companies prefer the standard test procedures.

The applicant is most likely to be rejected if the pre-employment drug testing results come out positive. However, it is best that verification process must be done prior to giving final unfair judgment on the applicant since there are also several factors that can cause false positive results; like eating poppy seeds prior to the test. Hence, it is best to consult the concerned person and the Medical Review Officer shall ask pertinent questions like recent food intake. To confirm the initial positive result, another thorough test may be necessary.

Nonetheless, pre employment drug testing has become very beneficial in terms of security and health safety in the work place, it can also maintain a company’s reputation and good image to its clients and business partners.

What to do to Pass a Hair Drug Test

Taking illegal drugs that are typically against company policies, this is why employers require their applicants or employees to undergo testing if they are positive of consuming illegal substances. They usually do different types of test, like the blood test, the urine test and of course, a hair drug test. According to laboratory testing sites, hair drug test is the most accurate and less invasive form of test.

They claimed that altering the results of the test is not possible. However, that claim is not 100 percent correct, there are still ways to pass the test if you have used drugs. This article will try to help you pass a hair drug test.

Knowing how labs detect drugs in hair will help you give the answer to the question how to pass a hair drug test. The hair shaft is where the toxins grow. The inner shaft of the hair is called the cortex. Drug metabolites can be found here once it is deposited into newly formed hair strands. As the hair grows, the metabolites are pushed towards the outer edge of the cortex. Analysis not only can detect the metabolites but with the advent of technology, it can also provide information of quantity consumed and even historic pattern of use.

To get the most accurate reading labs only look back 90 days from the date of the sample was taken, because drug metabolites tend to wash out after 90 days of growth, which is approximately 1 ½ inches of hair.

On how to pass a hair drug test, there has been a lot of suggestions and advice, most of them are home remedies like lemon juice method and Macogo method. Products like masking shampoos and other detoxifying products are being sold to guarantee success, however, tests have shown that it only shows minimal results.

According to some people who went out of their way just to pass a hair drug test is to apply a coal tar shampoo, then rinse at least 6 times and lastly make use of a strong acid to penetrate the cuticle and purify the outer cortex. One needs to have a strong industrial prepared acid to really penetrate the cuticles. A lot of experts recommend the brand Toxin Wash, a hair detoxifying shampoo.

After passing a hair drug test it’ll be a great idea to stay away from drugs because there are other employers who constantly do random drug test, so its better safe than sorry.

What is an Over the Counter Drug Test

Different people use over the counter drug test for different purposes, it can be used to check if your teenage daughter or son is being influenced by prohibited drugs or it can be as useful to companies who want to make sure their employees and applicants are not consuming illegal substances. They would usually turn to over-the counter drug testing kits to confirm their initial suspicion and hope for the best.

Drug testing can be a very sensitive issue, this is why it is very difficult to choose the right test especially is we are unfamiliar with the methods of detecting drug abuse. To identify a specific substance that is being abused, a person has to study and learn about drug tests and specific drugs. There are three types of over the counter drug test. They are the urine test, the saliva swab test and lastly the hair test.

Urine drug test is the most common type of over the counter drug test because traces of the drugs are left in the body and exits through the excretory system. It offers on the spot results without going to the laboratory and have the urine sample analyzed. The downside of this test is first, it is very uncomfortable and insensitive to have somebody make sure that the urine sample is really belongs to the one being tested.

Saliva swab test on the other hand is the most popular method of drug testing because it is less invasive. Once one is suspected of drug use, it is better to utilize this over-the-counter drug test immediately because of the limited time it can determine the drug that has been taken. Though it can be difficult to manipulate, saliva swab drug test has certain limitations in determining the quantity, how recent and what particular drug is being tested for. Over the counter drug test also include the hair test. A hair test is the most accurate test but it will also take a lot of time because the samples have to be analyzed for at least 30 days. A hair test can determine what specific illegal substance was taken and how long the subject is addicted to these prohibited drugs.

Different methods to detect if you are using prohibited drugs and a person who uses them must be capable of confronting the consequences of the results. If the tests are negative, you can breath a sigh of relief, but if positive, then prepare for the next steps on confronting drug problems.

Various Drug Testing Laws

All countries have drug testing laws, some prohibit it some allow it to be used on a professional manner. Hence, it is important to check local laws about conducting tests to determine the usage of illegal drugs among persons in order to avoid possible legal issues and other problems relating to violation of some rights of individuals.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of drug test methods, and it is very important to take note of any accessible drug testing laws so that you won’t have to violate any of it.

Drug tests are necessary to major companies, this is why applicants and employees are required to submit to this process. This process will prevent any unpleasant events that might happen if some of the employees are being influenced by illegal drugs and this will save the company’ reputation and good image.

There are several countries that mandate companies to perform drug tests among its applicants as part of their drug testing laws.

Companies may require random drug testing among its employees to ensure all workers are free from illegal drugs abuse. Companies that handle security and safety of other people needs to perform this task because it’s not only best for the safety of a company but the community as well.

Some countries also have drug testing laws that require people involved in vehicular accidents to undergo post accident drug tests as part of the vehicular accident investigation. Most insurance companies also need the results of such tests for matters relating to claims of damages. A positive result could greatly influence the decision of the insurance company to pay its obligations on the damages incurred; hence, this procedure is required by some insurance companies prior to processing the payment of claims.

Keep in mind that some people are not comfortable in undergoing the process of drug tests; hence prior to implementing this procedure on certain individuals, workers, and employees it is imperative to check first the existing local drug testing laws so that no individual rights are violated.

Things You Need to Know About Swab Drug Test

It is more common and popular these days to use saliva swab drug test as a method to check drug use. It has more or less replaced urine and blood drug tests in a number of cases. Swab drug test is a test that collects saliva as the sample. In this kind of test, swabs are typically used for collecting samples. Facilitation of a swab drug test is simple, it is often used to check immediately if a person is under the influence of drugs.

Swab drug test is being utilized more because they think this is less invasive for it does not require needles to be injected in the body. In addition, the possibility of infection is minimal. Not only that, it also does not require urinating on a cup with a witness just to check the urine sample is not being altered. This kind of situation is very uncomfortable to both parties.

In November 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first saliva swab drug testing kit. Employers, police officers and some law enforcement agents have been using the kit to see if the subject is under the influence or is using prohibited drugs.

Research and clinical tests proved that drug concentration of saliva is indicative of the blood drug concentration.

At any given time or place, a swab drug test can be administered immediately. This is a very easy procedure, all you need is a swab provided in the kit. For a couple of minutes, the swab must be placed between your gums and lower cheeks. As soon as the pad absorbs enough saliva and it becomes wet, be sure to place it on a vial to avoid contamination. Submit the vial at the laboratory for drug test. The test can detect the presence of drugs.

Many swab drug testing kits are available. Law enforcement use a professional kit while parents typically buy home kits to check if their children is doing drugs. These are very effective in checking if there is drug usage within the last 24 hours.

Both parties, the examinee and the examiner will avoid a lot of discomfort by using a swab drug test. This test is virtually free of infection risks and it can be tested to both genders with quick and precise results, that is why it is gaining popularity these days.

Health: Cocaine Drug Test

Most people are addicted to cocaine, it is one of the most popular prohibited drugs and they abuse it for recreation. This is why a lot of employers ask applicants to take a cocaine drug test as part of their pre-employment requirements. Employers prefer to keep drugs away from their workplace by performing cocaine drug test. As long as the job offer has been made the test may be ordered before the employee begins working for the company. The employment offer is inevitably terminated if the employee fails to pass the test.

There are different types of cocaine drug tests. One way to determine if there is drug abuse is through blood test, it may be very expensive but it is the most accurate. Blood samples are taken to detect the presence of cocaine. It is the most invasive form of testing and must be conducted inside a laboratory. Then there is a hair sample test, it involves taking a sample of hair from the person being tested and it can reveal if the person used cocaine up to 90 days. Saliva swab test is a form of non-invasive testing for cocaine. It is easy to administer and coke can be detected in saliva for 24 hours after use. Some drug tests like the urine test can be very uncomfortable and intrusive but at least it can be done in the comforts of your home. A substance like cocaine can be retained in the urine up to 3 days.

Several factors allow the examiners to find out whether there is a presence of cocaine these cocaine drug tests. The quantity of the cocaine consumed primarily help in detecting it. Age of the examinee and the frequency in which he or she consumed cocaine is also a factor. The rate of metabolism and body mass, plus the tolerance level for the drug is dependent on the examinee.

It is worth it to stop using prohibited drugs because cocaine is responsible for the negative consequences in someone’s life. Addiction to this substance is most likely to happen to habitual coke users. If you have a relative, a friend or a family member battling cocaine addiction, try enrolling to a rehab and learn more about it on directories for help.

Drug Testing Policy Implementation

Any company should review all the factors that must be considered before implementing a drug testing policy. Drug and alcohol policies vary widely. Employee manuals provided by the company contain simple or complicated provisions relating to drug testing during pre-employment and post-employment stages.

Many employers utilize drug testing to ensure that their workplace is drug-free. The law does not require employers from making their employees to undergo drug testing but they still want to enforce such policy to guarantee that the workplace is safe and conducive to production. It is important for a company to draft a drug testing policy while considering various legal issues.

An example of a simple drug policy can be written like this. The company’s policy is not to employ the services of people who take illegal drugs or people who consume liquor than the standard consumption. The Company shall have the right to require an employee to submit to drug testing as a continuing condition of their employment as the Company deems necessary the safe and efficient operation of its program. Anyone who refuse to undergo such drug testing or test positive for substance abuse may be suspended from duty pending investigation and may be subject to sanctions as provided by the company handbook.

In crafting a drug testing policy, employers must ensure that the policy suits your employee’s line of work. Employers should tailor their policies to suit the dangers that drugs and alcohol pose. Employers should state in their policy the detailed descriptions and enumerations of what is prohibited. It must state what are the types of situation is prohibited, the types of drugs that are not allowed and the appropriate grade of alcohol consumption when coming to work.

It is important to know that a drug testing policy coincides with a reputable drug testing facility. This would make sure that the results wouldn’t be challenged.

This also ensures employee privacy rights when they provide the sample because there would be no confidentiality breach.

Finally, it is important that a drug testing policy is clearly written and understood by employees, and they should affix their signature stating this. This would aid the company to fight against harassment suits arising from the tests.

Drug Testing Athletes—Is it Necessary?

Athletes are always put on a pedestal especially in today’s society. They are given a lot of publicity and if they truly excel in their respective field, not only they have sky-high salaries but also they manage to get million-dollar endorsements. However, some athletes choose to take short cuts and exploit drugs to enhance their athletic abilities, they would think “why not?” as long as they’re getting significant incentives for it. This is why drug testing athletes are necessary in most international sports federation.

Drug testing athletes is required even in various levels, from collegiate to Olympic athletes. Drug tests are conducted to identify if the athletes are taking performance-enhancing drugs and how far have they abused their body by taking these drugs. These procedures are very strict and firm that if there is anyone found violating the policies must not be allowed to join any competition or should be suspended.

When drug testing athletes, they are required to submit urine specimen before and after the competition. To detect other substance abuse, sometimes urine is not enough; it may require some blood specimen. It may look like a simple procedure but it is highly regulated as it is a formal process that may have a lot of consequences if not regarded appropriately.

An athlete may lost his place, medal or accolades and even endorsements if found positive then after an appeal, it turns out that the specimen has been tampered. This is why there are strict protocols in handling and delivering the specimen so that it would be tamper proof.

Unluckily, there are still some athletes in all levels of sports competition who continues to use performance-enhancing drugs even if they are aware that it will jeopardize their careers and health. For example, Ben Johnson, the athlete who broke the 100 meter record in the 1988 Olympics with his bulging muscles got disqualified and never to be heard off again.

Drug testing athletes is crucial because it can preserve the integrity of sportsmanship by prohibiting drug use.

If athletes are constantly and randomly tested, they are prevented from using drugs. Drug testing athletes also avoids unfair competition.

Finally it can also save the health of athletes give them a better quality of life after their competitive days.

Do You Agree That Major Companies Use Marijuana Drug Testing?

Employers became suspicious and cautious about their employees using illegal drugs, this is why job applicants and current employees are required to undergo marijuana drug testing procedure. This test is necessary in keeping the whole work-environment drug free and safe for all workers at all times; and it also helps preserve the credibility and reputation of the company in providing good quality services to its clients.

Marijuana drug testing is also crucial in guaranteeing that all employees are capable of doing their responsibilities. Marijuana drug testing does not only detect mary jane’s per se but it also detects other illegal substances such as opiates, morphine, methamphetamine, cocaine and others.

The job hunter’s application status will be affected significantly by the results of the drug test. For regular employees with positive results of their marijuana drug testing, consultations with the human resource management may be required in order to resolve the issues. An employee should submit oneself to rehabilitation and other necessary therapies to resolve this problem.

It is important to impose this procedure to workers who are handling critical tasks like driving public vehicles, and other transportation utilities.

Tens and hundreds of lives are at stake if one single person, like the driver of a bus, is influenced by one of these illegal drugs. To ensure utmost safety of all the commuters and citizens, these people are mandated by the government to submit themselves to a marijuana drug testing procedure.

For establishments and companies, this is imperative for their own interests; as well as for the interests and well being of their employees. It also helps preserve corporate image and ensures optimum performance from its workers. Marijuana drug testing will not only preserve the company’s reputation but it will also uplift the morale of the employees because it can definitely make a lot of difference to a person’s life.