Things You Should Know about Drug Testing Process for Employment

Drug tests can take several forms, as the lab may test urine, blood, hair, nails, saliva, or other biological samples, though urine is the most common for employment drug screening. Tests are often performed on employees or potential employees in positions that involve safety, such as operating heavy machinery or working security. Here we have some information about what happens during the testing process.

 

When It Happens

Employers have the right to ask for a drug test before hiring an applicant. They also might test current employees for a variety of reasons. For instance, many companies practice regular, randomized drug tests so that no one knows exactly when they’ll be called in. It’s best to announce it shortly before the test so that no one has time to get the drugs out of their systems. Employers may also screen employees if there is a reasonable suspicion that the worker is taking drugs.

 

How It Works

The most common test is the 5-panel, which screens for cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and marijuana (THC). Sometimes employee drug testing is more in-depth and searches for alcohol or for prescription drugs as well. The reliability of the test is determined by many factors. For instance, different types of drugs stay in the system longer than others. The person taking the drug also introduces a lot of variables into the equation, such as how often he or she uses that drug, what concentration he or she takes, how long ago he or she took it, and even how hydrated the body is.

 

Results

Drug testing for employment is usually a quick process. You can often get negative results within 24 hours. To be fair, though, if the results are positive, they are generally sent away for further testing, and that can take a little longer, sometimes up to a week. If there are positive results, then the medical review officer will speak with the applicant and give him a chance to explain what happened by providing proof of valid prescriptions.

3 Reasons Why Employment Background Screening is Essential

Resumes only go so far in providing you with the information you need to make a hiring decision. The fact is that many candidates lie or exaggerate, and we have found that many background checks reflect that discrepancy. You may still wonder why this is so important. Sometimes, it is required by insurance companies, government regulations, or even customers, but here are some of the other top reasons why background checks for employment can help your company.

 

Avoid Liability

Employers are obligated to maintain a safe work environment. If there is information that a company should know about its employees, like a history of criminal activity, a company is obligated to learn it.  Besides the legal implications, it can also lead to some negative publicity if any employees commit any crimes.

 

Save Money

Employee theft and fraud can cause significant losses within a company. If employers know about prior history ahead of time, they can use this information as part of their employee assessment. Smart companies know it’s just unwise to hire someone who has a history of theft to handle money.  In addition, every time you replace an employee, it costs money to find, interview, and train new employees. If you use background check companies, you can reduce your likelihood of having to run through too many employees in too short a time.

 

Improve Employee Quality

If you use employment background screening to weed out some potential employees who have something to hide. You are less likely to hire people with violent or dishonest tendencies or a history of drug use. Also, checking up on potential employees is a good way to find out about their employment histories. The more likely it is that your employees will do a satisfactory job, the less likely it is that you will be replacing them in the future.