Drug and alcohol screening is a critical technique that helps employers and other organizations determine whether their employees use drugs or alcohol. Drug and alcohol screening assists organizations in keeping their workplace secure and free of substance misuse.
When correctly implemented, a drug and alcohol screening policy may be a highly favorable employment condition for all employees, since it gives them confidence that their coworkers and workmates are fit to work without the risk of a clouded judgement. In this article, we will discuss frequently asked questions about drug and alcohol screening and provide answers to these questions.
What is drug and alcohol testing?
Drug and alcohol testing is the study of urine, blood, or another sort of biological sample to ascertain if the patient has used the substance or drugs. Drug and alcohol testing is a standard practice for employers, so it is crucial to create policies that are both comprehensive and effective.
Several reasons may require drug and alcohol screening. Some of these reasons include:
- Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening or random work-related drug testing to detect on-the-job drug misuse
- College or professional athletic drug and alcohol screening.
- A vehicle or on-the-job accident caused by human error that resulted in fatalities or property damage is considered a post-accident drug and alcohol screening.
- Whenever an employee’s occupation has the potential to impair judgment or physical capacity, a safety-related drug and alcohol screening is necessary.
What are some of the frequently asked questions about drug and alcohol screening?
What is a standard workplace drug screen test?
A standard workplace drug screen test will screen for cannabinoids (cannabis), amphetamines (speed, ice), opiates (codeine, heroin), benzodiazepines (sleeping tablets or antidepressants), and cocaine.
What happens if one fails an alcohol or drug test?
If alcohol is detected at or above 22 micrograms per 100 milliliters of breath or one of the six identified substances is detected in an oral fluid test, the person would be asked to remain at the test location and the organization will conduct a risk assessment to determine the appropriate immediate course of action.
What is the detection time for drugs screened in urine testing?
The duration of a drug’s presence in the body varies depending on its properties, ranging from 2 to 14 hours for alcohol to 2–3 weeks for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, cannabinoids, methadone, and opiates.
What happens if my prescription medication causes me to fail a drug and alcohol screening?
You should advise the organization if you think the outcome of your drug and alcohol screening has been affected by prescription medication or illegal drugs.
If my friends smoke cannabis and I inhale some, will I test positive?
Passive smoking of cannabis smoke does not result in positive drug and alcohol tests except in extreme conditions.
We hope that these responses have helped you comprehend the significance of drug and alcohol screening. While drug and alcohol screening is a vital part of a drug and alcohol-free workplace program, it’s also crucial for employers to have procedures in place for clearly stating their expectations around drug and alcohol use and for the standard supervisor training on identifying symptoms of drug and alcohol use and enforcing regulations.
Medbury Healthcare provides organizations with the most comprehensive drug and alcohol screening services. Our services are designed to ensure that your workplace is safe and productive. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you with tailored strategies based on your specific needs to make the best decisions for your organization.
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