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A Guide to Employee Drug Testing Service

Tammy Cohen, PHR, SHRM-CP

September 10 2024

Employee drug testing is a critical component of maintaining a safe, productive, and compliant workplace. By identifying substance use, employers can prevent accidents, reduce liability, and ensure that their team is focused and capable. A comprehensive drug testing service not only helps keep the workplace safe but also fosters trust and accountability among employees.

Statistics highlight the importance of employee drug testing in the workplace. According to the National Safety Council, employees who abuse drugs are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident and five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse costs the U.S. economy over $740 billion annually in lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and crime-related costs. This underscores the need for businesses to implement robust drug screening programs.

Types of Drug Testing Services Available

Drug testing is often one of the most confusing aspects of employee screening protocols. But it offers significant benefits in ensuring a safe and compliant workplace. This guide helps you choose the most popular and effective drug testing options for your background check program.

There are many drug testing services available, each suited to different needs and circumstances. Below are some of the most common types:



Urine Testing

Urine testing is the most widely used method for detecting recent drug use. It is cost-effective, reliable, and able to detect a wide range of substances. This method is often used by background check agencies for both pre-employment and random drug testing.

The eCup+ has made urine testing quick and easy. Employees do have to report to a clinic to provide their sample, but only non-negative results are sent to the lab. Negative results are available about 15 minutes after collection.



Hair Follicle Testing

Hair follicle testing offers a longer detection window, typically up to 90 days. This makes it ideal for identifying habitual drug use. However, it is less effective at detecting very recent drug use (within the past 5-7 days). Rather than urine collection, this drug test requires testing of a clipped piece of hair.

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Blood Testing

Blood testing happens at a proper facility, where a licensed technician draws blood and sends it to the lab for testing. While highly reliable, it is more invasive and expensive than other methods.

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Oral Fluid Testing

Oral fluid testing (or saliva testing) is less invasive and provides quicker results than urine tests. It is effective for detecting very recent drug use and is often used in situations where immediate results are needed. These tests are particularly useful for businesses that need to make quick hiring decisions. They can often be conducted on-site, providing immediate insights.

Understanding Drug Test Panels: 5-Panel and 10-Panel Drug Tests

Screening companies offer various drug screening panels, allowing employers to customize to their needs. Here’s what you need to know:

The 5-panel drug screen is one of the most common testing panels. It typically screens for five major categories of drugs, including cannabinoids (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP).

The ten-panel drug test is more comprehensive, screening for additional substances like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, and others. This test is ideal for industries with higher safety concerns, as it provides a broader view of an employee’s potential substance use.

Employers can add analytes to any panel options to create a custom panel.

These panels are often used by background check agencies for employee drug screening in regulated industries, as they are required to do lab-based tests.

Quantisal™: The Latest in Recent-Use Drug Testing

Quantisal is the ideal solution for detecting recent drug use, making it especially valuable in today’s rapidly changing regulatory landscape, particularly concerning marijuana. As more states, like California, Washington, and Maine, implement specific guidelines around drug testing, Quantisal stands out by offering reliable and compliant results.

Reliable Recent-Use Detection

Quantisal is designed to accurately detect recent use of various substances, including marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, and PCP. This capability makes it a top choice for companies operating in states with stringent regulations on drug testing, ensuring that employers can maintain a safe and compliant workplace.

Easy Collection and Fast Turnaround

With Quantisal, the collection process is straightforward and efficient, taking just 5-10 minutes. Negative results are typically reported within a day, with confirmed positive results available within 72 hours.

Versatile Application

Quantisal is well-suited for various testing scenarios, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and post-accident drug testing. This versatility ensures that employers can confidently use Quantisal across different stages of employment, maintaining workplace safety and compliance.

increased likelihood of employees who abuse drugs to file a workers’ compensation claim

Choose eCup+ for Fast, Convenient Drug Testing Services

For employers seeking a fast and reliable drug testing service, the eCup+ is the ideal solution. As the latest Point of Collection Test (POCT), the eCup+ offers immediate reporting of negative drug tests, eliminating the need to wait for lab results.

This device supports a wide range of panel configurations, from 1-5 panel tests to more comprehensive 10+ panel tests, covering substances like amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabinoids (THC), opiates, and more.

The eCup+ simplifies the entire process by going paperless, allowing for real-time electronic updates and complete visibility throughout the testing process. While non-negative results still undergo confirmatory lab testing and MRO review, the eCup+ offers a seamless, efficient experience for employers and HR professionals.

Keep in mind, however, that some states, such as Vermont, do not permit instant testing methods like eCup+.

When to Conduct Drug Tests

Different situations call for different types of drug testing services. Here’s a breakdown of when and why to use each type:

Pre-Employment Testing

Conducted during the hiring process to ensure that potential employees are drug-free before joining the company. This helps HR professionals make informed hiring decisions and maintain workplace safety from the start.

Random Drug Testing

Random drug testing is an effective deterrent against drug use among employees. It involves selecting employees at random for testing, which ensures fairness and keeps everyone accountable.

Post-Accident Testing

This testing is conducted after a workplace accident to determine whether substance use was a factor. It is crucial for maintaining safety standards and for any legal or insurance purposes.

Return-to-Duty Testing

For employees returning to work after a leave of absence, return-to-duty testing ensures they are drug-free and ready to resume their responsibilities.

Qualities to Look for in a Drug Screening Partner

Choosing the right drug screening partner is essential for implementing an effective employee drug screening program. Here are some qualities to consider:

Compliance with Regulations: Ensure the provider complies with all relevant federal, state, and industry-specific regulations, especially for regulated industries like transportation.
Comprehensive Testing Options: Look for a partner that offers a wide range of testing methods, including urine, hair, blood, and oral fluid testing, as well as instant or rapid drug screen tests.
Accuracy and Reliability: The provider should use certified labs and employ methods that ensure accurate and reliable results, reducing the risk of false positives or negatives.
Efficient Reporting: Fast turnaround times and easy access to test results are crucial. A good partner will offer real-time status updates and electronic reporting.
Customer Support: Choose a partner that offers excellent customer service and support, including expert advice on compliance and best practices.
Convenient Locations: Be sure your chosen partner has testing facilities wherever your candidates live and/or work.
Modern Processes: Electronic chain of custody forms and easy only scheduling keep the candidate experience simple!

annual cost of substance abuse on U.S. economy

Employees who abuse drugs are

3.6x

more likely to be involved in a workplace accident (National Safety Council)

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Employee Drug Testing Services

What substances can be detected in a drug test?

Most drug tests can detect a variety of substances, including but not limited to amphetamines, cannabinoids (THC), cocaine, opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). Both 5-panel drug screens and 10-panel drug tests cover a broad spectrum of substances.

How long do drugs stay detectable in different tests?

Urine tests typically detect drugs for up to a few days after use. Hair follicle tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, while oral fluid tests are effective for recent drug use, typically within the last 24-48 hours.

Is it possible to get instant results from a drug test?

Yes, with instant drug tests like the eCup+, employers can receive negative results within minutes, making them ideal for situations where quick decisions are needed. Non-negative results will need to be sent to a lab for confirmation.

Can drug testing be conducted on-site?

Yes, many providers offer on-site drug testing services, which can be more convenient for businesses and reduce the time employees spend away from work.

Are there regulations governing drug testing?

Yes, drug testing is subject to federal and state regulations, especially for certain industries like transportation. It’s important to choose a provider that understands and complies with these regulations.

Simplify Your Employee Drug Testing

Implementing a comprehensive employee drug testing service is vital for maintaining workplace safety, compliance, and productivity. By understanding the different types of drug screening solutions available and knowing when to use them, HR professionals can make informed decisions that protect both their employees and their business. Choosing the right drug screening partner ensures that your program is effective, reliable, and compliant with all regulations.

For HR professionals looking to enhance their drug testing programs, exploring these options is the first step toward ensuring a safe and productive workplace.

About Tammy Cohen

Tammy Cohen, an industry pioneer and expert in identity and employment screening, founded InfoMart 30 years ago. Deemed the “Queen of Screen,” she’s been a force behind industry-leading innovations. She was most recently the first-to-market with a fully compliant sanctions search, as well as a suite of identity services that modernizes talent onboarding. Tammy revolutionized the screening industry when she stepped into the field, developing the first client-facing application and a due diligence criminal search that has since become standard for all background screening companies. Cohen has received national awards and honors for her business and civic involvement, including Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 25 Women-Owned Firms in Atlanta, Enterprising Women Magazine’s Enterprising Women of the Year award, the YWCA of Northwest Georgia’s Kathryn Woods Racial Justice Award, and a commendation in the 152nd Congressional Record.

About InfoMart

InfoMart has been revolutionizing the global background and identity screening industry for 30 years, providing businesses the information they need to make informed hiring decisions. They develop innovative technology that modernizes talent onboarding, including a first-to-market biometric identity authentication application and a verified sanctions search. The WBENC-certified company is a founding member of the Professional Background Screening Association, and they have achieved PBSA accreditation in recognition of their consistent business practices and commitment to compliance with the FCRA. The company is dedicated to customer service, speed, and accuracy, and it has been recognized for its success, workplace culture, and corporate citizenship with over 45 industry awards. To Get the Whole Story on InfoMart, please visit www.InfoMart-USA.com, follow @InfoMartUSA, or call (770) 984-2727.