Drug Testing in the Work Place:
Implications for the Job Applicant
An increasing number of employers are instituting drug testing programs. Some statistics show as many as 40% of U.S. companies are testing job applicants and current employees. Employers are concerned with the impact of drug use on safety, health and productivity. Drug testing is becoming an integral part of the employment process, and it's important for job applicants for know what to expect.
Drug testing usually occurs during the pre-employment physical. Receiving a negative result, indicating an absence of drug use, may be a stipulation for employment.
There are many tests used by employers to determine drug use. They include testing urine, hair, blood, saliva, and brain waves. The most popular of these is urinalysis. Urinalysis may be administered in one or two steps. The preliminary test is called the Enzyme Multiple Immunoassay Test (EMIT). Positive results, showing drug use, can be confirmed by using a second test called Gas Chromatography.
These tests are reported to be 97-99% accurate under proper conditions, although accuracy may be diminished by improper handling or accidental contamination. The job applicant may affect the accuracy of these tests by using over-the-counter and prescription drugs. To alleviate this problem, an employer may conduct a pretesting interview to inquire about legal drug use. This information is then communicated to the laboratories.
The presence of drugs in the system can be detected over a prolonged period to time. Drugs such as marijuana can be detected up to 20 days, cocaine up to 4 days, and amphetamines up to 4 days. A combination of questioning and testing may be used to determine drug use within the past year.
It is important for job applicants to take drug testing seriously. Some employers may give applicants showing positive results a second chance, some may not. If retesting occurs, it may take place immediately, or at 6-month or year intervals.
Many employers are still trying to develop policies that are fair and best for all concerned. For your protection, it will be important for you to know
- The purpose of the test.
- What types of tests are being used.
- What types of quality control procedures have been implemented.
- What the employer's policy is regarding positive results.
