Drug screening or drug testing is the process of collecting a sample of blood, urine or hair, then testing it to detect the presence of chemicals and contaminants in the body that are left by drug usage. The main purpose of drug screening is to promote and improve the safety of a workplace for the employees. It is not only used in the corporate world. In sports, it is used to detect performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids and HCG, to maintain fairness.
There are different types of drug testing methods that employers should know about. To better understand your options, drug test in Hialeah will discuss the details of these types of drug screening.
- Pre-employment
As a part of the pre-employment process, most applicants are required to be screened for drug use. This depends on the state of the law and the company policies, but most employers may require drug testing prior to offering a job.
- Post-accident
Post-accident, also called post-incident, drug testing is executed after an employee’s involvement in a workplace accident. This type of testing is used to determine if drug use was a factor in the incident. It is advisable to perform the drug test within 12 hours of the incident to get viable results.
- Random or periodic
Random or periodic drug testing is usually conducted in an unannounced way. The process randomly selects employees through a computer system, after that they undergo the drug-testing program. Through the random selection process, employees have assurance that the selection is not bias and that all employees have an equal chance of being selected. This type of drug testing is an effective way of detecting drug use, more than pre-employment testing because the employees do not know when they will be tested.
- Probable cause
Probable cause, or reasonable suspicion testing, is done when supervisors have gained enough evidence to suspect a certain employee engages in drug use. Proof that is gathered is based on direct observation of a supervisor or an employee. The reasonable suspicions include the following physical evidence and actions:
- Abnormal behavior
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Inability to complete routine tasks at work
There are certain steps to follow before administering a reasonable probable cause testing. This is because this type of drug screening is discretionary, which means that it requires careful and comprehensive training to ensure consistent application. Suspected employees are advised not to return to work while the test results are being processed.
- DOT drug test
Department of Transportation (DOT) requires commercial drivers to have health exams every two years to continue operating a commercial vehicle, such as commercial motor carriers, aviation, railroad, public transportation, and pipeline that involves hazardous materials and maritime. This is to ensure that the drivers are in a good health condition and can work safely. The physical examination includes drug testing, which is an important part of DOT physicals. DOT test analyzes the presence of the five families of drugs: Opioids (OPI), tetra-hydro-cannabis (THC), amphetamines (AMP), cocaine (COC) and phencyclidines (PCP). The test is usually performed using a urine sample.
- Urine, blood and hair
Specimens, such as urine, blood or hair, can be tested to identify drugs in a person’s system. Urine is the most common, because it’s the most convenient, quick and effective way to test an individual. Specimens like hair can detect a long term exposure to drugs, while blood drug testing is invasive, but also considered to be the most accurate of them all.
RiteCare Medical Centre offers Drug tests in Hialeah and various types of drug screenings. If you are looking to enforce a safe and drug-free environment in your workplace, contact our drug testing center in Hialeah. We will advise you which of these drug screenings is the best option for your company.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
