There are several options to avail of drug testing in Perth. Individuals may go to the nearest testing facility to get drug screening. On the other hand, companies may employ mobile laboratory services to test for drugs and other alcohol in the workplace. You may check with your healthcare provider for recommendations on where to get these services. It is important to check the testing standards to ensure they align with your requirements.

Illicit substance use can pose severe health and safety hazards. Therefore, organisations implement drug and alcohol testing to minimise these hazards. These measures help prevent accidents and casualties. Hence, it improves workplace safety and productivity. If you are looking for drug testing services, it is important to know your options and choose a provider that meets your needs. This article will guide you on the purposes of drug testing, where to avail services, and types of test methods.

Drug Testing in Perth: Purposes

There are various means of drug testing in Perth and Western Australia. It is often used in workplaces to monitor substance use or impairment. Drugs and alcohol account for most workplace accidents and injuries. Consequently, it incurs high expenses in hospitalisation, compensation, and productivity loss. It may also lead to low employee morale and company reputation.

Drug testing is mandated in high-risk industries like mining, manufacturing, aviation, and transportation. These sectors implement a zero-tolerance policy to prevent accidents and mitigate legal consequences. Thus, it helps attain a healthy and hazard-free working environment. Moreover, the detection of drugs and alcohol can determine if an employee is struggling with addiction or substance abuse.

Employers may offer treatment assistance to employees with substance abuse. Through a workplace policy, individuals may undergo rehabilitation. Once they are fully recovered, they can go back to work. Furthermore, it helps employers make correct hiring decisions. Lastly, it gives medical providers a background of a patient’s health status to prescribe an appropriate treatment.

Significance of Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy

A workplace policy enables companies to test for drugs and alcohol. It also provides the following advantages:

• Sets clear goals and scope of safety practices and regulations.
• Informs and educates employees on their responsibilities and conduct.
• Outlines the situations that involve testing or drug detection.
• Specifies the methods and requirements for testing.
• The corresponding disciplinary actions and consequences for policy violations and failed test results.
• Mitigates legal risks and liabilities by handling various cases properly.
• Measures for handling workplace social situations and various incidents.
• Complies with state or federal laws.
• Promotes drug and alcohol awareness and develops healthier habits for the workforce.

Where to Get Drug Testing in Perth?

There are many clinics that offer drug testing in Perth. Firstly, visit a hospital or health centre that provides these services. Some private clinics may also have basic screening equipment. Secondly, you may ask your physician or target employer for specific recommendations or accredited partners. They may also advise you on what to do to prepare for the test.

Additionally, check your local directory or online for the list of facilities in your area. Researching online lets you know the range of services or testing options they offer. Individuals may avail of in-clinic testing by visiting a centre. It includes screening for common drugs of abuse (marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines). The test results are usually available within 1 to 2 business days.

Another option is to visit a drug agency. They offer a wider range of testing options and more specialised expertise. Aside from drug detection, they can provide education and prevention programs in the workplace. They can help companies create a comprehensive policy that adheres to relevant laws. Lastly, they can provide on-site testing.

What to Consider

In choosing a testing facility, you must consider the following: accreditation, test services, cost and location. It is vital to check if the clinic is authorised or certified by the government or regulating bodies, such as Australian Standards. It ensures that they are following standardised procedures and ensure reliable results.

Another consideration is the type of test. Determine which test is appropriate for your situation. Each method has different detection windows, accuracy, and turnaround time. Lastly, inquire about the cost of each test. You can compare prices among different facilities to choose the most affordable or efficient option.

Drug Testing in Perth: Test Methods

There are various methods to facilitate alcohol and drug testing in Perth. These include urine, blood, saliva, and hair test. Each of these procedures has its advantages and disadvantages. Urine testing is the standard method for workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities. It can trace illicit drugs and drug metabolites for up to 72 hours from the last intake.

An alternative to urine is oral fluid testing. It is used in roadside screening as the collection procedure is less intrusive. It involves swabbing the mouth. Some situations may use this method if the subject cannot produce a urine sample. Moreover, it is cost-efficient for some companies with a limited budget. On the other hand, a blood test can detect drug compounds up to 12 hours from the last use.

A hair follicle test can trace drugs or alcohol for up to 90 days. It is less used because it cannot measure how much. However, it is more suitable for determining if a person abuses drugs. Lastly, a breath test can measure Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or the amount of alcohol in the system.

Workplace Testing

A workplace may administer drug screening in various circumstances. A drug testing program includes pre-employment, random, post-incident, and reasonable suspicion. Companies require passing a drug and alcohol test in hiring new employees if the position is safety-sensitive. A random test is done without prior announcement for monitoring workers with current impairments.

Additionally, post-incident testing is done to check if alcohol or drugs are a factor in an accident. It requires screening all employees as soon as possible who are involved or present in the incident. Finally, the reasonable suspicion test is for a particular individual who displays visible signs of impairment.

Conclusion

There are many options for drug testing in Perth. Individuals may visit the nearest clinic. On the other hand, companies can hire testing clinics or specialised drug detection agencies to help apply their testing policies for the benefit of all. These tests may be rapid screening or more comprehensive laboratory testing. Furthermore, these tests come in different sampling methods. Tests may sample urine, blood, hair follicle, saliva or breath to detect the presence of illicit substances in a person.

Drug testing is an important process that helps ensure individual or workplace safety. Be sure to choose a provider that offers the type of drug testing you require and has a good reputation for accuracy and reliability. Moreover, employers must establish a comprehensive policy to follow state laws and avoid legal penalties. In conclusion, it helps improve the safety of both the employees and the employers by managing the hazards of illegal drugs.