Pre Employment Drug and Alcohol Testing Near Me: Types & Procedures

Many companies require pre-employment testing as part of their requirements for a job offer. This is why it is helpful to be aware of pre-employment drug and alcohol testing near me. People should look for a testing facility that offers the type of test they wish to use, such as urine or saliva testing. The applicant can also benefit from learning the procedures and what factors to look for when searching for a testing facility.

Alcohol and drug screening services may use several testing methods, depending on the requirements of the company. Blood, urine, hair, and saliva testing can provide accurate results. However, it is crucial to contact a trustworthy service provider to ensure the reliability of the results. They should have the relevant accreditation and meet the necessary standards. The following sections will present the types of tests available, the factors to consider when choosing a facility, and the procedure for testing.

Types of Tests Available With Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Testing Near Me

When looking for pre-employment drug and alcohol testing near me, it is essential to consider the tests available. Several types of alcohol and drug testing methods are available for pre-employment purposes. Firstly, urine testing is the standard for workplace drug and alcohol screening. Urine specimens can have a detection period of days from the last consumption, depending on the substance.

Another screening method is oral fluid testing. This uses saliva samples to trace substances approximately 12 to 24 hours after intake. Many use it for onsite testing because the saliva collection procedure is non-invasive. Breath alcohol testing is also a non-invasive method of measuring Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels. This typically involves using alcohol breath test devices such as breathalysers. It has a detection window of up to 24 hours.

Meanwhile, hair follicle testing helps acquire a history of substance use. It uses hair samples and has a detection period of up to 90 days, making it ideal for tracing the pattern of substance use. Lastly, blood testing is considered the most accurate testing method. It generally has a detection range of 12 hours, although more advanced tests can extend alcohol detection to weeks.

What It Can Detect

These are some of the substances that testing methods can trace:

• Ethanol: an active ingredient in most alcoholic beverages. It is a depressant that can impair cognitive and physical abilities.
• Marijuana: a common recreational drug that also has medical uses. It is a psychoactive drug made from the cannabis plant.
• Cocaine: a stimulant made from the leaves of the coca plant. It is an addictive drug that gives euphoria to its users.
• Opioids: are mainly used as painkillers for moderate to severe pain. It includes morphine, oxycodone, and methadone.
• Amphetamine: a stimulant drug commonly used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Factors to Consider When Choosing Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Testing Near Me

There are several factors to consider when choosing a facility for pre-employment drug and alcohol testing near me. Firstly, the type of tests they offer. The individual must choose a centre that has their needed test. Bigger facilities may provide more services compared to smaller ones. However, they may also cost more in comparison.

Furthermore, the individual should look for a testing facility close to them. This reduces the hassle of travelling and allows them to save on some costs. They may read reviews to help ensure that the results from the provider are accurate and reliable. Reviews can help people gain insight into the professionalism of the staff and actual turnaround times for results.

In addition, the individual should ensure that the facility is accredited with the necessary certifications. This can help ascertain if the facility has the proper equipment and trained staff who follow strict protocols. Ultimately, the applicant should ensure the service provider is reputable and trustworthy for the best results.

Service Provider

Selecting a reliable testing service provider is crucial when testing potential employees. They should have the necessary accreditation, follow the relevant Australian standards and laws, and have an experienced team of qualified collectors. It is also ideal if they provide flexible testing options for those with medical conditions.

Moreover, the service provider should follow the necessary confidentiality and privacy requirements. They must only share information with authorised personnel, like the employer and medical professionals, to protect the rights of the individual. This can help provide peace of mind for the prospective employee and prevent legal risks from privacy issues.

Procedures in Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Testing Near Me

The individual should be familiar with the testing procedures when looking for pre-employment drug and alcohol testing near me. This allows them to prepare for the test beforehand. The procedure typically involves collecting a specimen, which varies depending on the type of test. Then, the collectors will send it to the laboratory for further testing.

In the laboratory, the technicians may use several methods for testing. A common method is the immunoassay test. This uses immunoassays or antibodies to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in the sample. Typically, if the initial test produces a non-negative result, the sample will undergo confirmatory testing.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is the gold standard for tracing substances. This is because it can quantify the amount of substance in the sample. Afterwards, the lab will present the results in a report. If the final report is negative, the applicant may receive a job offer. However, for a positive result, the following steps may depend on the drug and alcohol management policy of the employer.

Implications of a Non-Negative Result

A non-negative test result implies that there were traces of drugs or alcohol above the assigned cut-off levels. This can have serious implications, especially for employment prospects. Generally, a non-negative or positive result raises concerns regarding the ability of the applicant to perform their job safely.

In most cases, the company will disqualify them for the position. This is more likely with high-risk industries offering safety-sensitive positions since an accident may affect both the workplace and public safety. Furthermore, individuals with substance abuse disorders are more prone to absences and tardiness, which can affect productivity and morale.

Conclusion

Pre-employment testing allows the employer to identify if any applicants are misusing prescription drugs, alcohol, or illegal drugs. This is crucial for ensuring workplace safety and preventing those with substance use disorders from occupying safety-sensitive positions. This is why many people are searching for pre-employment drug and alcohol testing near me. However, they should familiarise themselves with the factors to consider when choosing a testing facility for their needs.

The facility should offer the required test needed by the employer. This includes blood, urine, hair, saliva, or breath alcohol testing. Furthermore, the centre should ideally be close to the applicant to reduce the hassle of travelling. They should also offer competitive prices and have the necessary accreditation. Lastly, they should follow the correct testing procedure and follow a strict chain of custody. From collection to analysis to reporting, the service provider must also maintain the privacy of the results.