UDS Drug Testing: The Need to Know

UDS or urine drug screen is a type of test to detect drugs in the system through a urine sample. Workplaces in Australia conduct alcohol and drug testing using a UDS drug test to maintain safety and reduce workplace dangers. This test can assist in identifying employees who are more prone to endanger themselves and others. Employers conduct alcohol and drug testing because alcohol and drug use can cause various impairments. Substance use can impair vision, judgment, coordination, and memory. Furthermore, these impairments might significantly impact employees’ capacity to complete responsibilities. As a result, employers now administer testing in the workplace and during working hours. Aside from a UDS, employers typically conduct breath testing to prevent alcohol use in workplaces.

Conducting alcohol and drug testing is one of the effective ways for businesses to ensure workplace safety. Substance impairment has long been a safety concern, particularly in high-risk industries. Similarly, drug and alcohol abuse has resulted in severe injuries, disability, property damage, low productivity and compensation losses. As a result, conducting alcohol and drug tests using a UDS test or alcohol breath testing is critical in preventing workplace mishaps. For some workplaces that want quick alcohol testing, a breathalyser is a reliable device to test employees’ alcohol use. A workplace alcohol tester, such as the BACtrack workplace breathalyser from Breathalysers Australia, is an effective device for determining alcohol impairment.

How Does a UDS Drug Test Work?

Many employers conduct UDS drug tests because they are non-invasive and can be performed quickly and easily. A urine drug screen will only need urine samples from employees to perform testing. They may use various urine test kits or send the samples for laboratory testing. Generally, urine tests can trace substances consumed within 24 hours. However, for some drugs, the detection period is longer, especially for chronic users.
The substances a urine test can detect depend on the panels available. The common substances that a urine drug test can detect are:

• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• Opioids
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Cocaine

Reasons for Conducting UDS Drug Tests

Companies may conduct a UDS drug test because of different situations. Checking for alcohol and drug use in these situations can ensure that employees are not exposed to any substance. Utilising tests can significantly help employers to reduce workplace accidents and injuries. They can also effectively deter workers from misusing substances. Typically, companies would undertake alcohol and drug tests during:

• Blanket testing: A situation that tests all personnel in the company.
• Random testing: An unannounced test that can occur at any time. This type of testing can assist in detecting employees who are attempting to conceal their consumption.
• Post-accident testing: This testing situation is for employees who have recently been in a workplace accident. This test can assist in determining if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the accident. Employers can also decide whether or not to conduct company-wide alcohol and drug tests.
• Pre-employment testing: Employers conduct alcohol and drug testing for job applicants to determine their substance use. This type of testing can help firms avoid hiring personnel who may have alcohol or drug issues.
• Targeted or “For cause” testing: Targets specific employees that employers suspect of using alcohol or drugs.
• Post-positive testing: A test necessary for employees who return to work following a positive test result. This test can assist in ensuring that returning staff can operate safely.

UDS Drug Test Alternatives – Other Types of Testing

Although many employers use UDS drug tests, alcohol and drugs can also be identified using a variety of procedures. Aside from urine tests, companies can also conduct testing using the following:

• Breath alcohol testing: can measure the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels for up to 24 hours. This typically involves using breathalysers. This method is a non-invasive and quick method of identifying alcohol misuse.
• Blood testing: can detect alcohol and drug use for up to 6 to 12 hours. It is considered the most accurate method of testing since it traces the substances and metabolites in the bloodstream. However, the procedure is invasive and uncomfortable.
• Saliva testing: can check alcohol and drug use for up to 12 to 24 hours. This is often used for onsite testing since it is easy to collect saliva samples quickly.
• Hair follicle tests: can detect drug and alcohol use for up to 90 days. This test can provide employers with information about the drug use history of the worker. Collectors typically use head hair samples, but they may also use body hair.

Benefits of Testing in the Workplace

A UDS test and other tests like an alcohol breath test are advantageous for employers and employees. In particular, for alcohol testing, using a breathalyser such as the BACtrack is the leader of breathalysers in providing accurate results. Breathalysers Australia offers a full range of BACtrack devices for professional and personal use. Furthermore, alcohol and drug testing have several benefits in workplaces, including:

• Safe environment: The use of alcohol and drugs frequently causes workplace accidents. Therefore, with an alcohol and drug test, employers can help determine employees who abuse substances, allowing them to assist employees with rehabilitation.
• High productivity and employee morale: A steady workforce leads to higher output and higher morale. Furthermore, clear and sober employees have reduced absence and turnover rates.
• Reduced legal liability: Employers are required by law to reduce workplace dangers. It is the employer’s responsibility to keep the workplace safe at all times. As a result, employers will cover any workplace accidents.
• Encourage improved health: Drug and alcohol screening in the workplace leads to fewer accidents and healthier employees.

A UDS test and a breathalyser can improve workplace productivity. However, a breathalyser gives faster findings than a urine test for drugs and alcohol. Furthermore, most BACtrack breathalysers use fuel cell sensor technology. Law enforcement also utilises a police breathalyser with the same sensor as the BACtrack devices for roadside screening. Fuel cell breathalysers are only sensitive to ethanol. Therefore, it won’t react to any substance, and false-positive results are less likely.

Conclusion

A UDS drug and a breathalyser can help employers avoid alcohol and drug use and maintain workplace safety. For alcohol testing alone, the BACtrack breathalyser has a single-button operation feature for ease of use. Additionally, Breathalysers Australia can give more convenient and faster alcohol breath tests than any other procedure. The BACtrack fuel cell breathalysers can detect alcohol levels ranging from 0.00% to 0.40%. Undoubtedly, the BACtrack is the best option for any case involving alcohol testing. You may visit the Breathalysers Australia website to check all the reliable, affordable and accurate workplace breathalysers to help you deter alcohol use while maintaining safety within your workplace.