Mental and physical competency are essential factors for companies to consider whenever there is a need to recruit new people to take up available positions. The most basic of reasons is that if workers are not competent, they will be unable to do their jobs adequately. The reasons for pre-employment drug screening go much deeper than this though. There are additional costs linked to those who are affected by drug and alcohol related issues, and these include need for higher health benefits, and more claims for worker compensation. Behavioral issues also arise such as absences from the workplace, as well as more tardiness offences.

The first question that a manager should ask is what do pre-employment drug tests look for? The screen for a range of drugs including: –

• Illegal drugs – These include but are not limited to amphetamines, cocaine, phencyclidine, marijuana and opiates.
• Prescription drugs – These include sedatives, Valium being an example. These may be legal, but vey high levels of these are enough to raise alarms giving an indication that there is some abuse.
• Alcohol levels in the blood.

The second question that managers should ask is how does one go about getting this type of drug screening done? Here are the steps that make up the screening process.

Samples Collection

The employment pre-screening drug test will often kick off with samples being collected for the purpose of testing. The most common samples collected are urine samples. However, it is not uncommon for a company to request for blood, saliva or even hair samples. Little notice is given when a drug test will be required as those who are suffering from addiction problems will often try to flush out their systems so that they are more likely to pass the test.

Testing and Results

Once the samples have been collected, they are tested and then the results come out. If all the results are negative, this is great news and a job applicant will seamlessly move on to the next step of the hiring process. If the tests are positive, then the results are shared with the job applicant, and the applicant is then given a chance to explain the results that have been received. In some cases, they will be asked to take the test again, this time at a different testing facility, at their own expense.

The screening process works in several ways, saving companies time during the recruitment process. Those potential employees who are abusing drugs will often decline to be tested, making it easier to eliminate them from the recruitment process, and only focus on those who present more potential for hiring. Although it cannot be concluded that all who decline drug tests are heavy abusers, it is a strong and often valid assumption.

Types of Drug Tests

There are two main types of drug tests that employers are asking for these days. The most common drug test for employment is known as the 5-panel drug test. This one will screen for the following drugs:

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Methamphetamines
• Opiates including morphine, heroin and codeine.

The other test that employers may ask for is the 10-panel drug test which broadens what is required from the 5 panel test. This test will look to screen for the following: –

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Methamphetamines
• Opiates including morphine, heroin and codeine.
• Amphetamines
• Proxyphene
• Benzodiazepines
• Methadone
• Barbiturates

Drug screening before taking on new staff helps to set the tone for what is acceptable in the work place. It is essential to protect the public reputation of the company, and also all the other staff who are working within the company. It is worth noting that the issue of drug and alcohol abuse is getting worse on a global scale, and what was once a personal cost is now shifting towards the employers. It is a wise decision to carry out drug testing, and also continue to educate those that are already within the organization. Before any tests are carried out, one must ask the potential employee if they are taking any drugs, particularly prescription medication. This will help to ensure that no one unfairly misses out on an opportunity.