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Drug Testing in the Workplace


photo by Lori Greig

Drug tests are done through an analysis of a genetic specimen of a person. There are many different kinds of drug tests which can be utilized to detect drug use. Depending on the type of analysis, the drug test can be performed on a specimen of urine, hair, saliva, blood or even sweat.

There are many reasons why a drug test may be performed. Frequently private employers opt to routinely test applicants or employees, insurance companies may have certain requirements in order to provide coverage, and even federal agencies have compliance regulations that must be met for their employees as part of a drug free workplace.

In addition the legal system may mandate the use of a drug test to ensure the law is being abided after sentencing of a crime has been finalized. These days drug tests are even available at drug stores for people to purchase if they feel a need to test a family member to ensure they are drug free if there has been a history or problem with drugs.

In modern society drug testing has become readily accepted for the most part. Although typically accepted as a routine practice, there are still many pros and cons associated with this practice.

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Quick Facts

*Drug Testing can be done for many different drugs. There's testing for various drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, heroin, amphetamines,methamphetamines, ecstasy, PCP/angel dust, barbituates, methadone, a anti-depressants and even alcohol.

*Occasionally drug tests will show a false positive. Typically this is unlikely, but it does happen.

*More than 6% of the U.S. population over 12 years of age have used drugs within the past 30 days (U.S. Department of Labor). In 2009 this equates to 13.9 million people!

*Problems with alcohol results in 500 million lost workdays each year (U.S. Department of Labor)

For more quick facts and statistics please visit the U.S. Department of Labor Drug-free Advisor webpage.

Official Websites

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Drugs and the Workplace

A company dedicated to help employers keep a drug free workplace and creating a safer work enviorment by drug testing. An on site drug testing agency to better serve the community in the war against drugs. Pre-employment screening, reasonable suspicion, and return to work testing are available at www.employeetestingagency.com
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