Drug Screening

About Drug Screening

Drug screening was first used in the 1980s as a way for the federal government and other employers to test new hires and current employees for drug use. Guidelines for drug testing are regulated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, formerly under the direction of the National Institute of Drug Abuse. This organization requires companies who employ professional drivers and workers in oil and gas related occupations to test for the presence of specific drugs, such as:

• Amphetamines
• Cannabinoids (marijuana, hashish)
• Cocaine
• Opiates (heroin, morphine, opium, etc.)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Though official tests are only required to check for the substances above, many drug testing labs are now offering more comprehensive drug screening and can test for other drugs, such as:

• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Restoril, etc.)
• GHB
• Steroids
• Synthetic painkillers (OxyContin, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, etc.)

Today, drug screening is much more common. Some companies choose to screen all potential employees prior to making hiring decisions, regardless of occupation. Other companies randomly screen employees to check for drug use.

Employers, however, are not the only ones interested in drug testing. Screening has now become common in athletic departments, school districts, and among parents. The judicial system also uses drug screening on occasion to test those who are on probation after taking part in some sort of unlawful offense.

Drug Screening Methods

Regardless of the drug screening method used, tests will need to be performed at a drug testing lab or on-site service. The exception to this rule is the home drug test kits that are available on the market. Some of these tests can provide results at home and don't need to be mailed into a laboratory.

Urinalysis

Urine drug screens are probably the most popular method used to detect drug use. With a urinalysis, the test subject must provide a urine sample within a cup. The sample can then be applied to a test strip for immediate results or sent to a lab.

Though this type of drug screening method is a classic, there have been many problems lately with urine substitution or adulteration. Many test subjects attempt to beat the test by drinking enormous amounts of water or by taking one of the many detox products available on the market today. While some have been able to get away with it, others have been caught by savvy lab technicians who tested for the presence of detox products and dilution attempts.

Saliva Tests

Saliva or oral fluid based tests are becoming more popular because of the convenience of the method and the fact that there is no chance for these tests to be adulterated. With this method of drug screening, drugs that have been taken within the previous few days are normally detectable. Saliva testing closely mimics a blood test, which is an infallible method.

Sweat Drug Screens

Sweat tests are used almost exclusively by child protective services and parole departments. With this method of testing, patches are applied to certain portions of the skin and are worn for 10 to 14 day periods. These patches can not be covertly removed and they will detect any drug that has been used while the patch was in place.

Hair Follicle Testing

Hair follicle testing is a newer method of drug screening that has proved to be very accurate. These tests can show any controlled substance that has been used within a six month time period. Hair samples can be taken from the head or body. There is no known way for testers to cheat on this type of screening.