Drug Tests

People are usually tested in one of three ways. Urine tests detect trace amounts of the drug in a person’s system, although they cannot tell when the drug was ingested. Blood tests can tell the exact amount at the time of the test, and determine whether or not a person was under the influence at the time of the test. Saliva, hair, and sweat specimen test can also be used to detect the presence of specific drugs.

Workplace Testing

Several government agencies or industries regulated by the federal government require employees to be regularly tested for drugs. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Defense, Federal Transit Authority, and Federal Railroad Commission all have drug test regulations stipulated for employees. The reason is for the safety and security of other employees and the public in general.

Private sector employees also have the option to drug test. Reasons for drug testing in these workplaces include:

• Ensuring compliance with federal regulations
• Meeting customer requirements
• Keeping from hiring someone who uses
• Enforcing company policy of no tolerance
• Improving safety at workplace
• Providing a reason behind discipline or firing

Times when employers drug test vary. Some do pre-employment screening and follow-up tests at annual physicals. Other workplaces test after accidents or after a pattern of documented unfit behavior occurs. Many workplaces with safety and security concerns employ the use of random testing. For workplaces that send employees to rehab or treatment centers, testing is done to ensure the reinstated employee is no longer using.

Along with federal guidelines, many states have adopted rules regarding workplace testing. The U.S. Department of Labor has information regarding the varying rules.

Athletic Testing

With the amount of money and fame involved in professional and amateur sports, athletes have a large incentive to use illegal or banned substances to enhance their performance. Several of the most commonly abused drugs in the sporting world include:

• EPO (erythropoietin)—fake hormones that enhance performance
• Steroids—artificial substance similar to testosterone that builds and maintains muscle
• THG—new form of steroid that was until recently undetectable
• Modafinil—stimulant like an amphetamine but without some of the side effects
• HGH (Human Growth Hormone)—strengthens muscles and joints; speeds tissue repair

Additionally, athletes are tested for banned over-the-counter substances that may not be “illegal” drugs. Many are discouraged from taking nutritional supplements that have not been tested by the Food and Drug Administration or that may have unknown substances. In fact, a Big Twelve football player was recently kicked off the team for having tested positive for a banned nutritional supplement.

Home Drug Tests

Purchased from sites like Amazon and drugstore.com, home drug test kits promise accurate results and complete. While some kits require samples to be mailed into a laboratory, others offer fast results at home. These kits can test for amphetamines, marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, and opiates. They usually test using urine analysis.