In the last 30 years, the practice of employment drug testing has become increasingly prevalent as employers strive to ensure that their workforce is drug free. There are many reasons for companies to utilize employment drug testing, which is why an estimated 65% of employers in the Unites States include some level of testing as a condition of employment. The motivations for employers to test for drugs are varied and include protection from on the job injury liability, the augmentation of overall productivity, or simply the screening of undesirable candidates during the hiring process. Whichever reason compels you to begin employment drug testing within your company, the overwhelming consensus is that you are making the right choice going forward.

Studies of employees in the field and overall market production for companies which use employment drug testing demonstrate its effectiveness. Employment drug testing is most effective as a two-pronged approach, in which potential hires are screened for prior drug use while long-term employees are given random tests periodically. It has been proven that on the job safety increases dramatically within companies that test for drugs, while tardiness and absenteeism is reduced. This combination ensures that a company’s overall productivity will increase in the advent of employment drug testing.

Employers can test for drugs in several ways; however, the two most commonly used methods for employment drug testing are urinalysis testing and the hair follicle test. Urinalysis testing involves obtaining a urine sample which is processed by a laboratory and screened for trace amounts of narcotic and illicit substances. Labs which conduct urinalysis testing are subjected to strict federal guidelines, which means that the results of these tests are highly accurate and can be admissible in a court should the need arise.

The hair follicle test is the other standard for employment drug testing and is less invasive than urinalysis testing. A potential hire or current employee need only pluck a few hairs and submit them for testing. Hair follicle tests are a vital component of employment drug testing because they can detect drug usage for a longer period of time than urinalysis. Drug use causes a buildup of trace chemicals during hair growth, and while urinalysis testing is dependent on the bloodstream, hair can contain evidence of drugs for up to 90 days. The strongest employment drug testing programs will combine both urinalysis and hair follicle testing for maximum effectiveness.