FAQ: Employment Drug Testing What Do They Test For?

What kind of drug tests do employers use?

A urine test is the standard type of drug screening specimen and is the one mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The other types of pre-employment drug tests are the saliva test, blood test, and hair test.

What can be detected in a urine test for work?

The urine drug test usually screens for:

• amphetamines.
• methamphetamines.
• benzodiazepines.
• barbiturates.
• marijuana.
• cocaine.
• PCP.
• methadone.

What do they test for on a standard drug test?

A standard 5 panel drug urine test is the drug test most frequently used by government agencies and private employers. A 5 panel drug test typically tests for commonly abused substances, including THC, Opiates, PCP, Cocaine, and Amphetamines.

What can I expect from a pre-employment drug test?

With this test, a sample of applicants’ saliva is collected from inside their mouth. The saliva is then tested and can show drug use ranging from the last few hours up to a few days. Urine tests are the most widespread and commonly used method, especially for pre-employment drug screenings.

What should I avoid before a drug test?

For 24 hours prior to collecting the specimen, you should avoid strenuous exercise as well as the following substances and drugs:

• Acetaminophen.
• Alcohol.
• Antihistamines.
• Aspirin.
• Caffeine.
• Vitamin B.

Is it legal for someone to watch you pee during a drug test?

Is that legal? Usually not. Some courts have found it to be an unfair invasion of privacy to watch employees urinate. However, most courts have held that it is reasonable to enforce other safeguards that protect against tampering with urine specimens.

How long does it take to find out if you failed a drug test?

Negative results are usually received within 24 hours; however, a non-negative screen will require further testing that may take a few days up to one week. If the initial screen is negative, a medical review officer (MRO) will typically contact the employer with the results.

How long does it take to pass a urine test?

Urine test: This is the most common drug test used. Infrequent users (less than 2 times/week) can test positive for 1-3 days. A moderate user (several times per week) can test positive for 7–21 days after last use. A heavy user can test positive for a month or longer after last use.

How far back does a urine test go?

Urine drug screen results usually come back within a few days. Some results come back on the same day. Negative results may come back more quickly. A positive result may take longer, because ensuring the accuracy may require further testing.

What is the most accurate drug test?

Of all the drug testing methods, blood tests are the most accurate. They are also the only ones that are invasive and must be performed by trained phlebotomists and analyzed in a lab. Blood tests can detect alcohol use up to 24 hours after drinking.

What shows up on a 10 panel drug test?

Standard 10-panel test: typically looks for cocaine, marijuana, PCP, amphetamines, opiates, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, & Quaaludes.

Does CBD show up on a drug test?

CBD will not show up in a drug test because drug tests are not screening for it. CBD products may well contain THC, however, so you can fail a drug test after taking CBD products.

Will a job let you know if you fail a drug test?

You probably won’t hear from the company about the drugs test result if you have passed it, but if you fail, you can expect to hear from a Medical Review Officer (MRO). If you lie, they will know because they have access to the drug test results and know what was in your system when you took the drug test.

Can you still be hired after failing a drug test?

Failing a drug test in California means that an employer can legally deny you employment, or terminate your employment depending on the conditions of your hiring. Once you have been hired, the employer may choose to continue your employment but decline to promote you until you pass the next series of drug tests.

Do failed drug tests go on record?

In many cases where the drug is illegal, or there is no medical reason for using it, employment may be terminated. In addition, failing a DOT drug and alcohol test remains on your record for three years.