When should you drug test your employees?

When should you drug test your employees?
Drug testing is important at the time of hire so you can prevent yourself from letting illegal drug users into your workplace. That’s especially important for industries such as healthcare, construction, transportation, or any other industry that operates machinery or works directly with other individuals.
Other than at the time of hire, drug tests may also be given:
After an accident: A drug test may be given to see if drugs (including alcohol) may have played a role in the accident.
Probable-cause: If you suspect a worker may be using drugs, a drug test can be given.
Return-to-duty testing: A test can be given to an employee who is returning to work after being absent for a while.
Random or periodic: Many employers give random drug tests so the employee doesn’t know when it will happen. This may deter employees from using drugs. Other companies may choose to do periodic, scheduled testing.
Rapid drug test
So, what is a rapid drug screen test? Rapid drug tests are also known as instant tests because you get your results right away, at least negative results. With rapid drug testing, results are considered negative or non-negative (not necessarily positive). This type of testing first determines if there are any drugs detected. If not, it’s considered a negative result. If there is any drug metabolite detected, it’s considered a non-negative result. Non-negative results are sent to a lab for further testing and will take an additional 2-3 days.
How many drugs can a rapid drug test detect?
How many drugs you’re checking for depends on which tests you as an employer decide to use and is usually based on the company’s policy. The range begins at a rapid 5-panel drug test up to a 22-panel drug test. Rapid drug testing can be customized to your needs, removing drugs of your choice (such as THC in states that marijuana is legal) and adding others, such as nicotine for smoke-free workplaces.
What type of specimen is needed for a rapid drug test?
Rapid drug tests require urine or saliva to be collected, with urine giving more accurate results out of the two.
How long does a rapid urine drug test take?
Negative results are given immediately. Non-negative tests will be sent off to the lab for further testing and analyzed by a physician. This can take an additional 2-3 days.
Are instant drug tests accurate?
Most urine tests can be up to 99% accurate. Since they are used to screen for negative and non-negative tests, they cannot fully determine if a test is positive. To make that determination, non-negative tests must be sent to the lab to be analyzed.