Pre-employment drug tests are typically administered after an offer of employment is made and before the candidate starts work. They are used to ensure that employees are drug-free, reducing workplace accidents, absenteeism, and costs associated with insurance claims.
Drug testing and screening are complex, requiring adherence to laws and regulations and respect for candidates’ privacy. Understanding the costs, detection windows, and screening procedures can help employers create a well-rounded policy that benefits everyone.
Urinalysis
A urinalysis evaluates the contents and characteristics of urine, and it often consists of three components: a visual examination, a microscopic exam, and a chemical dipstick test. The first component checks the clarity or turbidity of the urine, while the second examines the color, and the third looks at the foam content and the odor of the urine.
So what do preemployment drug tests look for? The test may be part of a routine medical exam, pregnancy checkup, or pre-surgery assessment. It may also screen for various health conditions, including kidney problems, diabetes, and liver disease. In addition, the urinalysis can detect blood in the urine, which can be a sign of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other issues.
A urinalysis typically involves collecting a sample of urine in a plastic cup at a healthcare provider’s office. The best time to take the sample is early morning when the urine is more concentrated. A patient is asked to void into the cup while avoiding any contact with the genitals, and the urine sample is then evaluated.
Blood Tests
Blood tests check for diseases and conditions by examining blood samples. They may be done in doctors’ offices, community labs, and diagnostic centers. A doctor or phlebotomist will use a needle to withdraw a sample from a vein in your arm, finger, or heel. The sample is then placed on a glass laboratory slide and stained with dyes to make the different types of cells visible. The doctor can then compare the sampled cells to “normal” cells and see if there are any abnormal ones.
Some blood tests require you to refrain from eating or drinking anything for several hours before the test. Your doctor will let you know if this is the case. You may feel a slight pinprick when the needle is inserted into the sample. If you are nervous about the sight of needles, ask for a family member or friend to be present to distract you. The blood tests can also be done by a provider pricking the tip of your finger, putting a needle in your heel, or using a special blood-drawing device to obtain a small amount of blood from an artery (arterial blood test). Blood tests can provide information about many organs and systems in your body.
Breath Tests
Breath tests (also known as breath analyzers or breathalyzers) measure the blood alcohol content (BAC) in a sample of air. A person blows into a small hand-held device to measure the presence of specific gases; most often, the test measures hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The device gives a numerical value of the person’s BAC, which indicates their impairment.
These devices use a photocell to create an electrical current depending on the degree of color change, which is proportional to the BAC level. The device then moves a needle that indicates the BAC level.
Several factors can affect the accuracy of a breath test, including mouth alcohol. Alcohol in the mouth can contaminate the sample and cause inaccurate results, especially if it has not been properly rinsed. Also, a person’s blood composition, such as hematocrit, can affect the BAC reading. This is because whole blood consists of solid particles suspended in liquid, and the percentage of solid to liquid can influence how much alcohol is present.
Hair Tests
Hair drug tests offer a longer window of detection than urinalysis or blood drug testing. They analyze the metabolites in drugs that enter a person’s body through blood and travel to the hair follicles to be deposited in the hair shaft. Hair samples can be taken from any body part but are most commonly collected from the head and scalp. Samples are generally 1.5 inches long and must be cut close to the scalp.
Hair test results are more difficult to interpret than urine or blood samples. Drug metabolites in the hair can be affected by many factors, such as diet, exercise, and shampooing. This can make it hard to differentiate between one-time use and regular usage.
Several states and major cities have laws that regulate drug testing policies, including how soon after an applicant starts work a test can be conducted. They might also require a conditional job offer before employers can request a test. Depending on local laws, marijuana is often excluded from preemployment screening policies. Test results are typically reviewed by a Medical Review Officer before an employer receives them.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing involves analyzing DNA, which contains instructions for constructing your body. Your genes are located inside your cells in structures called chromosomes that consist of double-helix-like DNA strands.
The results of a gene test can indicate whether you have an increased risk of developing a certain disease or if you are likely to inherit a particular trait from your parents. Depending on your condition, genetic testing can help you make informed decisions about lifestyle, treatment options, and family planning.
To get a genetic test, you must provide a sample of your blood or other tissue, such as hair, skin, saliva, or amniotic fluid. Cheek swab tests and blood samples have little or no physical risks, but prenatal testing such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling has a small risk of miscarriage.
It would help if you also considered the privacy concerns associated with genetic testing. Unless you take specific steps to limit the disclosure of the information, your genetic test results will become part of your medical records. They may be shared with healthcare providers, employers, and insurers. The federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 helps prevent health insurance companies and some employers from discriminating against people based on their genetic test results.
