5 Strong Types of Drug Tests Every Employer Must Consider Checking

5 Types of Drug Tests Employers Must Check

Here are five crucial types of drug tests that every employer should consider implementing:

1. Urine Testing (Urinalysis)

Widely used and approved for federally mandated screenings, urine tests detect metabolites in urine samples. While it’s familiar, it primarily identifies past drug use rather than current intoxication.

This non-invasive test examines urine samples to identify the presence of drug metabolites. It’s one of the most commonly employed methods for drug testing, especially for federally mandated screenings. 

However, it’s important to note that a positive result in a urine test doesn’t necessarily indicate current intoxication but rather past drug use.

2. Hair Testing

This method is considered highly reliable. Hair testing has an extensive detection window of up to 90 days. A hair drug test is difficult to manipulate, revealing prolonged drug use history and specific substances used.

Hair testing can reveal a detailed history of drug use, including specific substances used, duration of usage, and when the use stopped. It’s an effective tool for identifying repeated or prolonged drug use.

3. Oral Fluid Testing (Saliva/Mouth Swab)

Cost-effective and swift, oral fluid testing efficiently detects recent drug use, indicating substance presence from minutes up to 48 hours before collection. This type of drug test is quick, cost-effective, and convenient for on-site collection. 

It efficiently detects recent drug use, indicating the presence of substances from minutes up to 48 hours before sample collection. Like a marijuana drug test, oral fluid testing is particularly efficient in identifying current drug use, offering a shorter detection window than other testing methods.

4. Blood Testing

Blood testing is a method employed to detect drugs by analyzing blood samples. This type of drug test provides precise and immediate results regarding the presence of drugs in an individual’s bloodstream. 

While it accurately detects substances, blood testing is relatively invasive and typically used in specific situations, such as post-accident investigations or for medical purposes requiring detailed drug analysis.

5. Sweat Patch Testing

Sweat patch testing involves using patches to collect sweat over an extended period to detect the presence of drugs. These patches adhere to the skin and are continuously monitored for substances. 

This drug test check offers a longer detection window for ongoing drug use, allowing for continuous monitoring of drug presence over time. While less common than other drug testing methods, sweat patch testing provides extended monitoring capabilities for detecting drug usage.

Employers should consider these drug testing methods carefully to ensure comprehensive screening and maintain a safe and productive work environment.

Are They Legal?

This testing by employers is generally not federally prohibited in the United States. However, regulations regarding the types of drug tests employers can conduct, and the positions for which they require testing may vary at the state and local levels. For instance, some states limit drug testing to safety-sensitive roles.

Employers are responsible for collaborating with legal counsel to establish employee drug testing policies compliant with relevant federal, state, and local laws or regulations. 

Who Should Pay for the Tests?

In most cases, employers cover the costs associated with drug testing. According to the state-wide Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the time an employee takes a test is considered hours worked, implying that the employer is responsible for covering these expenses as part of standard work-related activities.