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An
increasing number of employers are instituting drug testing
programs. Some statistics show as many as 40% of U.S.
companies are testing job applicants and current employees.
Employers are concerned with the impact of drug use on
safety, health and productivity. Drug testing is becoming
an integral part of the employment process, and it's important
for job applicants to know what to expect.
Drug testing usually occurs during the pre-employment
process, after you have accepted the offer but before
you begin working. Receiving a negative result, indicating
an absence of drug use, may be a stipulation for employment.
A positive result may be grounds for withdrawing the offer.
There are many tests used by employers to determine drug
use. They include testing urine, hair, blood, saliva and
brain waves. The most popular of these is urinalysis.
Urinalysis may be administered in one or two steps. The
preliminary
test is called the Enzyme Multiple Immunoassay Test (EMIT).
Positive results, showing drug use, can be confirmed
by using a second test called gas chromotography.
These tests are reported to be 97-99% accurate under proper
conditions, although accuracy may be diminished by improper
handling or accidental contamination. The job applicant
may affect the accuracy of these tests by using
over-the-counter and prescription drugs. To alleviate
this problem, an employer may conduct a pretesting interview
to inquire about legal drug use. This information is then
communicated to the laboratories.
The
presence of drugs in the system can be detected over a
prolonged period of time. A combination of questioning
and testing may be used to determine drug use within the
past year. It is important for job applicants to take
drug testing
seriously. Some employers may give applicants showing
positive results a second chance, while some may not.
If
retesting occurs, it may take place immediately, or at
sixmonth
or yearly intervals.
Many
employers are still trying to develop policies that are
fair and best for all concerned. For your protection,
you have a right to know the following:
- Purpose
of the test
- Types
of tests
- Quality
control procedures
- Employer
policies on positive results
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