This article aims to provide information on the most common types of drug and alcohol tests currently available. For those wishing further information on the pros and cons of drug and alcohol testing programmes please take a look at my other articles.
Below are 4 of the most commonly used drug and alcohol testing methods. They vary widely In sensitivity, accuracy and accurate testing period. Like all medical tests accuracy can be affected widely by multiple factors.
1. Urine Drug Screen
Urine drug tests are probably the most widely used option, certainly in the workplace. The test consists of a sample of urine being obtained from the employee; often this can take place at a off-site collection facility, the sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing.
On-site drug and alcohol testing is becoming more common, this allows results to be obtained at the workplace/collection site. This can represent a more cost effective option and can be very useful when ongoing testing is required, in a residential rehabilitation programme for instance.
2.
Hair testing
Hair testing represents a far more accurate and long term testing option than urine testing. Hair testing represents a non-invasive testing option, one which can test for a large number of drugs and is relatively low cost. It has advantages over urine and saliva testing as it can detect substances in the system over a longer time period.
3. Blood Testing
Blood testing is an invasive and rarely used testing option and is primarily used in medical settings in the context of a full toxicology screen. The accuracy of blood testing in the context of illegal drug and alcohol use is also of questionable value as any use would have to be relatively recent to be detected.
4. Saliva / Oral Fluid based Screen
A very common example of drug and alcohol screening, often conducted with a swab inserted into the side of the mouth. This test is accurate only for relatively recent use, and as such can be of more use in transport situations and safety critical situations. These tests can give instant results and can be very useful in the workplace and in residential programmes where abstinence is required.
There is a responsibility on all employers to have an effective drug and alcohol policy in place, regardless if they implement an employee drug testing programme or not. Unfortunately many organisations still do not have robust policy in place, leaving themselves open to possible litigation.
Specialist and experienced organisations do exist however who can support organisations to develop effective approaches to workplace drug and alcohol concerns. This support ranges from training for managers and senior staff to policy development and consultation on the implementation of testing programmes.
What we can be sure of is the need for organisations in the public and private sector to ensure they have robust policy and procedures in place to manage drug and alcohol concerns as they arise, effective policy cannot prevent drug and alcohol issues but it can ensure that your business is prepared if and when they do occur.
Mark Bowles
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