Drug Screens

What is it?

A drug screen is something that an individual applying for a certain position or role may undergo as a requirement to check for drug and/or alcohol use. Drug screening typically occurs prior to being hired or as a part of the negotiations of a job offer during the application process. Employees may also be tested for drugs or alcohol in the workplace, randomly, where permitted by state law. There are a number of job-related substance and alcohol tests used by organizations. These types of tests could include blood, urine, hair follicle, breath alcohol, saliva, and even sweat.

How does it work?

There are many different types of drug screening products available from Verified First. One example is the Urine Drug Screen. Urine drug screens are the most popular, making up 95% of the employment drug screenings conducted in the United States. Its popularity is due to its low cost and simple collection process.

The specimen collection usually happens at a clinic or testing facility, and the sample is then sent to a lab for screening. Depending on the type of panel test (4-13), the results will show either false or positive for a specific set of drugs.

Here are what some of the panels test for. For more detailed information on specific products and what is tested, see this article.

4-panel drug screen:

• Amphetamine
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine

5-panel drug screen:

• Amphetamines
• Cannabinoids
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine

Additional panels can test for other substances like: benzodiazepines, barbiturates, buprenorphine, methadone, propoxyphene, methaqualone, THC, PCP, oxycodone, tricycle antidepressants, and Quaaludes.

Saliva based drug screens are also common. This drug test uses a less invasive collection process involving a swab of the mouth. However, the drug detection period is shorter than a urine drug screen test. For example, the window of detection for THC in saliva is only 7-21 hours. The substances tested for during a saliva drug screen include: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, alcohol, amphetamine, methamphetamine, (including ecstasy), and PCP.

Who needs this search?

Employers who require their candidates to have a clear thought process and are not under the influence of, have a non-natural high level of dangerous substances in their system, or an addiction to said substances.

Why run this search?

Candidates who have over the counter or illegal substance abuse problems could endanger themselves, fellow employees, equipment and infrastructure at an employer. Knowing this both during a pre-employment screen as well as random testing throughout the year and reasonable suspicion testing can help provide a more safe work environment for employers, their employees, and their customers.

If you have any further questions, or need a product enabled on your account, 
please contact Verified First Client Services for assistance.

Call 844-709-2708 or email ClientServices@VerifiedFirst.com