When searching for a job, one thing that is likely to come up is a pre-employment drug screen. Many companies require potential job candidates to pass a pre-employment drug screen before making them a job offer, as workers who abuse drugs are more likely to be tardy, absent, and submit claims for workers’ compensation.
Pre-employment Drug Screen: What to Expect
Pre-employment drug screens typically test for cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). They may also test for alcohol and high levels of prescription drugs, namely sedatives such as Valium.
In most cases, a urine sample will be taken to test for these substances. However, blood, saliva, or hair could also be obtained for testing.
What should I bring with me for my pre-employment drug screen?
In most cases, all you will need to bring with you is a state issued photo ID.
Besides my prospective employer, are my results shared with anyone else?
No. According to Society for Human Resource Management, “Generally, drug test results, like all medical information about employees, should be kept confidential. Drug test results should be filed in a confidential medical file separate from the general employee file.”
How long can drugs remain detectable in my system?
Several factors determine how long a drug will stay detectable in your body. Some of these factors include:
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The type of drug
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How much of the drug has been taken
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How often the drug has been taken
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The type of drug test method that is used
This chart goes into more detail about the detection times of specific drugs.
How long will it take to get my results?
In general, you and your prospective employer will receive your pre-employment drug screen results in just a few days. If your drug screen is positive, you may be asked to answer some questions, including questions about any medications you are currently taking.
Every FastMed Urgent Care offers drug tests and has laboratories on site. Our facilities are open every day of the year, including holidays, and provide drug screenings for current and prospective employees, DOT recertifications, and some worker’s compensation cases. Find a FastMed in your neighborhood today!
Questions about Your Pre-employment Drug Screen
1. Why do they think I am taking drugs?
It’s not personal, it’s company policy. Everyone is treated the same way. If you’ve never had a drug test, don’t be anxious. It’s as simple as giving a urine sample, some blood or a bit of hair, depending on the test your company prefers.
2. What happens if I don’t want to take it – can they make me?
No one can force you to take a pre-employment drug screen. What they can do is refuse to hire you.
3. Do I have to pay for the drug test?
No. Pre-employment drug tests are paid for by the employer.
4. Will I have to do get drug tested again?
That depends. Certain industries are mandated by the federal government to perform employee drug testing. These are jobs that are extremely safety-sensitive, such as a pilot and air traffic controller or a railway engineer or truck driver. Any person with a job related to national security or defense will be subject to drug testing.
Companies that aren’t mandated create their own policies on employee drug testing. Normally companies that conduct random drug testing will provide that policy for you when you are hired so that you can read it and sign it. Your signature indicates your agreement to be tested.
4. I take medication – will I fail the drug test?
Make sure you let the drug testing facility know that you are taking prescription medication, particularly narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants or tranquilizers. Bring pill bottles or a note from your doctor, so the company knows you have legitimate prescriptions. You would not normally be penalized for legal use of prescription medication.
5. I used to do drugs. Will that show up?
That depends on how recently you stopped using the drugs and what type of test used for your pre-employment drug screen. Evidence of most narcotics will stay in your urine for 1-4 days after use, roughly a day in your blood and up to 90 days in your hair.
About FastMed
FastMed is a North Carolina-based integrated healthcare company based in Durham, NC. It operates more than 50 locations in 34 counties providing urgent care and occupational health as well as primary care at select locations. FastMed accepts most insurance plans and is one of a few private urgent care centers also accredited by The Joint Commission. Learn more at fastmed.com.