If you are looking for a new job, you may undergo a pre-employment drug test as part of the hiring process. Many employers use drug testing to screen applicants who use illegal or prescription drugs that may impair their ability to perform their job duties or pose a risk to workplace safety. According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, about 57% of employers conduct pre-employment drug screening for all job candidates, and another 29% do so for some candidates, depending on the job type or level.

However, pre-employment drug screen laws vary by state and industry, and there are some important things you should know before taking a drug test. In this blog post, we will cover the following topics:

• What is pre-employment drug testing and why do employers use it?

• What are the types of employment drug tests and what do they detect?

• How long do drugs stay in your system?

• Tips and tricks to pass a pre-employment drug test

• What are your rights and responsibilities as a job applicant?

• Conclusion

What is pre-employment drug testing and why do employers use it?

FMCSA pre-employment drug test is a screening procedure that involves collecting and analyzing a biological sample from a job applicant to detect the presence of illegal substances. Employers may use DOT pre-employment drug testing for various reasons, such as:

1. To comply with federal, state, or local laws or regulations that mandate drug testing for certain occupations or industries, such as transportation, defense, health care, or public safety.
2. To ensure a drug-free workplace policy and prevent drug-related accidents, injuries, absenteeism, turnover, or legal liabilities.
3. To enhance the productivity, performance, and quality of work of their employees.
4. To deter or discourage drug use among their current or potential employees.

What are the types of employment drug tests and what do they detect?

Drug test can be performed through different methods i.e. urine and hair drug testing as well as saliva tests. However, the most common drug test for employment is a urine drug test. Mostly drug tests for employment tests for:

• Marijuana
• Opiates (such as heroin, oxycodone, and hydrocodone)
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines (such as meth, speed, and ecstasy)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

However, some employers may test for additional drugs, such as alcohol, nicotine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or steroids. The employer should inform the applicant of the substances they are testing for and the consequences of a positive result.

Must Read: Top Reasons for False Positive Drug Test Results

How long do drugs stay in your system?

Generally, the detection windows for different drugs in different types of drug tests are as follows:

• Marijuana: 1 to 30 days for urine urine test, 90 days for hair test, and 12 to 24 hours for saliva test
• Cocaine: 2 to 4 days for urine, 90 days for hair, and 1 to 2 days for saliva test.
• Opiates: 2 to 4 days for urine test, 90 days for hair test, and 1 to 2 days for saliva test.
• PCP: 3 to 7 days for urine test, 90 days for hair test, 1 to 3 days for saliva test.
• Amphetamines: 2 to 5 days for urine test, 90 days for hair test, 1 to 2 days for saliva test.

Read: How long do the effects last of Edibles?

Tips and tricks to pass a pre-employment drug test

1. The best way to pass a drug and alcohol pre-employment test is to abstain from using any drugs that may affect the test result. Depending on the type of drug and the frequency of use, it may take days, weeks, or months for the drug to clear from your system.
2. You should also avoid any products that may contain traces of drugs, such as hemp seeds, poppy seeds, or certain medications.

Did You Know?

Poppy seeds can cause a false positive for opiates in a drug test as they contain trace amounts of opiates, which can be detected by some drug tests. However, the amount of opiates in poppy seeds is too low to cause any psychoactive effects or addiction. To avoid a false positive, you should avoid eating poppy seeds for at least three days before a drug test

3. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and other substances that may interfere with the drug test or prolong the drug detection time.
4. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to boost your metabolism and burn the fat cells that store the drugs.
5. Some people may try to cheat the drug test by using various methods, such as diluting the urine, substituting the sample, or adding adulterants. However, these methods are not reliable and may be detected by the lab. If caught cheating, you may face serious consequences, such as losing the job offer, being reported to the authorities, or facing legal action.

Must Read: Can a DOT drug test detect synthetic urine?

What are your rights and responsibilities as a job applicant?

As a job applicant, you have the right to:

1. Be informed of the drug testing policy and procedure before you consent to the test.
2. Request a copy of the test results and challenge any inaccurate or false results.
3. Seek legal advice or file a complaint if you believe your rights have been violated or you have been discriminated against.

Your key responsibilities for a drug test are:

1. Follow the instructions and cooperate with the collection site staff.
2. Provide accurate and complete information about your medical history and prescription drugs.
3. Respect the privacy and confidentiality of yourself and others.

Wrap Up

Pre-employment drug testing is a common practice that employers use to screen applicants for drug use. However, it is not a uniform procedure, and it may differ by state, industry, and employer. As a job applicant, you should be informed of the drug testing process, the substances tested, and the tips to pass them. You should also know your rights and responsibilities, and be ready to deal with any results. By being proactive and prepared, you can increase your chances of getting your dream job and having a drug-free career.

Employers can now easily order pre-employment drug test online with fast, accurate and affordable pricing. Contact us for a free consultation about drug-free plan.