Employment Screening: Essential Insights for Employers
Employment screening is a crucial step in the hiring process, providing employers with a necessary risk management tool. A comprehensive screening program includes various checks, such as background investigations and importantly, drug testing. This blog post dives into the facets of employment screening—why it’s essential, what tests are available, how they function, and the role of certified laboratories and Medical Review Officers (MROs) in the screening process.
Drug testing can be a minefield of choices, with options ranging from the basic 5-panel drug screen to a more extensive 10-panel test, as well as alternative methods like oral fluid or hair follicle tests. By the end of this article, employers, HR professionals, and Safety Managers will understand the intricacies and importance of employment screening and drug testing in fostering a safe and productive workplace.
What Our Customers Say about Us:
John L gave us a 5 star rating and said,
From the beginning, Brenda has been a wealth of knowledge and has been very patient explaining aspect of the random drug testing program. I called multiple times to clarify our responsibility and what WSI could do to help and Brenda has been cheerful and eager to help us get started. Phil the CEO of the company also provided guidance and was knowledge and was very pleasant throughout. I’m glad to have found WSI, this is truly a customer first company.
To view the other 5 star reviews, please visit https://workplacescreening.com/testimonials/
Need to order a drug test or other screening service today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff today at 844-573-8378 or support@workpalcescreening.com or press on link to order now:
Employee Drug Testing
Employers conduct drug tests to ensure workplace safety, compliance with laws, and to maintain a healthy workforce. Methods like Urine Drug Screenings and alternative technologies, such as Oral Fluid Drug Test or the Hair Follicle Test, are regularly used. Conducting a drug test is now simpler than ever, with abundant options for “Drug Screening Near Me”—from recognized service providers that Workplace Screening Intelligence utilizes like Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, to Clinical Reference Laboratories.
Combine that with Workplace Screening 20,000 electronically enabled collection sites, WSI customer’s enjoy ease and convenience when screening their employees. The type of drug test chosen by an employer should fit the job’s nature, regulatory requirements, and the desired window of detection for substance use.
Drug Screen 5 Panel
The 5-Panel Drug Screen is the standard test used by many employers. This test typically screens for substances that are common and can affect an employee’s performance:
- Cannabinoids (Marijuana)
- Cocaine
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Amphetamines (including Methamphetamine)
- Opiates (such as Heroin, Codeine, and Morphine)
Drugs Tested for in a 10 Panel
For a broader spectrum, the 10-Panel Drug Screen offers insight into additional substances:
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
- Methaqualone or Quaaludes
This expanded panel provides a more comprehensive check and is particularly useful in industries where employees handle sensitive tasks requiring optimal concentration and decision-making abilities.
Alternative Drug Testing Technologies
Beyond the traditional urine test, new technologies have entered the arena. An employer might consider an “Instant Drug Test 5 Panel or 10 Panel,” which offers results in a matter of minutes. Other options include:
DOT Oral Fluid Drug Test
This method is gaining traction because of its non-invasiveness and difficulty to adulterate. The DOT recently added guidelines for oral fluid testing, catering to employers under its regulations. DOT passed the rule in 2023, however, a few items need to be addressed before the first DOT Oral fluid specimen can be collected:
- FDA must approve a DOT Oral Fluid Split Specimen Collection Device.
- Two labs must be inspected and certified for DOT Oral Fluid testing. Both labs must use the same device.
- DOT Collectors must be trained and certified with mock collection before they can collect their first DOT Saliva Test.
Oral Fluid Drug Test
Similar to the DOT, non-DOT employers are increasingly utilizing oral fluid testing due to its convenience and effectiveness in detecting recent drug usage.
Hair Follicle Test
Hair testing is a long-term screening method, being able to detect drug use over the previous 90 days. It’s a valuable tool for employers to understand an employee’s drug habits over time.
Drug Screening Near Me
If you are an Employer search for “DOT Drug Test Near Me” or “Non DOT Physical” screening services you have come to the right place. We have over 20,000 electronically enabled collection sites near your workplace or your employee/applicant’s home. That means you can order a test today and your employee or applicant can complete the test today.
Do you need to find a convenient collection site near you’re your workplace or home? Press on link below to find a list of drug screen locations near me. https://workplacescreening.com/locations/ For an example, if you are looking for an Orlando, FL drug test, enter Orlando, FL or zip code in the search box.
Laboratory Certification
The accreditation of the laboratory conducting drug tests is paramount. Employers should ensure that the facility has certification under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or SAMHSA , guaranteeing that standards of reliability and accuracy are met.
Medical Review Officer (MRO)
An MRO is a licensed physician responsible for reviewing and interpreting drug test results. They play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the testing process and safeguarding the privacy and rights of the employee.
FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
In January 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched a Clearinghouse that acts as a repository of all DOT drug and alcohol test records. This database is crucial for employers in the transportation industry to verify that their drivers comply with federal drug and alcohol regulations. FMCSA Employers are mandated to register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse, query each new hire and perform annual queries on every driver. Employers must also perform the following:
- Report positive alcohols to the Clearinghouse FMCSA.
- Report collection site refusals.
- Educate Employees and Supervisors on rights and responsibilities under the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearing house.
- Report known drug and alcohol use to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
An Employer may choose to delegate a CTPA, like Workplace Screening Intelligence, to perform reporting and queries to the FMCSA. For more information on Workplace Screening FMCSA Clearinghouse Services, please contact our knowledgeable support staff today at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com or press on link below for more information. https://workplacescreening.com/fmcsa-chs/
Titer Testing and other Clinical Laboratory Services
Titer Testing, along with other clinical lab services, plays a substantial role in employment screening. It helps in assessing employee immunity to specific diseases, especially in healthcare settings. Such services are part of a robust employee screening and wellness strategy. Below is a list of some of the titer and clinical testing offerings: Transferrin Gold TB test, Hepatitis Titer (A, B, C), Varicella Titer, MMR, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Lead test, Nicotine Metabolite, Lipid Panel, CBC, RPR, Ammonia and thousands of other clinical tests.
Conclusion
Employment screening, and drug testing specifically, is an evolving landscape driven by technology, regulation changes, and workplace culture shifts. Effectively navigating this realm with a trusted partner like Workplace Screening Intelligence means keeping up with innovations and Federal and State regulations.
Let Our 30 Years of Experience and Technology Be Your Peace of Mind
At our core, we have three decades of expertise in providing accurate, reliable, and certified drug testing and screening services. We assist you in staying ahead, ensuring compliance while maintaining a safe, productive work environment.
Remember, the type of test, from “Instant Drug Test 5 Panel” to “Drug Screen 5 Panel,” or choosing to perform a “DOT Physical Near Me,” should be tailored to your organization’s needs. With the help of certified laboratories and the guidance of MROs, your screening process will not only fulfill legal obligations but also contribute significantly to your company’s success.
Finally, consider the impact of the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse on your operations and ensure your procedures align with its guidelines. With the right protocols and partners, employment screening can be a seamless facet of your business operation—a linchpin of your workforce management that’s both effective and manageable.
a safe and productive workplace.
What Our Customers Say about Us:
John L gave us a 5 star rating and said,
From the beginning, Brenda has been a wealth of knowledge and has been very patient explaining aspect of the random drug testing program. I called multiple times to clarify our responsibility and what WSI could do to help and Brenda has been cheerful and eager to help us get started. Phil the CEO of the company also provided guidance and was knowledge and was very pleasant throughout. I’m glad to have found WSI, this is truly a customer first company.
To view the other 5 star reviews, please visit https://workplacescreening.com/testimonials/
Need to order a drug test or other screening service today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff today at 844-573-8378 or support@workpalcescreening.com or press on link to order now: