: Everything You Need to Know
Drug abuse costs companies billions of dollars annually; either in lost productivity or medical expenses. Unfortunately, opiates are one of the most commonly abused drugs. The opioid crisis that has swept the country has made it even more critical for employers to be vigilant when it comes to testing for opiate use. If you’re an employer or an HR manager, you’re probably wondering how you can drug test for opiates and what the tell-tale signs of opiate use are. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about opiate drug testing.
Can You Drug Test for Opiates?
The short answer is yes! Opiate drug tests are usually part of a larger drug panel. The test can detect heroin, codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. If you decide to administer an opiate drug test, it’s essential to make sure the drug panel includes opiates and particularly expanded opiates.
How Long Does Opiates Stay in Your System?
Opiates are metabolized in the liver and can take up to 72 hours to exit your system, depending on the type of drug and how heavy the use was. Codeine is detectable for up to two days. In contrast, methadone and fentanyl can have a detection window of up to 10 days. Hair follicle drug testing can detect drug use up to three months after the last use.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Opiate Use?
The common signs of opiate use include decreased breathing, confusion, pinpoint pupils, slurred speech, and constipation. You may also notice people nodding off or falling asleep abruptly. However, these symptoms can also be due to other causes, so it’s crucial to consider them in context. Urine, and oral fluid drug tests can confirm opiate use.
Cheat on a Urine Test?
Yes, tampering with a urine sample is possible if the tester is not careful. Cheating can be accomplished by diluting the urine with water, adding other substances to mask the drug, or using synthetic urine. However, by following established procedures, you can make it challenging for testers to cheat on the test. Additionally, you can use oral fluids or hair testing as both are always observed in front of the collector.
Need a Drug Test Near Me?
There are several certified labs strategically located in every state that offer drug testing services. It’s advisable to choose a lab that’s closer to your workplace or employee’s home to minimize logistics issues. Workplace Screening Intelligence offers drug and alcohol testing at over 20,000 drug and alcohol testing centers. This means you will have a testing site near your workplace or your employee’s home.
Opiate drug testing is a crucial tool in mitigating the opioid crisis’s effects on your workplace. The test is effective in detecting the presence of opiates and can help identify employees who need help. However, it’s essential to follow the established testing procedures and make sure you’re using a certified lab. Additionally, it’s crucial to be mindful of the signs and symptoms of opiate use to identify any drug abuse. By incorporating these measures, you can maintain a safe, healthy, and drug-free workplace. Have questions or need assistance with your Employee Screening Program? Contact our knowledgeable support staff today at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com