What do Pre-Employment Drug Tests look for

You just got a dream job! Your salary is perfect, the benefits are amazing, and you’re already mentally redecorating your new office space. Then there will be an email: ‘Congratulations!’ ‘Please come into our testing facility for your pre-employment drug screening,’ he said, with a hand wrapped in a latex glove pressed against his phone.

Then your celebration morphs into a mini panic session. But what are they looking for? Will that cold medicine I took a week ago come up? We’ve all been there, so don’t worry. Pre-employment drug testing can be a big deal, so here’s the scoop on what to know about it.

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What do Pre-Employment Drug Tests look for?

Employers aren’t being the fun police here. Specific substances that could affect your job performance or workplace safety are what they’re looking for. It’s like the bouncer at a club that you must pass to get inside – they’re just there to make sure everyone inside can control themselves.

Most pre-employment drug screening substances fall into these basic categories.

Marijuana (THC)
Cocaine
Including methamphetamine, amphetamines
Heroin, morphine, codeine (and others) are called opiates.
PCP (Phencyclidine)

Other employers also test for alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates and synthetic drugs. It’s one of the greatest hits of substances that cause heartburn in HR departments.

Which Drugs Are Normally Screened in Pre-Employment Drug Tests?

The usual pre-employment screening panel typically lists the “Big Five” substances with a 5-panel drug testing.

Marijuana, containing THC, was detected most of the time. In states where it’s permitted, a lot of companies still require drug testing.

Cocaine – This drug remains in your system for days and can hinder your ability to work.
Among them are ADHD drugs that people use with a prescription, as well as illegal methamphetamine.
Prescription painkillers, as well as illegal heroin, are taken very seriously by employers.
PCP – Its use is rarer now, but it’s still standard in most testing panels.

In some cases, companies use more thorough panels that check for alcohol, drugs that imitate illegal drugs and prescription drugs. It’s much the same as upgrading to premium cable – it’s better coverage, but a bigger bill as well!

Which Drug Tests Do Employers Use and How Do They Work?

Every drug test is not made to fit every situation. Let’s review the principal types of government.

Urine Tests – By far the most selected option! They don’t need to be removed, are easy to use and can find most substances in urine for a long period. You’ll have your own bathroom, a disposable cup and detailed instructions.
Hair Tests – Often called the elephants of drug testing, they never fail to remember substances you take. Tests can find drugs in your system that were consumed up to three months earlier. On the downside, they cost more, and the whole process is slower.
Testing using saliva takes a few minutes but will only identify drugs used in the previous day or two. You could describe it as the fast version of drug testing.
Blood Tests provide the best results, but they are uncomfortable and expensive. They are usually given after an accident or to people in sensitive positions.

For how long can Drugs be detected with a Drug Test?

This is when we start getting into the more exciting part. The detection period for drugs depends on what you are testing for and the method of testing.

Urine Tests:

The effect of marijuana on your body can last up to a month, depending on your regular use.

The effects of cocaine begin after 1 to 3 days.

You can use amphetamines for up to 1-3 days.

Opiates require between 1 and 3 days of treatment.

Hair Tests:

Most of the time, substances only require detention for up to 90 days.

Saliva Tests:

In most cases, substances are taken out within 1 to 3 days.

Your metabolism, fat content, water intake, and substance use all play a role in detectability. It’s no different from wondering how long it takes your body to digest a pizza. People react differently and experience stress from different circumstances!

Can Medications Raise a Positive Outcome?

Absolutely! It is one of the biggest things that makes job seekers anxious. Here’s what you should be aware of:

Taking Prescription Medications – Lots of prescription drugs can cause a positive result in a drug test. Doctors may give ADHD medications, pain relievers or anxiety drugs, and it’s possible to find cough syrup in a medicine cabinet as well.
Over the Counter – Several cold medications, and even poppy seed bagels, are known to give false positives.
CBD Items – Although some “THC-free” CBD products may contain tiny amounts of THC, regular tests may catch it.

There’s some great news on this front. When you show the Medical Review Officer (MRO) proof of your prescription, you’re usually allowed to proceed. Don’t forget to bring your prescription with you and let them know right away!

What Happens if You Don’t Pass a Pre-Employment Drug Test?

Let’s be honest – what should we do if you test positive? The usual steps we follow are as follows:

First Step – A Medical Review Officer (MRO) reviews your sample
Chat with the MRO – After you complete the call, the MRO will ask you about any medications.
Result – If you don’t give a correct medical reason, you will be found impaired

The company is informed if a person tests positive or negative on a drug test. Employers normally end job offers for job seekers who test positive for drugs. Unfortunately, this is just how it happens most of the time.

How to Prepare for a Drug Test Or Safely Detox Your Body?

Let’s discuss this topic seriously now. Hundreds of detox products and methods are sold on the internet, yet most do not work well or may be risky. Experts writing in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology show that commercial detox products typically work poorly and may even be harmful (Cone et al., 2010).

Following these tips will help ensure riding is safe:

Hydrate as needed (not too much, though), but keep aware of how much you’re drinking.
Have a regular sleep routine.
Get your calories from healthy food choices.
Regular workouts are fine, if you don’t work out just before taking the test.
Make sure to say if you’re currently on any medication.

Things You Shouldn’t Do:

Never use anything to change the sample’s form without telling the lab (they check for this!)
Miracle detox drinks are not a true solution.
Avoid trying to process your sample too much.

The most effective “detox” way? With lots of time away from any food, your digestive system will improve. This is not what you want to hear, but it’s the best response.

Will past failure on a drug test hurt my future job chances?

Several variables make this question important.

Typically, no, Most failed drug tests during pre-employment aren’t added to a database that other employers can search. Most companies do their best to keep this information private.
Some regulated industries build databases of failed tests, which could influence a person’s job chances within that sphere.
Background checks will not show the results of previous drug tests done by other employers.

If anyone asks about failed drug tests in a job interview, it’s best to be honest. A failure to tell the truth on an application can result in termination on the spot.

Take the First Step to Safety: Book Your Drug Testing Today!

Conclusion

Of course, the entire drug testing experience may seem a bit much for many. Don’t worry; this process is just one stage, and most job seekers do well. Being ready, truthful and aware of what could happen is very important.

Consider pre-employment drug screening to be simply one more requirement before you get your new job. With good planning and information, moving will be easy, and you’ll soon settle in at your desk.

If you are using pre-employment screening or need help from any other form of testing service, companies like Choice DNA will ensure things go smoothly and without worry. Your life is already complicated, so you don’t need to worry about a muffin losing you your dream job.