What Are The Different Types of Drug Tests?

Many employers around the world, especially in sectors where job roles come with risk, they are performing a great number of drug tests. These tests are for new members of staff, those who have been involved in a particular incident and also random testing for the employees. These tests are carried out to ensure maximum safety of the employees, and also to legally cover them against liability for any problems which may occur in the workplace.

Employers have a number of options when it comes to drug tests, and these are the various tests which you may be given as an employee.

5 Panel Drug Test

This is one of the most commonly used drug tests and the 5 panel drug screen will check for the following drugs in the system of the person being tested:

Cocaine
Marijuana
PCP (Phencyclidine)
Amphetamines (including methamphetamines, also known as crystal meth)
Opiates (including heroin, codeine and morphine)

This is a test which will involve taking multiple samples of urine in order to gain an accurate result.

10 Panel Drug Test

The 10 panel urine drug test is used in environments where there is a very high level of risk. Much like the 5 panel, it is a basic test which will use multiple urine samples in order to get the most accurate result. This test in particular will find out if the following substances are in the persons’ body:

Cocaine
Marijuana
PCP
Amphetamines
Opiates
Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax)
Barbiturates
Methadone
Propoxyphene
Methaqualone (Quaaludes)

Hair Testing

The purpose of hair testing is to find out about repeated drug users. The reason why hair is best for this is that evidence of the drugs can be found in the  hair for up to 90 days after last use. The test is very simple and will involve a very small amount of hair being removed and then sent off for testing. This is one of the most accurate ways of gaining an insight into whether or not the individual has used or uses narcotics.

Breath Testing

Alcohol is not usually not tested when an individual is given a drug test but they may be subjected to breath checks in order to ensure that they are not under the influence. This is a test which will only be able to identify alcohol in the system at the time of testing, rather than being able to check for historic use. In  most instances we see breath testing being used on an individual which may be showing signs of being under the influence.

With heightened use of alcohol and drugs, we are seeing more and more companies looking to ensure that they have a plan in place to combat it, and to ensure that their employees and their customers are safe. Drug testing is a great preventative measure which a business can put in place and as long as it is followed as per the guidelines which they have set up, it can help them in terms of defense should any legal proceedings be brought against them for an incident.