Importance Of Pre-Employment Drug Testing

Most companies and major establishment today generally implement Pre employment drug testing. This is imperative in keeping the work place and the environment safe and drug-free.

Companies wants to avoid events caused by the undesirable effects of illegal drugs on employees, this will definitely save them money, time and effort by screening their applicants through drug tests. Also, companies have no desire in jeopardizing their company’s reputation just by hiring someone who is addicted to illegal substances and cause trouble to the company.

Pre-employment drug testing became an essential procedure in every job applicant screening in order to prevent possible problems, injuries or damages to the company. Subjects are required to go to a specific clinic that cater to drug testing, there, samples such as blood and urine will be taken from the examinee.

The standard pre employment drug testing usually consists of a 5-panel test, which fins out if there is any illegal substances consumed by the subject, they are; cocaine, PCP, marijuana, amphetamines like methamphetamine, and opiates like morphine and codeine. In other cases, several companies prefer to have more comprehensive drug tests that include several physician-prescribed drugs to determine and verify present medications. However, a comprehensive drug testing can cost a lot of money, that’s why most companies prefer the standard drug testing procedure.

Applicants are automatically rejected if the pre employment drug testing results come out positive. However, it is best that verification process must be done prior to giving final unfair judgment on the applicant since there are also several factors that can cause false positive results; like eating poppy seeds prior to the test. Recent food intake must be taken into consideration by the medical officer, and do not forget to consult the concerned person about the results. Depending on the assessment, additional more in-depth tests may be required if deemed necessary in order to validate the initial positive result.

Nevertheless, pre employment drug testing is now imperative considering the numerous benefits it provides in terms of work place health and safety; as well as to preserve the corporate image and reputation among its business partners, clients, and prospects.