1. Paper Is Out, Electronic Is In
Electronic Custody and Control Forms for non-DOT testing have been used for several years. You can order a drug test from your computer and the applicant or employee can walk into a Quest or LabCorp facility anywhere in the country for specimen collection and testing; you will then get results of negative tests sent to you electronically typically the next business day. National Drug Screening offers one robust platform for drug test ordering from either LabCorp or Quest.
2. Same Day Negative Results
Instant drug testing is available with receipt of negative results back same day. About 93% of drug tests are negative and you will receive results back on the same day. These tests can be electronically ordered allowing the applicant or employee to walk into a Quest or LabCorp facility anywhere in the country for specimen collection and testing.
3. Medical & Recreation Marijuana Should be Addressed in your Policy
Whether you are in a State that does or does not have medical or recreational marijuana, you still need to have your drug free workplace policy updated to include your company’s position on medical and/or recreational marijuana. Court cases have affirmed an employer’s right to have a drug free workplace and to prohibit employees from using marijuana. So employees need to make a choice, work for you or smoke marijuana. Your drug free workplace policy should address medical or recreational marijuana and clearly state your company’s position. Consider for example, an employee goes to Colorado on vacation and smokes pot, the employee comes back to work and is called up for a random test and is positive for marijuana…what do you do? This should be addressed in your policy so you know exactly how to handle this situation.
4. Post-Accident Testing Can Save You Money
While many of you may perform post-accident drug testing, often times is it is unclear as to why a post-accident test is required. One of the main reasons is for what is called the “Intoxication Defense.” What is meant by this is that if an employee tests positive for drugs or alcohol following an accident; there is potential for denial of the workers comp claim. This can save money for both the company and the workers compensation insurance company. When there is an accident it is important to discuss the case with regard to the post-accident drug and alcohol test.
5. You May Not Be Testing For OxyContin And Other Pain Medications
The most commonly abused opioid painkillers include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone. Traditional five and ten panel drug test do not include testing for these opioids. The standard opiate drug test panel is only testing for codeine and morphine and sometimes for heroin. Not all tests even include heroin, Methamphetamine or Ecstasy. It is important that you discuss with your drug testing vender exactly what drug test panels are included in your drug testing program. You must order what is called Expanded Opiates to pick up the oxycodone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone. You must also insure that your standard five or ten panel drug test is the updated five or ten panel drug test that includes heroin, Methamphetamine and Ecstasy. This is why it is so important to work with a professional vendor that specializes in drug testing.
