Workplace drug testing is fairly common in the United States, particularly pre-employment drug testing. Most employers will require a pre-employment drug test after an offer of employment is made.
The most common pre-employment drug test is the five-panel drug test consisting of: marijuana, opioids, PCP, cocaine, and amphetamines/methamphetamines. Typically, if you don’t go for the drug test or test positive the offer of employment is withdrawn.
The pre-employment drug test is an investment. Hiring employees that use illicit drugs poses a risk. Costs can be reduced because of theft, turnover, lost productivity, absenteeism, increased health care costs, and more due to drug use.
Pre-employment drug testing is legal in all areas of the United States. Some states may have some restrictions on pre-employment drug testing for marijuana. It is important to review state laws regarding drug testing for marijuana. It is important for an employer to maintain a drug-free workplace policy when requiring drug testing including pre-employment drug testing.
Employers can access immediate testing for a pre-employment drug test. Setting up an account for pre-employment drug testing is an easy option. Drug-free workplace policies are also available.
Employers regulated by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) are required to perform pre-employment drug testing. Marijuana is a prohibited substance in this program and testing positive for marijuana on a pre-employment drug test will disqualify an individual from a DOT cover job. Learn more about DOT covered job positions.
The DOT required drug test for pre-employment is the DOT 5-panel drug test which includes: Marijuana metabolites, Cocaine metabolites, Amphetamines, Opioids, and Phencyclidine (PCP). For the DOT 5-panel drug test, we can break this down further:
- The marijuana metabolite is THCA which is the metabolite of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, marijuana’s major psychoactive ingredient)
- The cocaine metabolite is Benzoylecgonine
- The Amphetamines panel includes Methamphetamine, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA). The drugs associated with MDMA or MDS are Ecstasy or Molly
- The Opioids panel includes Codeine, Morphine, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, and 6-Acetylmorphine (6 AM). The 6 AM is the metabolite of heroin
For small and large businesses, National Drug Screening can assist both DOT regulated employers, and Non-DOT regulated employers with their drug testing needs. Service is available in all areas of the United States. Immediate service is available.
