A drug test is used to detect illicit drugs, alcohol, club substances, and prescription drugs in samples of urine, blood, sweat, saliva, hair, and breath. The purpose of drug tests is to detect misuse, abuse, and illegal use of prohibited substances.
Drug Categories in Focus for Drug Testing
Amphetamines, Cocaine, Alcohol, Marijuana, Opiates, and Phencyclidine are the most common drugs for which drug testing is done in sobriety programs. Other drugs have been on the rise, and some manufacturers have incorporated them into their testing panels.
Newer drugs of abuse such as MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine), GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), GBL (gamma-butyrolactone), 1,4-BD (1,4-Butanediol), and ketamine, might also be included in some drug test kits.
How Drug Testing Works
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMSHA) has identified six main methods of drug testing:
- Oral Fluids
- Urine Test
- Blood Test
- Sweat
- Hair
- Breath
Rapid drug test kits are now available for easy and fast results. These drug test kits have made drug testing at the workplace more feasible and affordable as well. Urine drug tests typically have accuracy levels of up to 99%. They can be performed by simply dipping a test strip in urine or adding a urine sample to a cup with imbedded strips. Recently saliva swab tests have gained popularity since they are less intrusive than urine and blood tests,
In some organizations, pre-employment testing is a preferred way of preventing drug use as compared to later performing random workplace drug testing. Often both are done
Importance of Drug Tests to Sobriety
Drug tests are conducted in organizations to maintain a “clean” work environment. Drug tests at the workplace are also helpful in the recovery process of an employee struggling with substance abuse. Some companies support their staff through rehabilitation programs rather than firing them and hiring someone new. Drug testing and monitoring are just one of the many available tools to hold individuals accountable and keep record of their progress during a rehabilitation and recovery program.
Secondly, substance abuse results in low productivity, performance and often an increase in accident costs. A person with substance may not be able to concentrate or focus on work. Through regular drug testing, a company can help maintain as safe work environment and at the same time improve productivity and efficiency – improving safety, moral and profitability.
Furthermore, substance abuse at the workplace places co-workers and others in danger as well. Over 20,000 cases of falls and accidents at the workplace were reported in California alone in 2015 as a result of substance abuse. This highlights the need to a company to maintain a drug free work environment.
Drug Test Kits for Rapid Test Solutions
On-site rapid drug tests are an efficient and easy solution to drug testing at the workplace. They are affordable, easy to operate and more acceptable among company’s staff versus the alternative of having to travel to a lab for testing. Drug Test Kit USA provides a variety of drug test kit types and formats including drug test cups, dipsticks, and cassettes.
Drug Test Kit USA is devoted to fulfilling all your needs regarding drug tests and helping in drug abuse prevention and safety. Feel free to view our selection of drug and alcohol testing products here.