Workplace Drug Testing

Foreword

Introduced as a deterrent to drug abuse to ensure safety and productivity, Drug Testing in the Workplace has seen a steady growth over the last 25 years to become now an integral field of the Forensic Toxicology discipline along with human performance and post-mortem fields.  The magnitude of substance abuse problem in society, presence of new synthetic drugs, modifications in the physical state or increase in potency of existing drugs, abuse of prescription drugs are factors that demanded a commensurate response from drug testing.  The workplace drug testing in the 21st century is a complex process with multiple components which include federal and state regulations, administrative and legally mandated rules, collection procedures, methodologies for testing and analysis (initial and confirmatory), cut-off limits, interference of prescribed drugs, environmental exposure, accuracy and validity of analysis, use and application of reported results, etc.  Unless the society finds adequate means to curb the expanding drug use, the workplace drug testing will continue to increase in complexity in order provide a balanced response.

Cost of Substance Abuse

The estimated economic cost to society due to substance abuse and addiction is $559 billion/ year, according to US Surgeon General’s Report, 2004 (cited by the National Institute of Drug Addiction, July 2008).  Substance abuse and addiction steal more every year from all of us by an increase in healthcare cost, crime and loss of productivity.  Substance abuse cost for American businesses is a staggering figure, an estimated $276 billion/ year.  Billions of dollars are lost by employers in increasing healthcare benefits cost, increasing workers’ comp cost (due to accidents caused by substance abuse), loss of productivity due to absenteeism, property damage and employee theft, workplace violence, etc.  We all know that addiction doesn’t come cheap, the drugs are by no means free; bad habits must be supported financially.  This is why –admittedly- 76% of people with drug and alcohol problems are employed, according to statistics.  Indeed, when we hear the word “alcoholic” or “addict”, the picture that quickly comes to mind is that of a homeless person fallen in the gutter and not of high school graduates or college educated individuals holding daily jobs.  Even when drug or alcohol is used occasionally, the substance abusers do bring the impairment to work which could have devastating effects, from accidents on the job to a damaged business image.  As employers, you are truly in a unique position to manage the risks of substance abuse and, ultimately, have a positive impact on the substance abuse user’s life by testing your workforce and referring to treatment those who are willing to change.

Benefits of Workplace Testing

Whether immediate or more subtle, long-term visible, the benefits of testing in the workplace can hardly be denied:

  • Increased safety and productivity
  • Increased attendance & employee morale
  • Lower turnaround, fewer negligent hiring
  • Lower workers comp premium, fewer claims
  • Lower healthcare insurance costs
  • Improved company culture, reputation and image

True, there is a cost associated with substance abuse testing in the workplace but the short- and long-term benefits largely offset the cost.  Concerned about the cost?  ETS has options which fit ANY budget.  Since drug testing reduces the risk factors in the workplace, many businesses fully cover the cost of testing with savings from the discount received on the workers’ comp annual premium.  ETS’ current clients report less absenteeism and call-in sick days, fewer medical insurance and workers’ comp claims, low turnaround (new hires are the right, drug-free hires), friendlier and more relaxed atmosphere at work, increase in productivity which means.  All these mean a healthier bottom line.

Services

Whether you are a small or large private business, non-profit organization, government entity under Connecticut State and/or Federal workplace drug testing regulations (e.g., Department of Transportation, Department of Health and Human Services), ETS offers the following consulting and testing services for employment:

  • Consulting, Education and Training
  • Substance Abuse Policy (Drug Policy) Development
  • Administration of Drug Testing Program
  • Company Random Selection Pool
  • Test Data Management and Reporting
  • Collection and Testing
  • Specialty Toxicology Testing

No matter the complexity of a problem, from a one-time request for drug/ alcohol test to implementation/ administration of a rigorous drug testing program, ETS will bring the expertise and knowledge to respond appropriately to your need.

Tests

The following types of testing for employment are offered:

  • Pre-Employment
  • Reasonable Cause/ Suspicion
  • Random
  • Post-Accident
  • Return-to-Duty
  • Follow-Up

ETS strictly follows all applicable State (Connecticut Statute §31-51t through 31-51aa) and Federal Regulations (49 CFR Part 40) governing drug testing which include testing type and methods, sample collection, result reporting, data management, and protection of privacy and confidentiality of the donor.

Methods

ETS offers all methodologies for testing which are permitted by the Connecticut State and Federal Regulations:

  • Breathalyzer Test (DOT/ Non-DOT)
  • Lab-based Urine Test (DOT/ Non-DOT)
  • Instant Urine Test
  • Lab-based Saliva Test
  • Instant Saliva Test
  • Hair Test

ETS has the expertise and knowledge to bringing new testing methodologies (e.g., drug testing in breath) as they are validated by the toxicology labs and approved by the state and federal regulators, and are legally defensible.

Collection

Sample collection for drug testing is done AT YOUR LOCATION.  There are no reasons to send employees to a fixed location (outpatient clinic, occupational health center, medical facility, lab collection site, etc.) just for specimen collection.  Sample collection takes 10-15 minutes yet sending out to a fixed facility takes a minimum of 3 (three) hours.  For an employer this means work disruption, loss of productivity and money.  Also, consider this:  Sending out employees or prospective employees (job applicants) for sample collection simply invites to cheating on the test for those compelled to do so.  With ETS, specimen collection is performed ON-SITE which essentially means ON-THE-JOB, e.g., company location, worksite or jobsite for businesses with employees outside company premises.

In addition, the employer schedules the collection AT A TIME MOST CONVENIENT for the business operation and not the time imposed by the business hours of fixed facilities.  The ON-SITE collection service not only reduces sample collection time from 3- 4 hours to 10- 15 minutes but delivers the “SURPRISE!” factor to those who must “prepare” to pass the test.  It is indeed the unexpected, the element of surprise that makes the on-site sample collection truly effective.

Result Reporting

Specimens are sent for analysis by courier overnight to a carefully selected, SAMHSA-accredited toxicology lab.  ETS spares no effort to finding and partnering with the most reliable toxicology labs in the nation to ensure test accuracy, fast turnaround time of the results and best customer service.

From the time of arrival at the toxicology lab, the test results are reported within 24 hours for negatives and 2-3 extra days for positives.  All test results released by the toxicology lab are verified by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) before being reported to employer.  ETS oversees the process and assists the employer with results interpretation, use and application.

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A message from the President and Owner of Eastern Testing Services, Dr. Ilie Saracovan, PhD:

“Workplace drug testing is a critical area to which every employer is understandably sensitive and, in many cases, a bit apprehensive.  The apprehension becomes more evident when there is an immediate need to take action because the circumstances ask for it.  This is where Eastern Testing Services can work with you to ease the worries by providing professional guidance to successfully handle or prevent substance abuse issues in the workplace.”

 



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