top of page

The Significance of Pre-Employment Drug Screening: Which Test is Predominantly Used and Why?

Writer's picture: Premier StaffPremier Staff


Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse affirms that a considerable number of employed individuals are also illicit drug users. This substantiates the widespread use of random drug tests, after-incident substance screenings, and reasonable suspicion testing in various employment settings. Nonetheless, the most widely employed form of drug testing is pre-employment drug screening.


Premier Drug & DNA Testing Services, LLC advocates for the implementation of stringent workplace drug policies, enhancing employee health and wellbeing while driving productivity. It achieves this by minimizing absences, fostering greater efficiency, and safeguarding the business reputation.


Standard pre-employment drug screening process employs a 5-panel screen, testing for substances such as cocaine, opiates, marijuana, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines. Safety-sensitive sectors, like transportation, may necessitate more detailed 10-panel or 12-panel screens, which also cover benzodiazepines, alcohol, MDMA, and barbiturates.


At Premier Drug & DNA Testing Services, LLC, we utilize various sample types and testing methodologies, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks for pre-employment drug screening.


Urinalysis

As reported by HireRight, a leading background check firm, 90% of employers favor urinalysis for drug screening. It's practical, easy to implement, cost-effective, and delivers quick results. Urinalysis, despite its short detection window (only revealing substances ingested within the preceding 1-10 days), can detect even minor traces of a drug. It's widely recognized as a reliable drug screening method, and is the only accepted method in federally regulated circumstances, such as in the transportation industry.



Hair Testing

Hair testing, while pricier, is employed by 7% of employers. Its benefit lies in its ability to detect drug use over a more extended period. By cutting a small sample of hair close to the scalp and examining it, substances such as opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, or other drugs consumed within the last 90 days can be detected.

While the detection window is longer than urinalysis, a downside is the potential for a false negative result if the drug was consumed recently. Detection usually takes about 7 days, given the time it takes for hair containing the drug to grow out. Hair styling products, dyes, and other chemicals do not impact the test results.



Blood Screen

Blood testing, an invasive method, is typically employed as a secondary measure following a positive drug test. This method, usually carried out in a laboratory setting, involves drawing a blood sample and checking it for drug metabolites to confirm the accuracy of a positive rapid test. This more costly test requires a certified medical professional to conduct it.


Sweat Patch

Though infrequently employed for pre-employment drug testing, the sweat patch method involves wearing a patch on the skin for several days to collect sweat. The patch is then analyzed for traces of illicit substances. It can detect drug use for the duration it is worn, often surpassing the detection period of urinalysis.


At Premier Drug & DNA Testing Services, LLC, we're equipped to handle a wide range of testing methodologies to suit your unique needs.




Comentários


TARRANT COUNTY

601 University Dr Ste 103

Fort Worth, TX 76107

Tel: (682) 882-3784

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

PREMIER DRUG & DNA Logo

CONNECT WITH US ON: FACEBOOK

Copyright © 2025 Premier Drug & DNA Testing Services, LLC

DO NOT SELL OR SHARE PERSONAL INFORMATION

bottom of page