Drug testing is used to test for the presence of certain chemicals or plant substances in the body. Drugs can refer to both legal and illegal drugs that affect the mind and body, and drug testing is most frequently carried out by employers. Applicants may be asked to undergo a drug test before being hired. After hiring, an employee may be required to undergo periodic drug tests. In this article, you can find out everything you need to know about drug testing.
Understanding Drug Use and Misuse
While certain drugs can be used to treat medical conditions and improve an individual’s health, drugs can also be used or misused in a negative way. When an individual ingests illegal drugs, this is referred to as drug use. Common reasons for drug use include their mind-altering capabilities, weight loss, and the enhancement of athletic performance.
When an individual abuses the use of legal drugs, such as alcohol, tobacco, and prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, this is known as drug misuse. This can occur when a patient deliberately overdoses to get an enhanced desired effect. Drug use and misuse are also known as addiction or substance use disorders.
Why are Drug Tests Necessary?
Drug tests are most often used for employment purposes. However, there are also other scenarios where drug testing can be carried out. These include:
When deciding whether to hire a prospective employee
After a concerning accident or incident occurs in the workplace
Return-to-duty testing can be required when an employee returns to work after a period of absence
Periodic or random drug testing can be introduced in workplaces from time to time
Monitored adherence to court-ordered treatment programs
Medical testing, such as for patients awaiting an organ transplant
Athletic testing for substances that are considered performance-enhancing
Medical monitoring for patients who have been prescribed drugs that are prone to misuse, such as opioids
… and more!
Types of Drug Tests
Drug tests can be performed in a variety of ways, with the most common one by collecting a urine sample as it is cost-effective and non-invasive. Other methods of collecting samples include hair follicles, a saliva swab, or a blood sample. You may be tested for only one specific drug, or you may be required to use a drug testing panel where 5 or 10 types of drugs are tested for at once. If you are required to undergo drug testing, you may wish to speak with your employer for further clarification.
Come to Linear DX for Drug Testing Kits and Services
Drug testing can be a necessary first step before hiring a prospective employee, or to ensure that employees are clean after a concerning incident. Linear DX can provide you with the test kits you need as well as mass testing services for workplaces. We are able to offer special wholesale prices for bulk purchases of test kits. However, there’s no minimum order required and you can feel free to order as many or as little as suits your needs. If you have any questions about our services and/or products, please contact us today.
