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Drug Testing in the Workplace
Drug testing in the workplace is increasingly common. Employers often require a drug test for new hires. Testing can also be an effective component of a comprehensive drug and alcohol program for employees exhibiting symptoms of substance abuse. The purpose of this kind of testing is to provide early identification and referral to treatment for employees with drug or alcohol problems. To read more about Drug-Free Workplace programs, click here.

Types of Tests
Drug testing is a way to detect the use of a wide range of substances. There are several types of drug tests: urine, hair, blood, saliva or sweat. Basic tests only confirm the presence of the specific substances being tested, but more sophisticated test can measure the amount in the body, and can help illustrate the extent of drug involvement.

The basic drug test (often called the five panel test) screens urine for Amphetamine/Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Cocaine, PCP and Opiates.

There is also an expanded test that can screen urine for additional types of drugs such as: barbiturates, Hydrocodone, ecstasy, Methaqualone, Benzodiazepines, Methadone, Propoxyphene and alcohol.

Results are dependent on the type of test being used and multiple other factors (height, weight, metabolism, body mass, age, amount of drug consumed, etc.). General guidelines have been established that indicate how long a drug can be detected. The table below indicates general detection times of commonly abused drugs.

Average Detection Times of Commonly Abused Drugs

Amphetamine/Methamphetamine 2-4 days
Cocaine 2-3 days
Nicotine 1-2 days
LSD 8 hours
Mescaline 2-3 days
Phencyclidine (PCP) 2-8 days
Psilocybin 8 hours
Marijuana 1 day - 5 weeks
Hashish 1 day - 5 weeks
Codeine 1-2 days
Heroin 1 day
Methadone 1 day - 1 week
Morphine 1-2 days
Opium 1-2 days
Alcohol 6-18 hours
Barbiturates 2-20 days
Benzodiazepines 1-6 weeks


Test Results
Drug tests are not foolproof. Over-the-counter or prescription medications can cause false readings. However, false-positives are rare, and most positive screenings indicate that the person has recently used a specific drug.

Negative findings provide no absolute assurance that drugs have not being used. Most tests can only detect substances present for a short period of time after use (see table). A negative result only indicates that a drug has not been used within the testing protocol time frame.

Testing Your Child
Just as some employers require drug testing, some schools have now made drug testing mandatory. For parents, the decision to administer a drug test in the home is a very personal one. Parents are eager to trust their children and often reluctant to force a child to take a drug test.

Drug testing can be an important tool in confirming suspected drug use, or monitoring a child's recovery. If you suspect that your child has been using, talk to them before the problem gets out of hand. We recommend that parents employ drug tests only as part of a larger prevention, intervention or recovery plan. While a drug test can tell you whether or not your child has been using, it cannot tell you about other problems or issues they may be facing.


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