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12/04/2010 by admin.
Undertaking drug testing for the first time can be a daunting task, but the basic proceedure is very simple.
An initial urine sample is collected and brought to room temperature (usually 20 minutes) The sample is then tested using a standard panel combination drug test. The cut off levels for drug test panels is internationally agreed and traditionally work to SAMHSA and NIDA levels for urine analysis.
Professionally produced and batch certified drug testing urine kits are between 97 and 99% accurate when compared in studies to laboratory drug screening using GC/MS methods. This level of accuracy is considered by all bodies as high enough to be acceptable for all negative onsite drug test results.
In simple terms, if the instant drug test result is all normal, and the sample collection and procedure are all acceptable no further action need be taken.
Confirming all positive results is essential in a workplace situation. No further action should be taken before laboratory GC/MS confirmation of a positive result is obtained.
Where employment drug testing is part of a occupational risk assessment for a high risk occupation, the employee should not be allowed to perform this task pending the confirmation result, but no disciplinary or penalty action must be taken by the employer before absolute confirmation is obtained.
Standard drug test panel combinations for the UK and EU employment drug testing tend to be THC, COC, AMP, MET, MOP
THC = Cannabis 50ng
COC = Cocaine 300ng
AMP= Amphetamine 1000ng
MOP = Opiates 300ng
MET = Methamphetamine 1000ng
Click here for more info on drug testing kits
Posted in Drug testing in the workplace, Drug Testing faq's, Drug screening, Drug screen, Urine drug test, Drug Test, Drug Test FAQ, Drug testing in football, Employment Drug Testing, Drug Detection Times, Workplace drug testing, Drug testing at work, Drug testing in construction industry, Drug Testing | No Comments »
10/02/2010 by admin.
The growth of employment or workplace drug screening continues, despite the slowdown in recruitment of 2009. A larger workforce seeking employment and more applicants per vacancy has given prospective employers greater power to choose and more reason to distinguish between candidates. Pre-employment health screening including a drug test is now more widely used than ever, with employers looking to reduce their healthcare vunerability and costs.
The main growth in drug screening has been amongst employment agencies, many of whom report an increase willingness in clients to request both a drug and alcohol screening element of routine pre-employment testing. Employment agencies are ideally placed to perform these drug tests, as they are seen as independent of the recruiting company and have the experience and facilities to undertake drug screening as part of the routine health care screening program. There size also enables cost effective purchasing of bulk on-site drug testing products direct from manufactuers. The most widely used testing screen for on-site instant drug testing by agencies is the E-Z 6 panel drug test cup (EZ 6 panel drug test available here) which reports urine results for Cannabis, Cocaine, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, Benzodiazepines and Opiates (Heroin) This covers most of the common recreational dependent drug groups of interest to employers, and offers a convenient collection and handling system, with no urine spillage for around £5.00 per complete drug test kit.
Workplace drug testing is forcast to grow in 2010 as the UK employment conditions improve and employers further extend the use of drug screening to improve the quality and productivity of their workforce.
A manager from a medium size logistics company recently advised us, “previously drug tests have only been performed when a problem has surfaced and we suspected individuals, after testing for drugs we realised the motivational benefits of performing low level random drug screening, and how this worked to prevent problems arising. Our guys are not going to risk loosing their jobs, now they know we drug test.”
Posted in pre-employment Drug Testing, Drug screening, Drug testing in the workplace, Drug testing at work, Employment Drug Testing, Workplace drug testing, Drug Testing | No Comments »
14/01/2009 by admin.
Employment and pre-employment drug screening is again in the news, and despite the economic doom and gloom companies are still investing in careful drugs screening to ensure the right employees are taken on.
Most companies embarking on drug and alcohol screening do not have the facility of an in house occupational health or HR department to oversee the program. This makes picking the right tool for the job even more essential.
Managers need to understand the differences between urine and saliva drug test kits, look carefully at the drug groups covered by the drug testing kit and the manufaturers guide detection times for each drug type. These vary enormously.
Saliva drug testing offers the enormous advantage of easy sample collection, with high confidence levels that you are testing a fresh sample, from the person you intend to screen. Urine collection is obviously harder to oversee.
A range of saliva drug tests are available in the UK. Ensure the drug testing product carries a professional CE mark and also lists the European representative for the registration mark. Follow the manufacturers instructions for use and also refer to the accuracy studies which should be listed in the data sheet provided with all professional drug test drug testing packs. Products sold as home or self tests, or just not listed as professional, may be from the same manufacturer but do not have to meet the same regulatory and EU compliance tests. Check with the supplier if these drug test products are as good before purchasing.
Our suggested first line saliva drug test products for business are:
InstAlert Twist saliva drug test
Click here for more information on Saliva Drug Testing Kits
Posted in Employment Drug Testing, Saliva Drug Tests, Drug Testing | No Comments »