The Urine Test
A urine test to screen for drugs or alcohol is the most common and traditional kind of test given to prospective employees. The urine test is conducted at a lab or at the company location, and usually includes these five drug panel tests: amphetamines, marijuana, PCP, opiates, and cocaine. If an employer is interested or has reason to investigate further, they can request the fuller ten panel drug test, Alcohol passes through the body quite fast, so a urine test is more useful in detecting illegal drug use.
The Blood Test
A blood test is most commonly used to check for current levels of alcohol or drugs in the system, at the time the test is carried out. It is not as reliable as the urine test, but it works better for detecting current consumption.
Hair Follicle Testing
Hair follicle testing can be performed in order to give the employer a full picture of the prospective employee’s long term drug use, if any. This method of screening for drug use can detect traces of drugs months after consumption. Hair follicle testing, which has unquestionable efficacy, can detect illegal drugs like amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or PCP. Hair follicle testing can’t detect alcohol.
The Saliva Test
The saliva test is quicker and easier to perform than other methods, and is better at detecting specific substances. However, drugs and alcohol do not stay in the saliva for very long, so this type of test mainly used to check for recent usage, and for a specific substance.
