What to know about pre-employment drug testing

Drug testing is a commonly performed procedure in today’s society. The courts, employers, schools and law enforcement utilize this type of test in order to determine substances that have been used by the individual being tested. There is a variety of ways a drug test can be administered with varying degrees of accuracy – such as testing urine, blood and hair. One of the primary uses of this testing is in pre-employment background screening. This is most prevalent in positions where individuals may be operating machinery, working with children or the elderly, or handling finances. In other circumstances, testing is used by the courts on criminals on parole or probation, as well as law enforcement officers using them – for example, to test potential drink or drug drivers. So why is drug testing so important? To put it simply, drug screening is used to protect – whether it’s the protection of a business, employees or vulnerable individuals (such as children, the disabled or the elderly). Outside of recruitment, it is used to protect civilians from the crime associated with drug use, and to protect those who suffer from addiction to the dangers that come hand-in-hand with it. It is a vital tool in maintaining order in communities and society as a whole, and we see it’s usage extending even further to schools and colleges. As long as it is continuing to protect the innocent and convict the guilty, we will see it continue to thrive.]]>