Drug Screening Opinion Paper

AbstractWorkplace Drug Screening procedures and methods vary depending on which substance is sought out by the tester. Several different types of methods for testing an individual are available. Urinalysis testing is the most common technique of screening for substance abuse. Several factors can affect test results. Laws on drug testing have been designed to detect drug use but certain tests can become compromised legally and illegally. Many factors influence drug-testing results and certain occupational environments require certain testing programs, whether voluntary or mandatory upon conditions of employment.

Workplace Drug Screening OpinionAn employee's health and ability to work in a safe environment is affected by substance abuse. Controversy and debates regarding drug testing surround issues such as privacy, dependability, legality, and ethical reasons. Testing procedures and methods vary depending on which substance is sought out by the test. Occupational testing can have set procedures and policies making the testing of substance mandatory, and other environments have testing programs as a voluntary action.

Master Sgt. Urbano Sosa demonstrates the job of an...

English: Quick drug testing reagents. Photographed...

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Reasonable suspicion testing is typically administered as a result of specific facts.

Drug Testing TypesSeveral different types of methods are available for testing an individual. Different methods include; urine, oral-fluid, hair analysis and sweat tests. Urinalysis testing is a common way of testing. Urinalysis testing have two common procedures; enzyme multiplier immunoassay (EMIT) and radioactivity immunoassay (RIA). EMIT is standard in most industries and RIA is favorable among the military. Most employers prefer to use EMIT screening as urine is readily accessible and most cost effective. In some cases, results of drug screening can be affected by prescribed medications and some foods substances (for example, poppy seeds). Therefore, concluding false positive and false negative results. The trustworthiness of a urinalysis screening is contingent on the collection process, the concern for tampering, sensitivity of results, and patient privacy. Test Results...