Drug Testing 101 What Every Employee Must Know

Employees need to be well aware of the fact that employers invest a great deal of resources in expanding drug testing capabilities. This should come as no surprise. Recreational drug use has hit alarming levels and many employees are concerned as to whether or not those working for them are under the influence. Significant liability issues arise when an employee is unable to perform to the best of his capabilities due to drug use. Hence, the investment in drug testing an employee is worth it.

For the employee, there needs to be an understanding the potential for false positives. As the name implies, a false positive refers to a test that shows a person has been using drugs even though the individual has not. While rare, such outcomes do occur. This is why employees asked to take a drug test need to follow a few additional steps in order to make sure their drug testing is as fair and accurate as possible.

The first step to follow is the proper way to react when asked to take a drug test. It is extremely wise to say yes to the taking the test. The key here is that you do NOT commit to a specific date and time for the test. The reason for this is that you may wish to consult with an attorney prior to committing to a drug test. The attorney may even point out to your valid, legitimate reasons why a drug test is not recommended. So, don't turn down the drug test but mention you wish to delay it to speak with an attorney.

It would also be wise to have a private drug test performed at a clinic prior to the official employer sanctioned test. Take the private test upon consulting with your attorney as well. And always pay for the private drug test in cash to avoid any paper trails that may present you in a negative light. Who would want the specter of doubt following them?The results should be sent to your attorney's office. This will drastically reduce the potential for any problems to arise in the aftermath of the drug test. You do not want these records being compromised at your home or office. Again, sending the information to your attorney's office will help prevent any serious problems from arising.

Consider the following steps to be EXTREMELY important prior to taking any drug tests: make a complete and total list of all prescription and non-prescriptions drugs or medications you are taking. Many legally obtained drugs can lead to false positives in a drug test. The reason for this is that any and all drugs you take - even over the counter ones - can alter the chemistry of the human body. This is what can lead to the unfortunate scenario of a false positive. Even certain foods can do this! Worst of all, legal and benign drugs may even stay in the system for months. All of these factors could contribute to disastrous false positives. Keeping a comprehensive list of all drugs and supplements you take can aid in avoiding such a tough scenario.

In short, to avoid a false positive, employees should take a few steps of precaution. This can eliminate databaserecords search seriously disastrous problems from occurring in the future.