What Do Employers Look For in a Drug Test?

What Substances Does an Employee Drug Test Look For?

Employers can choose from a variety of different drug tests, with some checking only for the most commonly used substances and others testing for a wider range of drugs. One of the most common types of drug testing for hiring is a 5 panel basic test. This checks for the use of marijuana, cocaine, codeine, morphine, heroin, PCP, and amphetamines like Ritalin and Adderall.

Employers may also choose more extensive tests that check for other substances like MDMA (ecstasy), barbiturates, and prescription opiates like oxycodone. Some tests also screen for alcohol use.

What Type of Drug Test Should I Expect?

An employee drug test may take a variety of different forms. Some of the most common include:

Urine tests are the most commonly used format for drug testing during hiring and ongoing employee drug testing. Saliva tests are also popular since they are non-invasive and offer fast results.

How Far Back Do Drug Tests Go?

Many drug tests can indicate prior drug use, but the amount of time depends, in part, on the type of test. For example, a breath alcohol test only shows how much alcohol is currently in the blood. A saliva test will show as positive if you've used the substance in the past few hours or, at max, a day or two prior.

In contrast, a hair drug test provides a window of about 5 to 90 days into a person's past drug use but doesn't indicate current impairment due to drugs. Urine tests show the presence of drug residues that remain in the body after the effects have worn off. These tests can provide positive drug test results for certain drugs, like marijuana, for up to a month after the last use.

What Happens if I Fail an Employment Drug Test?

A failed employment drug test can bring up a lot of questions for both employers and employees. In some cases, employers are required to follow federal drug-free workplace laws and regulations. In this case, there is no wiggle room, and the rules are not open for interpretation.

However, most private employers are free to create their own policies. When faced with positive drug test results, employers should consistently follow their written drug testing policy. Otherwise, accusations of discrimination could arise. When creating a drug testing policy, employers should ensure familiarity with federal, state, and local laws and seek out additional drug testing resources if possible.

In many cases, private employers will not terminate an employee for a one-time positive drug test. They may request that you go to rehab and allow you to retain your position under certain conditions. It's possible you may be denied a promotion or suffer other consequences. In addition, if you fail a pre-employment drug test, the job offer will likely be rescinded.