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Jan 10, 2025 • 6 min read
What Happens in a Drug and Alcohol Test
Written by: Eisabess Chee
Ensuring a safe workplace is essential, and one way employers achieve this is through drug and alcohol testing. Whether you’re preparing for a test or curious about how it works, this article breaks it all down for you.
Why Implement Drug and Alcohol Testing
Drug and alcohol testing is particularly critical in safety-sensitive industries such as transport, construction, engineering, and healthcare. Employees in roles involving hazardous chemicals, heavy machinery, or caregiving responsibilities must be at their best to ensure safety for themselves and others.
Substance misuse can also lead to accidents, absenteeism, and reduced performance. Not only does this cost Australian businesses billions of dollars every year, it also creates an unsafe workplace environment for fellow workers.
Implementing testing policies hence allows companies to proactively identify and manage these risks, and assures workers about the work health and safety standards of their workplace environment.
What’s Detected in a Drug and Alcohol Test
A drug and alcohol test analyses a biological sample, such as urine, breath, saliva, or blood, to detect:
- Alcohol levels
- Common illicit drugs, like marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, and opiates
- Prescription drugs that may impair performance
Samples are tested for the presence of substances and their metabolites, which can remain detectable for days. The results determine whether a worker is suitable for their duties.
The Drug and Alcohol Testing Process
Step 1: Preparation
The candidate is informed about the test and turns up on the day at the testing facility with valid photo identification to confirm their identity.
Step 2: Specimen Collection
- Urine Test: The individual is provided with a sterile container for urine collection, often in a supervised or semi-supervised environment.
- Breath Test: A breathalyser device is used to measure alcohol levels via a breath sample.
- Oral Fluid Test: A swab is placed inside the cheek to collect saliva.
- Blood Test (if applicable): A qualified professional draws a blood sample for more precise testing.
Step 3: Initial Screening
Some tests, like urine or breathalyser, provide immediate results. The presence or absence of substances is indicated visually or electronically.
Step 4: Results
- Negative Result: The candidate is cleared.
- Non-Negative or Positive Result: The result will be flagged to the employer. The candidate may be subject to further review, depending on the result or workplace policy. Positive results are sent for confirmatory testing to determine the nature of the substance.
The Difference Between Instant and Laboratory Testing
When it comes to drug and alcohol testing, there are two ways it can be carried out. Instant testing allows for faster turnaround of results, while laboratory testing is usually requested for when more in-depth testing is required.
Instant Testing:
- Quick Results: Results are available on-site in just a few minutes.
- Process: A supervised urine or breath sample is collected and analyzed immediately.
- Best For: Situations requiring immediate decisions, such as post-incident testing.
Laboratory Testing:
- Detailed Analysis: Samples are sent to a NATA-accredited lab for thorough testing.
- Confirmation Testing: Ensures legally defensible results and distinguishes between recreational and therapeutic use.
- Best For: Pre-employment screening and policies requiring high accuracy.
Benefits of Drug and Alcohol Testing
For Employers:
- Carry out timely interventions
- Reduce workplace accidents and injuries
- Promote a healthy, responsible workplace culture
- Minimise liability and workers compensation claims
Drug and alcohol testing is an essential part of maintaining a safe and productive workplace. Businesses that implement testing demonstrate their commitment to the safety and well-being of their employees.
For Employees:
- Demonstrates Responsibility: Successfully passing a drug and alcohol test shows you take workplace safety seriously and are committed to maintaining a professional and responsible image.
- Improves Job Prospects: Successfully completing a drug and alcohol screen can help secure your employment, especially for roles in safety-sensitive industries. It highlights your suitability for positions requiring trust and responsibility.
- Enhances Workplace Safety: Drug and alcohol testing ensures that you and your colleagues are operating in a safe environment, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Complies with Workplace Policies: Many industries, especially high-risk sectors like construction, mining, or transport, require routine testing. Participating in these ensures you’re meeting industry and workplace standards.
Undergoing a drug and alcohol screen is therefore an opportunity to showcase your commitment to safety, professionalism, and personal wellbeing.
FAQs About Drug and Alcohol Testing
1. What happens if a candidate’s test result is positive?
Positive results are sent for confirmatory testing to determine the nature of the substance. Employers will handle the next steps based on workplace policies.
2. How long does a drug stay detectable?
Detection windows vary by substance. Some drugs are detectable for hours, while the metabolites of others can be found in urine for several days, even weeks.
3. Is drug and alcohol testing invasive?
Not at all. Common tests involve providing a urine sample or blowing into a breathalyser, both of which are straightforward and minimally intrusive.
Ready to Implement Drug and Alcohol Testing?
At AusRehab, we’re dedicated to helping businesses and employees create safer, healthier workplaces. Whether you need instant on-site testing or comprehensive laboratory analysis, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book a drug and alcohol test with AusRehab today.
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Eisabess Chee is a seasoned writer with over 8 years of diverse experience in education, journalism and marketing. At AusRehab, she oversees content creation through research, writing, editing, and the crafting of resources that tackle workers compensation and workplace injury. Eisabess also curates the AusRehab newsletter, ensuring it’s packed with valuable and well-researched insights.
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