Drug impairment testing plays an essential role in preventing accidents and ensuring public safety. Imagine a truck driver taking drugs and then operating a vehicle on the road. The consequences could be disastrous! This calls for drug-impaired testing, which is a process of detecting drugs in an individual’s system. In this blog, we will discuss the basics of drug impairment test and why it is crucial.
Types of Drug Impairment Testing:
There are various types of drug impairment testing methods which include; blood, hair, saliva, urine, and breath. Blood drug testing is the most common and reliable, while hair testing can detect drug use up to 90 days from exposure. Saliva testing is fast and non-invasive, and breath testing is mostly used for alcohol testing, but could also detect marijuana residue.
Drug Testing Procedure:
Drug testing procedure typically involves collecting a sample (hair, saliva, urine, blood, or breath) and sending it for analysis. Laboratories usually run a battery of tests to detect the presence of drugs in the sample. The result of the test will determine if someone is positive or negative of drug use, depending on the drug’s quantity and the level of impairment.
Types of Drugs Tested:
Drug testing can identify specific types of drugs, including legal prescription drugs and illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Additionally, drug testing can detect alcohol, which is also a common cause of drug impairment.
Common Industries that Require Drug Impairment Testing:
Industries that operate machinery such as transportation, aviation, and manufacturing typically require drug impairment testing. In these industries, drug-impaired workers could cause severe accidents that could lead to loss of life and property. Other industries, such as healthcare and law enforcement, require drug impairment tests for employees working in critical roles.
Benefits of Drug Impairment Testing:
Drug impairment testing has numerous benefits. It helps to ensure safety and increase productivity by keeping employees who use drugs out of the workplace. Besides, it helps mitigate risks and protect the brand’s reputation from damage resulting from drug-impaired incidences. Drug testing also helps rehabilitate individuals with drug addiction and dependency problems, thus ensuring a healthy and functional workforce.
Conclusion:
Drug impairment testing is essential in ensuring public safety and preventing accidents in the workplace. Understanding the basics of drug impairment testing is necessary to appreciate its importance and identify the different types of drug tests to know which best suits your needs. Furthermore, it is essential to note that drug testing is legal and necessary, even in industries that do not have a strict drug policy. As such, if you operate in one of these industries, it is important to implement drug impairment testing in your workplace. With this knowledge, you are well-equipped to make informed decisions and keep your workplace drug-free and safe.