Part of Arizona law states that employers who conduct drug testing must have a written drug testing policy that is available to all employees. Random testing can be part of the policy, which must apply to all employees, including supervisors, to maintain fairness and consistency.
This policy should specify
- who is subject to testing,
- the types of substances tested for,
- the situations where testing is required (i.e. safety, job performance, or after accidents),
- outline the consequences of refusing to test,
- and the rights employees have to obtain their test results.
National Drug Screening provides assistance in creating a comprehensive Drug Free Workplace Policy. Custom policies are also available – Contact Us.
Individuals also need reliable drug testing services for many personal reasons, including
- court ordered,
- probation,
- school registration,
- child custody,
- child protection,
- divorce,
- and other personal reasons.
National Drug Screening offers effective drug testing services in Tuscon that can help you prevent workplace drug use. We even offer court-mandated testing.
State and Federal laws can be difficult to understand, especially when it comes to creating a drug testing policy. If you need a custom written drug free workplace policy, give National Drug Screening a call for help creating a policy for both DOT and Non-DOT employers.
How To Choose a Drug Test Provider
As an employer, your drug test provider can either simplify the hiring process or create obstacles in getting the test results you need. Compare multiple providers to establish a base understanding of what they can provide. Confirm if urine testing is the best fit for your needs or if other methods would be better. For example, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) requires a 5-panel drug test. You can see more information about common drug tests below.
Ask yourself and your potential provider the following questions:
- What Experience Does The Provider Have? Understanding how long the provider has been conducting drug tests and what types of testing they have experience with will help you determine if they will be a valuable resource for you and your employees. You do not want to end up with inaccurate or compromised results when you send your employees in to be tested.
- Do They Hold a SAMHSA Certification? The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sets the federal laboratory requirements for drug testing labs in the workplace. It aims to reduce the negative effects of substance misuse on American communities.
- Is a Full-time Medical Review Officer Available (MRO)? An MRO serves as the main intermediary between all parties in the drug testing process, including the donor, collector, lab, and employer. Their responsibility is to accurately interpret test results. Without a full-time MRO available, results may take even longer to receive and impact your business.
- What Is Their Result Turnaround Time? Negative test results are usually available within 24 hours while positive results may take a few days. Ensure that the facility can meet your required turnaround times and ask if they offer any guarantees for results.
The right facility makes a difference. A wrong choice can create issues in the drug testing process. Take time to evaluate all options.
Common Drug Tests
5 Panel Test/DOT Drug Test
The 5-panel drug test is most commonly used for employee and individual testing and is standard in DOT and federal drug testing regulations. For safety-sensitive positions like pilots, truck drivers, and boat captains, DOT specifically requires drug and alcohol testing in pre-employment, random, post-accident screenings, reasonable suspicion or follow-up tests. The test used in these scenarios detects a set range of substances:
- Marijuana/Cannabis (THC)
- Cocaine (COC)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Amphetamines (AMP)
- Opiates (OPI) – includes expanded Opioids
Learn much more about the DOT 5 Panel Drug Test required for DOT regulated employers. This page includes a short video entitled: What Is The DOT 5 Panel Drug Test?
10 Panel Test
The 10-panel drug test is often used for employer drug testing, probation testing, and individual screenings. There is a standard 10-panel test and a 10-panel test with expanded opiates which checks for both illicit drugs and the misuse of prescription drugs.
The standard 10-panel drug screens check for the following substances:
- Marijuana
- PCP (Phencyclidine)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates (Codeine, Morphine & Heroin)
- Expanded Opiates: Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Propoxyphene
- Methadone
- Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
Hair Drug Test Panels
The hair follicle drug test is becoming more common for employers and court-ordered testing, which involves cutting head hair close to the scalp. If head hair is not available, leg, arm, beard, or underarm hair can be used. Positive results show drug use around 7 days after ingestion. It has a detection window up to 90 days and detects drugs like
- marijuana,
- cocaine,
- Opiates,
- amphetamines,
- methamphetamine,
- and barbiturates
We offer fast same day service for online orders! Need assistance finding a drug testing location? Speak with an expert by calling today!
DOT 5-Panel Test
The DOT 5-panel test follows standard chain of custody procedures provided by the DOT and are designed to minimize tampering. This test detects five different DOT-banned compounds:
- THC
- Cocaine
- PCP
- Amphetamines
- Opioids
Fentanyl 9 Panel Urine and 14 Panel Hair
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid, stronger than heroin, and is frequently abused by those addicted to opiates. Though it is used medically to relieve pain, Fentanyl can be deadly if abused. Fentanyl is not detected in standard drug tests. A specialized test, such as a urine 9-panel with expanded opiates, includes testing for
- Amphetamines (AMP),
- Cocaine (COC),
- PCP,
- Marijuana (THC),
- Benzodiazepines (BZO),
- Barbiturates (BAR),
- Methadone (MTD),
- Propoxyphene (PPX),
- Opiates (OPI) including heroin, codeine, and morphine,
- and expanded opiates like Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, and Fentanyl.
There is also a 14-panel hair test that requires head or body hair, which is cut close to the scalp. Results take 5-7 business days. The 14-panel hair test detects substances including:
- propoxyphene,
- cocaine,
- marijuana,
- amphetamines (methamphetamine & ecstasy),
- phencyclidine (PCP),
- opiates (Codeine, Morphine & 6-MAM Heroin Metabolite, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and Hydromorphone),
- barbiturates,
- benzodiazepines,
- methadone,
- tramadol,
- sufentanil,
- fentanyl,
- and meperidine.
Check our database for a location near you! Need assistance finding a drug testing location? Speak with an expert by calling today!
What steps can I take to guarantee accurate and trustworthy drug test results?
Drug test reliability varies greatly based on how the screenings are carried out. Follow these guidelines to guarantee accurate drug test results:
- Choose a reliable drug testing provider: Not all providers offer the same services, so it’s important to find one in your area that meets your specific needs. You’ll want a provider with experience and the services you need, whether it’s random testing, post-accident testing, or specialized drug tests like fentanyl screenings.
- Clearly define your drug testing policy: Your drug testing policies should be clearly defined and included in your employee handbook. This will set expectations for your employees and help them understand your company’s stance on drug use. Be sure to discuss this policy during employee orientation so that everyone is on the same page from day one.
- Use the correct drug testing method: Depending on your workplace needs, you might need specific tests. For example, if you’re concerned about detecting opioids or fentanyl use, a specialized test, such as a 9-panel urine test with expanded opiates, would be more appropriate. Consult with your testing provider to make sure you’re using the most suitable method for the substances you’re concerned about.
- Consider random drug testing: Random drug testing can be one of the most effective ways to deter drug use in the workplace. When employees are aware that drug tests can happen at any time without notice, it makes it harder for them to plan around it. Random testing increases the unpredictability of drug testing, which helps reduce the chance that employees will attempt to hide their drug use.
- Maintain chain of custody: To prevent tampering or errors, it’s important to establish a clear chain of custody for the drug testing process. This means clearly outlining who is responsible for collecting, handling, and transporting the samples. This will help guarantee that the test results are accurate and trustworthy.
Use all the above tips to improve test result accuracy. By implementing an effective drug testing program, you can improve your workplace’s productivity, safety, and overall health.