Understanding the employee drug testing experience

Maintaining a safe, productive and healthy workplace is a top priority for employers across all industries. However, substance misuse in the office can have severe consequences, including increased absenteeism, workplace accidents and decreased productivity. 

Implementing a comprehensive drug testing program is an effective way to mitigate these risks and promote a culture of responsibility and accountability. However, many employers are reluctant to implement a program because they’re worried the drug testing experience will have an adverse effect on their employees—and the risk of alienating them doesn’t seem to outweigh the benefits of testing.

The drug testing experience for your employees

Employers can choose from a variety of drug testing methods and panels, depending on their needs. These panels can detect a range of substances, including amphetamines, opioids, cocaine, marijuana and more, depending on the employer's needs and their industry regulations.

However, the drug testing process can be daunting, full of myths and potentially stressful for employees. Regardless of the testing type, the right provider strives to make the experience as stress-free, seamless and comfortable as possible for your employees.

1. How to prepare for drug testing. Before the test, employees should refrain from consuming excessive fluids, as this can dilute the sample and potentially lead to an invalid result. If they have children, they should also arrange for childcare, as no one is allowed to accompany employees being tested. 

2. What the collection process is like. For urine tests, employees will be asked to provide a sample in a private restroom. Depending on the employer's policy and applicable regulations, the collection may need to be directly observed to prevent tampering or substitution.

For oral fluid tests, a collector will provide a collection device and the employee will place it in their mouth to collect a saliva sample. Because there are fewer privacy concerns with this process, it’s always observed directly to ensure integrity.

3. Chain of custody. At Labcorp, strict chain-of-custody protocols help enhance the integrity and security of each sample. All specimens are labeled, sealed and tracked throughout the testing process, minimizing the risk of mix-ups or tampering.

4. Analysis. Samples are analyzed at our laboratories using advanced testing methods. Labcorp labs are certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Laboratories with these certifications undergo rigorous inspections and proficiency testing to assure the highest quality of testing standards.

5. Medical review. A Medical Review Officer (MRO), a licensed physician with specialized training in substance use disorders, reviews any positive result. As a best practice, the MRO will contact the employee to discuss any potential legitimate medical explanations for the positive result. It's important for them to disclose any prescriptions, as some prescriptions can cause positive test results.

6. Reporting. Test results are securely reported to the employer, typically within 24-48 hours for negative results and 3-5 days for positive results that require MRO review.

Pros and cons of urine vs. oral fluid tests

When it comes to drug testing methods, employers often weigh the pros and cons of the two most popular testing options: urine and oral fluid. 

Urine testing is the most traditional and widely used method, but oral fluid testing is gaining traction due to its simplicity and noninvasive nature.

Despite these advantages, urine testing requires privacy for collection or gender-matching for observed collections and has the potential for adulteration.

The detection window for substances in urine tests can vary depending on several factors, including the specific substance, dosage, frequency of use and individual metabolism.

Both testing options are quick, typically taking under 10 minutes to complete. Each method has its merit and the choice ultimately depends on your organization's specific needs and priorities.

Do’s and don’ts for employee drug testing

We understand the drug testing process can raise concerns for employees, particularly regarding privacy and the potential for incorrect results. At Labcorp, we prioritize maintaining a respectful and dignified testing environment while adhering to strict forensic protocols to ensure accurate results. 

To help make sure your employees have a smooth and accurate drug testing experience, it's essential for them to follow these guidelines:

By following these guidelines, employees and employers can implement an effective drug testing program promoting a safe, productive and drug-free workplace.

The Labcorp drug testing experience

At Labcorp, we strive to make our drug testing process as convenient and comfortable as possible for employees. With over 30 years of experience in the drug testing industry, our team of experts stay up-to-date with the latest trends, regulations and best practices, making sure our clients receive high-quality services.

Benefits to employers and employees include:

1. Comprehensive testing options 

Labcorp offers a wide range of drug testing options to meet the diverse needs of employers. From standard urine panels to oral fluid testing and hair analysis, we provide a comprehensive menu of testing services. Employers can select specific drug panels tailored to their requirements for a customized and effective program.

2. Convenient locations

With over 2,250 patient service centers and over 1,100 offering drug testing, Labcorp’s nationwide presence means a testing location for your employees is never far away. In fact, 95% of the U.S. population is located within a few miles of one of our patient service centers—strategically located in major metropolitan areas, making it easy to find a nearby facility online and schedule an appointment.

3. Walk-in testing

While appointments are preferred, we know schedules can be unpredictable, which is why we offer walk-in testing at many of our patient service centers. This flexibility allows employees to complete their drug test without the need for an appointment, minimizing disruptions to their workday.

4. Efficient check-in process

Upon arrival at a Labcorp patient service center, employees with appointments can check in quickly with our mobile check-in feature or with a QR code or driver's license at the kiosk. This streamlined process gets your employee testing experience off to a smooth start.

5. Knowledgeable and friendly staff

Our trained professionals are dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment throughout the testing process. They’re available to answer any questions or address concerns, so your employees feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.

6. Rapid results

We understand the importance of timely results. Labcorp's efficient processes and state-of-the-art technology enhance the accuracy, efficiency and reliability of our drug testing services. From advanced analytical instruments to secure electronic chain-of-custody systems, we leverage technology to streamline the testing process and produce superior results. Labcorp offers rapid turnaround times for drug test results to minimize delays in hiring and address potential issues.

7. Customer satisfaction

At Labcorp, we take pride in delivering exceptional customer service. Our commitment to providing a positive testing experience is reflected in our industry-leading Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 67.2, which is in the “Excellent” category. This high score demonstrates our dedication to customer satisfaction throughout the drug testing process.