What Does Pre-Employment Drug Screening Mean?

If you’re in the process of looking for a new job, then you know the application process at most companies can be lengthy. Corporations are in the practice of getting detailed information on you such as doing a criminal background check, verifying previous addresses and even looking into your social media profiles. Part of the application process is a pre-employment drug screening, which is legal in most states to be considered for employment.

While a pre-employment drug screening may sound daunting, it’s a way for your potential employer to ensure you meet their hiring criteria. There are very few companies that don’t do pre-employment drug screenings, so don’t be surprised if you have to take several in the course of your job search. If you think you won’t pass a drug test, then talk to the hiring manager to find out what their policy is if you fail. Some companies will give you a second chance to take the test, while other corporations will ban you from applying again.

Most pre-employment drug screenings are done by a urine test, but there are other methods of testing through bodily fluids, hair and blood samples. Urine tests will return a positive result if you have used the following drugs: marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine, alcohol, opiates and methamphetamines. These drugs stay in your body’s system for different lengths of time depending on your body type and metabolism.

When you go to take your pre-employment drug screening, it’s important to be hydrated. However, if you drink too much water your test may come out as diluted, so you’ll have to take it again. After you take your test, you’ll be notified by either the lab or the potential employer of the outcome. If you disagree with your results, most hiring managers will allow you to take it again depending on the circumstances.