According to the Addiction Center, over 70% of people abusing illicit drugs in America are employed. The report also reveals marijuana metabolites and cocaine as the most abused illegal drugs. Drugs and substance abuse influence does more harm than good in the workplace, as shown in an Occupational Health and Safety Study.
According to the study, drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace causes 65% of on-the-job accidents. Without random drug and alcohol tests, you can’t know which of your employees are clean.
Drug test cutoff levels and confirmation testing are the only reliable ways to verify test results. This guide covers everything you need to know about different drug tests and their implications.
What are Drug Test Cutoff Levels?
First things first! What are drug test cutoff levels? Drug test cutoff levels test drugs and drug metabolites’ presence in a blood sample and other specimens.
Drug Test Screening Level vs. Confirmation Level
A single test is never enough because of false-positive and false-negative results, so relying on cutoff level results can lead to poor decision-making. A second test, also known as the confirmatory drug test, is often the solution after the initial screen.
There are three ways confirmatory tests available; gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
What Do ng/mL and pg/mg Mean on Your Drug Screen?
The urine and oral fluid cutoff levels are expressed in nanograms (ng) per milliliter (mL). So ng/mL on your drug screen is the cutoff levels expression for urine and oral fluids testing.
On the other hand, nail and hair cutoff levels are expressed in picograms (pg) per milligram (mg). So, pg/mg on your drug screen is the cutoff levels expression for hair and nail testing.
Drug Testing Methods & Limits
The best way to keep your workplace safe is by conducting regular random drug testing. We recommend different drug tests, regardless of whether your industry requires them. Below are the various drugs and alcohol tests we facilitate at Arcpoint Labs of Woburn, MA!
1. Oral Fluid Drug Testing
We use saliva drug screens to test for illegal drugs and medical subscriptions. This test can detect drugs immediately after use or after a few days.
2. Urine Sample Drug Testing
In urine drug testing, we collect a urine sample and then test the presence of drugs like opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines using the urine drug test. The main drawback to urine testing is its window of detection period. You can’t use urine drug screening to detect drugs used in the last 4 to 6 hours.
3. Nail Drug Testing
A nail test is the best way to detect a history of drug use. Nail tests show past use of marijuana metabolites, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and opiates.
4. Hair Drug Testing/Hair Follicle Drug Test
The hair follicle test helps detect drugs like marijuana metabolites, opiates, heroin, and cocaine. Employees can’t always tamper with the specimen, making hair drug tests more reliable.
5. Other Types of Drug Testing We Offer
If you need a specific drug test not listed above, there’s no need to sweat over it. Other types of drug testing we offer at ARCpoint Labs of Woburn, MA, include;
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- 5-panel drug tests
- 10-panel drug tests
- Prescription drug testing
- Synthetic drug testing
- Sweat patch testing
- Passive exposure
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Can You Use Someone Else’s Urine To Pass A Drug Test?
While some mischievous employees opt to go this route, it’s not one of the best. At ARCpoint Labs of Woburn, MA, we go out of our way to ensure you have the right test results.
Drug Testing in Woburn, MA
A drug and alcohol policy is crucial for every workplace. Drug testing enhances workplace safety while complying with federal and state laws. Workplace safety is why you want to undertake regular random tests to screen your employees for illegal drug use. If you’re looking for the best labs in Woburn, MA, rest assured that ARCpoint Labs has your back. So be sure to contact us here!