Drug testing in the workplace is one of the most controversial subjects in the recent times. A lot of potential candidates feel that drug screening is an invasion of privacy. But on the other hand, drug screening enables employers to improve their work productivity by hiring an employee without an addiction.

A recent study by the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that drug use in the workplace costs employers $75 billion to $100 billion annually in lost time, accidents, health care and workers' compensation costs. Sixty-five percent of all accidents on the job are related to drug or alcohol. It is to minimize on health costs and to improve workplace productivity that a lot more employers are now demanding drug screening.

In fact, most large corporate organizations are making drug screening a part of the pre employment screening process. Most employers ask applicants for permission to conduct a drug test at the same time that they request permission for other employment screening processes such as background checks.

The information from a drug screening that can be used for hiring purposes varies by State. Therefore employers as well as pre employment screening services need to be aware of all the rules and regulations governing the use of this information.

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