Worried about workplace violence and the damage that it could cost them, most small business organizations are mandating drug screening as part of the pre employment investigations for all new positions.

Drug screening kits are widely available and have the advantage of being much cheaper for the organization. The potential candidate is also spared from having to go to a laboratory for drug testing.

Most pre manufactured drug screening kits test for a five drugs including consisting of marijuana (THC), cocaine, PCP, opiates (such as codeine and morphine) and amphetamines (including methamphetamine). Some employers use a 10-panel test, which tests for prescription drugs as well as alcohol.

The most common type of a drug screening kits available involves collecting urine samples in small, disposable screening cups. These cups give quick results for up to ten different drugs, so the chances are that a candidate who is a high drug user or who has been taking drugs for a long time will not be able to pass the test. The drug screening kits also have markings on them that will help an employer detect if the candidate is a recreational drug user or a heavy drug user.

While requiring candidates to undergo drug testing as part of the employee screening process, employers need to get written permission from the candidates. In addition, employers need to be aware of the law regarding use of drug information for that particular state.

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