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WHAT IS DRUG TESTING?
Drug testing is one way you can protect your workplace from the negative effects of alcohol and other drug abuse. A drug testing program can deter people from coming to work unfit for duty and also discourage alcohol and other drug abusers from joining your organization in the first place. The three main methods of drug testing are hair drug testing, urine drug testing and saliva drug testing. Hair testing has the longest period of detection, then urine. Saliva testing will only test back to about 24 hours. For more information see the hair testing FAQ. Some employers believe that a drug-free workplace program and drug testing are one and the same; however, drug testing is only one element of a program. Drug testing may be appropriate for some organizations and not others. In some cases drug testing is required; in others, it is optional. When drug testing is optional, the decision about whether or not to test will depend on a variety of factors such as the cost, appropriateness, and feasibility. When considering a drug testing program, the first question to ask is, "Am I required to drug test some or all of my employees?" If not, then ask, "Are there other reasons I should consider drug testing?" Below are some of the most frequent reasons employers give for having a drug testing program:
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