Employment drug testing is commonly done in many organizations for detecting drug usage among employees. If use of illegal drugs continues among employees, the productivity and fame of workplace declines gradually. So employment drug tests including THC drug test, PCP Drug test and others are conducted. An initial test is conducted on an individual and if he is tested positive certain confirmatory tests are conducted. Then a final result is given based on the cut-off levels of initial and confirmatory tests. Let us now know about common drugs that are tested during employment drug testing.
Tetrahydocannabinol (THC):
Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred as THC, is a main component of marijuana. Many companies conduct random and pre-employment drug testing for detecting THC. Urine, blood, and hair samples can be used for THC drug testing. Even if a person is exposed to secondhand smoke of marijuana, he can be tested as positive by THC test. The initial drug cut-off level for marijuana and its metabolites is 50ng/ml.
Cocaine:
Many employers also test for cocaine. A stimulant effect is given to the user by cocaine which is a highly addictive and illegal substance. Cocaine can be detected for two to ten days. The initial cut-off level for cocaine and its metabolites is 150ng/ml. Severe health complications including seizures, store or heart attack may be caused by use of cocaine. Adverse psychological effects including paranoia, irritability, and anxiety are also seen in cocaine users. A large liability may be made to an employer by an employee consuming cocaine.
Amphetamine:
Amphetamines,which give stimulant effect, can be detected for 48 hours and an initial cut-off level is 500ng/ml for amphetamine and its metabolites. Reduction of appetite, increase of fatigue, depression,insomnia and suicidal thoughts are some of the problems of using amphetamines.
Phencyclidine:
Phencyclidine (PCP) is also tested by many companies. It is considered as a hallucinogen that creates numbness and dissociation from physical body. PCP can be detected for up to one week with an initial cut-off level of 25ng/ml. Employees consuming PCP act unpredictably and this may lead to cause some threats at workplace.
Opiates:
Opiates, which include morphine, codeine, heroin, are strong pain relieving substances. Morphine and codeine are considered as controlled drugs, where as opium and heroin are considered as illegal drugs. Morphine can be detected for two to three days. Heroin is a water soluble compound and its detection time is up to 24 hours after use. Addiction and violence may be seen by opiate withdrawal. The initial cut-off level for detection of opiates and its metabolites is 2000ng/ml. Opiates are also tested during employee drug testing.