5 Minute Read Time
Guide to employment drug testing
Top reasons to implement employment drug testing
Implementing an employment drug testing program is essential for fostering a safe workplace, enhancing productivity, and minimizing risk. Here are the top five reasons why drug testing is beneficial for your business:
Common use cases for drug testing
Checkr offers the flexibility to create drug and alcohol testing packages relevant to specific locations and positions, improving the efficiency of managing and ordering tests.
- Safety-sensitive roles
10-panel tests are often used in industries where safety is crucial, such as operating machinery or healthcare settings. Additional health screenings, like TB tests or OSHA exams, are also available. - Non-safety roles
5-panel tests are suitable for roles that do not involve safety-sensitive tasks. Additional non-DOT breath alcohol tests are available depending on your industry. - Regulated industries
For safety-sensitive industries industries such as healthcare or those regulated by the DOT, comprehensive drug and alcohol testing is available. Employers must understand the regulations applicable to their sector.
Why customers choose Checkr for drug testing
- Comprehensive services: Our platform integrates clinic-based, onsite, and occupational health tests for streamlined ordering and reporting.
- Clinic coverage: We offer access to over 15,000 clinics nationwide, including those available 24/7, ensuring extensive coverage and flexibility for candidates.
- Quick results: The onsite OralTox device provides instant results and seamless record-keeping in the Checkr dashboard.
- Integrated clinic selection: Clinics with the requested test(s) available and closest distance will auto-populate for easy selection and ordering.
- Time-saving features: Easily change clinic locations, resend candidate invites, reorder canceled tests, extend test deadlines, or manage random testing swaps when employees aren’t available.
- Auto-upgrades: When available, our system upgrades 5-panel tests to instant tests for results in 15 minutes or less.
- Candidate experience: Our intuitive and user-friendly workflow offers simple scheduling, easy clinic selection, clear notifications, and reminders that enhance the candidate experience and leave you with less manual work.
Checkr’s drug testing suite
Clinic testing
Screen candidates or employees for a range of substances with 4- to 17-panel options offered at our network of clinics across the country. Test options include urine, breath, or hair samples with results in 2-5 business days. Options are available to include THC/marijuana.
Employer-administered testing
Screen candidates or employees with 4- to 10-panel oral fluid (saliva) tests at a work location of your choosing, giving you control and flexibility. Same-day results are delivered directly to your Checkr dashboard for efficient testing management.
Random testing
Set up a testing pool, randomize employees, and order tests directly from the Checkr dashboard. Random testing options include 4- to 10-panel tests and DOT screenings available at clinic locations.
Post-accident and reasonable suspicion (PARS) testing
Pre-configured testing links are available to easily schedule testing at the time of an incident or when suspicious behavior is identified. Options include multi-panel tests at clinic locations with expanded hours.
Occupational health assessments
Manage compliance with industry-specific requirements for candidates and employees. Determine an individual’s fitness for a specific role with a specialized medical evaluation, as well as options to include blood work and multi-panel drug testing.
Department of Transportation (DOT) testing
Verify candidate and employee compliance with DOT testing requirements. Options include a 7-panel test and breath alcohol screening available at clinic locations. Physical exams are also available.
How it works
Streamline your employment drug testing
See how Checkr makes it easy to manage drug testing for faster hiring and reduced candidate dropoff.
Guidelines for establishing a drug testing policy
Creating a clear and comprehensive employment drug testing policy is critical. Here are some guidelines to consider when drafting your company policy.
- Policy objectives: Clearly define the reason for drug testing, such as workplace safety, regulatory compliance, or other business needs.
- Test donors: Specify which roles require testing, distinguishing between candidates and employees and safety-sensitive and non-safety-sensitive positions.
- Timing: Determine how often testing will be conducted, such as during pre-employment screenings for candidates or quarterly for employees.
- Testing methods: Decide which methods (urine, hair, saliva) and location (in-clinic or onsite) aligns with your objectives. Different methods provide varying insights into recent versus historical drug or alcohol use.
- Prohibited substances: Define what substances will be tested, what defines a “failed” drug test, policies for off-duty drug usage, and considerations for rehabilitation protocols.
- Legal compliance: Consult with legal counsel to ensure adherence to federal, state, and HR laws and develop a transparent rollout plan for employee awareness.
Get started with Checkr
Getting started with drug testing is easy with Checkr. Reach out to our experienced team to discuss your specific requirements and design a drug testing program to meet your company policy, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
New to Checkr? Talk to sales.
Already a customer? Add drug testing today.
Ready to streamline your drug testing?
About Checkr
Checkr is the data platform that powers safe and fair decisions. We’re a technology company that helps our customers assess risk, modernize hiring, and cultivate trusted relationships in their workplaces and communities.