Does a Standard Opiate Drug Test Detect Heroin?
It's one of the most common questions DOT-regulated employers and safety-sensitive employees ask: if a drug test screens for "opiates," does that actually catch heroin use? The short answer is yes — but the [...]
Ketamine Abuse Risks and Why Ketamine Drug Testing Is Critical
Ketamine Risks Are Drawing Attention Nationwide Ketamine misuse has become a growing concern in the United States. Although ketamine is used medically, it is also increasingly linked to non medical use, impairment, and overdose. [...]
Invalid Drug Test Results: Causes and Next Steps
Drug testing plays a critical role in workplace safety, compliance, and accountability. While most test results come back either negative (no drugs detected) or positive (drug or metabolite detected), there are cases where the laboratory [...]
What Is an Invalid Drug Test? Causes, Implications, and Employer Responsibilities
Drug testing plays a vital role in maintaining safety and compliance in the workplace—especially in regulated industries like transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing. But what happens when a test comes back as "Invalid"? While most [...]
CDL Drivers Take Note: CBD is Not Regulated and May Generate a THC Positive
Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained popularity for its purported therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief, reduced anxiety, and stress management. However, employees subject to FMCSA drug testing regulations should be cautious when using CBD products. [...]
Auto Dealers At Risk When They Do NOT Test Employees for Drugs
Auto Dealerships at Risk Without Auto Dealers Drug Testing Auto dealerships can be high-pressure environments, with sales goals to meet and customer satisfaction to maintain. To keep up with the demands of the job, [...]
Can Weed Make You a BETTER Driver?
Debunking Myths about Driving under the Influence of Marijuana The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 makes it illegal to use or possess cannabis in the US for any reason, including weed and driving. Cannabis [...]
Secondhand Marijuana Smoke Causes a Positive Drug Test
Secondhand marijuana smoke harbors numerous health risks to exposed non-pot smokers. With the legalization of marijuana in many states, it is becoming an increased cause of concern. Many people wonder whether secondhand marijuana smoke [...]
Top 8 Commonly Abused Non-Prescription Drugs
Commonly abused non-prescription drugs, although helpful and convenient, come with an array of drawbacks and risks, such as the risk of addiction and abuse. When used long-term and in higher doses, many of these [...]
Substance Abuse Disorder Rises During Crisis. Are Employers Ready?
Historically, substance abuse increases when things are bad in the world, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. After 9/11, the National Institutes of Health reported that with the stress of the times, people [...]
Collection Site Refusals Are Serious – Employers Can Prevent Them
Collection Site Refusals Are Serious – Employers Can Prevent Them “This whole thing could have been avoided if they informed drivers, but this driver has had a CDL since 2014, so I still believe [...]
FMCSA Increases Random Drug Test Rate for Truck Drivers Effective 1/1/20
Announcement of the New Drug Testing RateAnnouncement of the New Drug Testing Rate On Thursday, December 26, 2019, the FMCSA announced an increase in the random drug testing rate for 2020. The rate will [...]
DOT Tests Are a Good Start
Drug Testing Policies: More Than an Afterthought As business owners, most of us view drug testing policies as an afterthought. It often becomes just another item to check off an endless to-do list. Unfortunately, [...]
Can Employers Still Test for Marijuana? What You Need to Know
May 2022 Update: The following post is still relevant and has information that is relevant to all employers who want or need to maintain a drug-free workplace. As various states legalize marijuana, the employee [...]
What is Actual Knowledge?
So one of your CDL drivers comes in Monday morning and says, “Hey boss. I sure hope I don't get selected for a drug test today. I have Actual Knowledge I did way too much [...]
Regulated vs. Non-Regulated Drug Test
What’s the difference between a regulated and non-regulated drug test? Regulated vs. Non-Regulated drug testing follows strict government regulations. Most regulated drug tests fall under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines, which apply [...]
The History and Impact of Employee Drug Testing
To many, the idea of submitting a urine sample as a condition of employment seems invasive and a breach of privacy. However, the history of drug testing dates back decades, shaping workplace policies and [...]
Workplace Drug Testing in the Age of Marijuana Legalization
Workplace Drug Testing in the Age of Marijuana Legalization Marijuana prohibition began in 1934 with the Uniform State Narcotic Drug Act, which banned the sale, cultivation, and use of the cannabis plant. Fast-forward 85 [...]
Which States Have the Highest Drug Use?
Check out this interactive map from the Quest Diagnostics annual Drug Test Index to find out the states with the highest drug use. Drug Testing Index™: Overall Positivity Rate This interactive map shows urine [...]
Recreational Marijuana Use Legalized in Illinois. What’s an Employer to do?
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has kept employers on their toes. Last week, he signed the Illinois Cannabis Law, officially known as the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Economic and societal considerations aside, Illinois employers [...]
Shy Bladder In A DOT Drug Test
Are you worried about a shy bladder in a DOT drug test? Find out what can happen if you can't produce a specimen. What Is A Shy Bladder? A shy bladder means a donor [...]
The High Cost of Substance Abuse in the Workplace
Substance abuse in the workplace is not only harmful but also expensive. Actually, it’s not called “addiction” anymore. Substance use disorder is an all-too-common reason for the deterioration of workplace performance and affects the [...]
The Employer and the Opiate Crisis
The Growing Impact of Opioid Abuse in the WorkplacThe Growing Impact of Opioid Abuse in the Workplace Workplace drug use is on the rise. Employee drug abuse impairs employees’ ability to function correctly, resulting [...]
Different Types of Drug Tests That You Need To Know
Article courtesy of Sarah Carey Drug abuse is an issue that’s gaining a lot of attention as a health and safety risk in the workplace. Employers find it necessary to implement an effective (sometimes) [...]
Seasonal Employers and Random Drug and Alcohol Testing
We have a number of seasonal employers who lay off some or all of their employees during the "off season", what do we do about the random drug and alcohol testing program? How do [...]
Workplace Drug Testing and Legal Defensibility
Legal defensibility is crucial for employers navigating ever-changing drug laws. Whether it’s legalized marijuana, opioid misuse, or regulations affecting a company’s ability to maintain a safe, drug-free workplace, staying compliant ensures protection against legal [...]
So What’s in a 17 Panel Hair Drug Test?
At InOut Labs, you can order an 17 Panel Hair Drug test! The 17 Panel test screens for 17 different drugs and can identify a whopping 45 different substances! The 17 classes of drugs [...]
New Federal Regulations on Drug Testing: Key Changes for Employers
Federal Bill H. R. 6. the “Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act” or the “Support for Patients and Communities Act,” was signed into law on Wednesday, [...]
OSHA: Post-accident drug and alcohol testing is an important part of a drug-free workplace
Post-accident drug and alcohol testing is alive and well. OSHA's Stance on Post-Accident Drug Testing On October 11, 2018, OSHA published a memorandum clarifying that there is no prohibition against post-accident drug and alcohol [...]
Probation Drug Testing
On probation? Then you may be required to submit to random probation drug testing. Here are a few things you need to know before requesting a probation drug test: WHAT TYPE OF TEST IS [...]
Most common mistakes small trucking companies and bus companies make with their FMCSA required drug and alcohol testing program
As the owner of a small trucking company or small bus company, if you are unsure of what you're doing regarding your drug testing requirements, you are not alone. Common FMCSA Drug Testing Mistakes [...]
Drug Users Lie: How Random Testing Exposed the Truth
One of our regular drug testing clients sent us a donor recently who failed his urine test for cocaine. That’s not the unusual part. The donor showed up in our office the same day [...]
DOT Post-Accident Drug and Alcohol Tests
DOT enforces specific rules for DOT Post-Accident Drug and Alcohol Tests. However, these rules do not apply to minor accidents, such as fender benders. When an accident occurs, employers must conduct a DOT Post-Accident [...]
What is the cost of a bad hire? It may be higher than you think
The bad hire cost is significant, with estimates showing that hiring the wrong employee can cost at least 30 percent of their first-year earnings. However, the true impact goes beyond just financial loss. A [...]
New DOT Drug Panel and Cutoff Levels – Effective 1/1/18
As of 1/1/18, the DOT drug panel looks a bit different. It now includes what we normally refer to as Expanded Opiates, or Extended Opiates. Still referred to as a 5 panel test, it [...]
Why Are My Drug Test Results Taking So Long?
As good as we are at responding to our clients' requests, there are some things you cannot rush. The majority of negative test results are delivered within 24-48 hours of collection.Having said that, following is [...]
US DOT expands drug testing panel. Maybe you should too
On November 13, 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation disrupted the drug testing industry in a powerful and meaningful way. Effective January 1, 2018, the DOT drug test panel will include hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone [...]
In a Rapidly Changing World, a 5 Panel Drug Test May Not Be Enough
In 1988, a new industry was born. Since the Federal Drug-free Workplace Act was implemented, more and more companies implement drug testing programs every year. A 2010 SHRM survey revealed that 57% of employers drug test [...]
What is National Drug Free Work Week?
What is National Drug Free Work Week?What is National Drug Free Work WeeWhat is National Drug Free Work Week? Celebrated the third week of October (October 16-21, 2017), it is one of 52 weeks [...]
Addiction in the Workplace is at an All-Time High
With workplace addiction at an all-time high, many businesses are choosing more proactive steps to ensure that their workforce is healthy and productive. Unfortunately, an accident is often the first clue that a problem [...]
Zero Tolerance for a Failed Drug Test?
The question of a Zero Tolerance Policy versus a Second Chance Agreement (also called a “Last Chance Agreement”) is a very important consideration when creating your drug-free workplace policy. When someone has a positive [...]
How Far Back Can a Test Detect Drugs?
We get this question a lot. Parents, donors, employers, and even panicked potential employees call our after-hours line to ask about drug test detection and how far back a test can detect drugs. The [...]
Do You Really Need a Medical Review Officer (MRO)?
Yes. A BIG FAT yes. Some companies mistakenly think that getting drug test results directly from a lab or from an in-house-administered instant test is good enough. And after reading this, they may still consider [...]
The Pros and Cons of Marijuana Testing: What Employers Need to Know
When Gallup began tracking the average American’s opinion on legalized marijuana almost 50 years ago most people would never have guessed that by 2016 it would [...]
What if that new hire failed a drug or alcohol test at the last job?
If it’s a truck driver, it’s your responsibility to find out Many employers make an offer of employment contingent upon the results of a criminal background check and drug test. If the candidates pass, [...]
What is the acceptable level of substance abusers in your workplace?
Is 10 percent acceptable? Five percent? Shouldn’t it be zero? The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducts a survey every year. 10.2% of all Americans are substance abusers. One in ten. [...]
What exactly is a “random” drug test?
“I’d like to send an employee in for a random drug test.” I get calls like this frequently. It usually means they suspect an employee is using some kind of prohibited substance and they [...]
Are you ready for a DOT Audit?
If you have employees that operate Commercial Motor Vehicles* as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation, you may be audited by the DOT. Significant violations can result in fines totaling tens of thousands [...]
4 Frequently Asked Questions About Your Drug Policy
Q. Do I have to allow medical or recreational use of marijuana since it is legal in my state? A. The short answer is no. So far. Up to this point, every time an [...]
As marijuana use becomes “normalized,” employers face more risk
Workplace drug testing has become more important in 2016 than ever before. It is no secret that the number of people in the United States who use marijuana is growing rapidly. Hollywood seems to [...]
What You Probably Don’t Know About Opioids in the Workplace
"Drug overdoses, predominately from opioids, now exceed car crashes as the leading cause of unintentional death." --National Safety Council In its publication “The proactive role employers can take: OPIOIDS IN THE WORKPLACE,” The National [...]
The True Cost of Workers Compensation Claims and How to Prevent Them
Many years ago, I remember driving through the state of Pennsylvania. As you entered the state, there was a menu which described the fines for speeding. It was memorable because you could decide what [...]
3 Reasons to Update Your Substance Use Policy Immediately
The substance abuse landscape is changing rapidly, and companies are advised to keep up, or there may be a price to pay. 1) What’s in your panel? A drug test detects only what you [...]
Can I make an employee or job candidate pay for his own drug test?
Interestingly, we have people come into our clinic who have been told by the boss to take a drug test. The employee pays for it. No reason is given, but if someone comes in with [...]
4 Tips to Reduce Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can be expensive and disruptive. And besides, who wants someone to get hurt? Despite employers’ hopes that employees will use good judgment, it doesn’t always work that way, and employers are burdened [...]
What Would You Do If You Found This in Your Workplace Restroom?
It was late on a Friday morning and the phone rang. “Tim, I need your help on something.” It was Sheryl, an HR attorney I know well. She proceeded to tell me that she [...]
Why Workplace Drug Screening Should Go Beyond Truck Drivers
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently rewarded truck drivers by reducing the number of required drug tests for the first time since 1989 when mandated testing began. Why? It’s pretty simple. And it’s in the [...]
5 Truths about Medical Marijuana and Drug Testing That Everyone Needs To Know
A week ago medical marijuana became available in Illinois. Frankly, I don't really care if adults choose to smoke pot. I also don't care if they choose to shoot staples into their thighs or drink [...]
Prescription Drugs and Positive Drug Tests
What if an employee has a positive drug test—and it’s caused by prescription medication? Legit question. And it happens. Prescription drugs can lead to positive drug tests. With prescription drug abuse out of control, [...]
I think my employee is drunk or high. What do I do?
Jane seems tired all the time. She’s been late to work three times in the last two weeks, and on Tuesday she actually fell asleep at her desk. Today she’s slurring her speech. One [...]
When the first question is “Do you drug test?”
“Do you drug test?” I was recently told by the manager of an auto dealership that he is asked this question frequently by job applicants. It's the first question. Employers that don't drug test are employers [...]
High on Sunday. Still impaired on Monday? Yep.
Updating Workplace Policies for Marijuana Legalization The legalization of marijuana in many states — including Illinois — has HR managers scrambling to update their drug policies to deal with marijuana in the workplace. Many [...]
Instant Drug Test Results are Not For Everyone
But they are ideal for certain situations. Whether they be drug tests or medical tests, and instant test (aka “rapid” test), is what is called a “screen.” It’s a quick, down-and-dirty check. If you [...]
Should employers stop testing for marijuana?
Testing for Marijuana at Work has become a hot topic as more states legalize its use. Many argue that marijuana is just like alcohol, pointing out that alcohol is a bigger problem and yet [...]
Does “negative-dilute” mean he passed the drug test?
Some people try to cheat drug tests. Not most people. Then again, most people don't need to! But many who are worried about it work very hard to game the system. Why Are So [...]
How to Speed Up Drug Testing and Reduce Hiring Delays
“We just want to get the testing done so we can put people to work,” a frustrated HR manager recently told me. “How long does your lab take?” That’s really what it’s about, isn’t [...]
Pre-employment drug testing may not guarantee a drug-free workplace
Pre-employment drug testing may not guarantee a drug-free workplace It helps, but many users get through. Here’s how. Drug users call us regularly. It’s pretty obvious who they are. They ask how long drugs [...]
Can Post-Accident Drug Testing Lower Workers’ Comp Costs and Improve Safety?
A worker has an accident. Someone may or may not be hurt. Perhaps the incident could have been averted with a decent random testing program, but it’s too late to think about that. Note [...]
Fence or Ambulance? The Role of Drug Testing in Preventing Workplace Tragedies
Would you rather build a fence at the top of a cliff, or park an ambulance at the bottom? That’s why we wear seat belts. It’s why we cook our chicken thoroughly. It’s why [...]
Drug testing does not fit our company culture
Drug testing does not fit our company culture I hear this from time to time when speaking with people at reputable companies. Maybe it’s just me, but the irony strikes me in such a [...]
Legal Weed, Lost Job, and a Lesson in Employee Drug Policies
Reading a recent post in “The Pot Blog” (which covers legal, political & social changes as they relate to legalized marijuana in Washington state), I was somewhat taken aback by the series of events that occurred in Spokane [...]
Positive Drug Test: What Employers Need to Know and How to Respond
Occasionally, our clients ask if a positive drug test results in trouble with the law. No, we don’t call the police, but that doesn’t mean all is well. Sometimes an individual tests positive for [...]
Employee Failed a Drug Test? Your Next Steps Explained
If you’re one of the many companies implementing random drug testing programs for the first time, it’s a common question. And a good one. What do you do if an [...]
The Rise in Failed Drug Tests: What It Means for Employers and Employees
Flunking a pre-employment drug test shows poor judgment—AND you use drugs. After applying, interviewing, and securing the job pending a negative drug test, you still failed. Seriously? The Growing Issue [...]
