Why You Need to Pass Your Drug Test at Work

Even though testing positive for drug use will not send you to jail, there are still plenty of reasons why you should do everything that you can in order to pass your drug test especially if it is requested by your employer. Here are some of these reasons.

Getting fired is not the worst thing that can happen

There are times wherein instead of firing you, your employer might let you off the hook with a suspension. However, this can be worse than getting fired since you will not get paid during this time. Looking for other jobs is also not an option since you are still technically under your employee contract.

Your Benefits Might Get Withheld

This is the most likely scenario if you get into an accident while at work and you test positive while at the hospital. If this is the case, you will not get any type of compensation even if you were working at the time of the accident. Unemployment benefits can also be withheld if the employer decides to terminate your contract after the drug test is disclosed even if you are still receiving medical care.

You might never get promoted

Some employers choose a more proactive alternative by making their employees go to rehab or facilities in order to get clean. However, these employers normally do not consider these employees as someone who deserves a promotion. This means that you might get stuck at a dead end job for the next 30 years.

This is why you should know how to pass drug test. This is the only way to ensure a bright future at your workplace without losing your benefits or your chances at securing a promotion.

Drug Test Questions

Many people have different questions about hair drug tests. As these type of tests become more and more prevalent, people are also becoming confused and need clarification about these tests. Now, perhaps a common question among people is “Is it possible to pass a hair drug test?” Now, the quick answer is yes, it is possible. However, to understand how to pass a drug test, first we should take a look at how such tests are done.

When a person takes drugs, his or her body does not immediately get rid of all the traces of the drug, especially if the person has taken a large amount or is  a frequent user of drugs. Now, drug tests exploit this by using samples from the body, like urine, blood, and saliva to test for drugs as this is how the body gets rid of these traces. Now, the hair is slightly different. The drug traces are embedded in the hair and as the head pushes out new hair, the drug traces are left in there. So, when testing for drugs in the hair, the tester takes a sample of hair and uses this to determine if the person has taken drugs. Actually, using information abour hair growth, the tester can even determine drug use in the last 90 days, assuming the hair sample is long enough.
 

So, it is possible to pass a hair drug test? Yes, but the methods are quite extreme. The only 100% way to pass such a test would be to shave off all your hair. However, there are some special shampoos that may be able to help, but only if you are not a frequent user.

Hair Follicle Drug Test FAQ: Drug Testing Information

When it comes to reading hair follicle drug test information, it is important to take note of the guidelines that are being followed by drug testing laboratories. Understanding and remembering these guidelines can help you pass this type of drug test by educating you on how the procedure is done and what protocols are being followed. Here are some of these guidelines.

What kind of drugs does it detect?

As mandated by the federal government, a hair drug test is designed to detect phencyclidine (PCP), methamphetamine (Ecstasy), opiates (morphine, codeine), marijuana and cocaine. This drug test can detect these types of drugs as long as they are ingested within 90 days.

How do laboratories obtain hair samples?

A sample is directly cut from the person's head using a non-contaminated scissor and is always cut as close to the scalp as possible. Though the length of the sample may depend on the policies of the laboratory, many facilities gather 90-120 hair strands that are 1.5 inches long. Hair samples from other sources such as a brush are not accepted by laboratories to ensure that the samples are not tampered in any way.

What is the protocol for people with little or no hair?

For people with limited or short hair, samples are collected from different head location in order to obtain the necessary amount. In the event that there is not enough hair in the head, body hair will be collected. Urine and other types of drug tests are ordered for people who cannot supply the required amount of hair.

Is it Possible to Pass a Drug Test?

Drug testing today is quite common, and perhaps soon it will even be mandatory. If you are applying for a job, you might be asked to take a drug test. Of course, you are under no obligation to submit to one, unless you were working in safety or transportation. However, the employer is not obliged to hire you either. If you do not take drugs, then you do not have to worry about it. Even if your test triggered a false positive, then you can always take another test. However, what if you do have something to be worried about? What is you occasionally take drugs and got called for a testing? What can you do?

If you have some time, then you may not have to be worried. You might be able to allow you body to naturally metabolize and get rid of the drug traces. You could help it out and drink liquids and exercise to sweat. However, if you needto pass a hair follicle drug test, it might be difficult. To pass a hair follicle drug test, you need to remove all traces of drugs from your hair. You might be able to use a special shampoo, but if you use frequently, you might have to actually shave your hair.

How Does a Hair Drug Test Work?

Drug testing is starting to become a normal part of getting employment nowadays. Right now, it’s normal for people who work in safety, transportation, and most government projects to be tested for drug use, after all, most of these jobs have big consequences. That said, you should probably know how these drug tests work. A drug test goes on the principle that when you take drugs, come traces are left in the body. The tester then took some sample from the body, like urine, blood, hair etc., and mixes special chemicals, which then react if there is traces left in the sample.

Most labs use urine testing, because this is the cheapest and least invasive. However, these tests were easy to beat which is why more sophisticated tests were developed. One such test is hair follicle drug testing. How does this work? Much like the other types of testing, hair follicle drug testing was used to find traces of drug use in the hair. The tester takes a sample of hair and then adds chemicals to it to find out if you have been taking drugs. Hair drug tests are difficult to beat because it’s hard to remove traces of drugs from the hair.

What Can I Do to Pass a Drug Test?

Many agencies these days require drug tests especially if you are looking for a job, and if legislators had their way, they would make drug tests in many ways. While some may say these tests infringe on our freedoms, it does make sense for people in safety and transportation to be tested regularly. If you have to take a drug test and perhaps you did not mean to take drugs, then you must find a way to pass your drug test. Passing a drug test depends on what kind of drug test will be given.

The urine drug test is perhaps the easiest to pass. If you are a light user then the drug traces should leave the body in 72 hours. All you have to do is stop and wait. Passing a hair follicle drug test is hard. Some people may say that passing hair follicle drug test is impossible. If you are not a heavy user and you’ve only used it once or twice then you may be able to use special shampoos to get rid of the traces of drugs. If you are a regular user, then the only way to pass a hair drug test is by shaving off all your hair and letting it regrow.

Types of Drug Tests

Many organizations these days do drug testing on their employees. These are also used regularly for people who may be on probation or parole. There are different types of drug tests today.

The first and most common type is perhaps the urine drug test. This type of tests uses the urine from the subject and drugs or metabolites are screened using different methods. For example, the cheapest type is called the EMIT or Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique is used. However, it is not that accurate, and if any drug is detected, then a second, more accurate test should be done, like Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. Other urine drug tests include RIA and FPI, which are more expensive, but also more sensitive.

A hair follicle drug test is another type of popular drug testing. It is non-invasive, and you can also verify the sample since it is taken directly from the subject in plain view of other people (unlike urine which can be difficult). Usually, when drug metabolites go into the blood, they can also go into the blood vessels in the scalp and filtered through the hair. The traces are then left in the hair follicles. Usually around 50 to 80 strands of hair are needed from the scalp and then placed into various solvents, which can be analyzed to check for drug use.