Q: How is substance of abuse testing performed?  The two most common methods of testing are:  Breath Alcohol Urine Drug Hair Drug Test *Breathalyzer results are available immediately while urine and hair drug tests must be sent to the lab for analysis.  When a urine sample is sent to the lab, it is first screened using an immunoassay technique (EMIT). If a urine sample is determined to be positive at this step, it is than analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS). GC/MS confirmation is used to double check positive EMIT findings and is the most accurate in use.  Q: Can foods and prescription medications interfere with the test?  Some foods contain or produce chemicals in the body that may cause a positive drug test. Lab. personal "cutoff" levels, or allowable thresholds that recognize the possibility of food interaction. If a test falls below the threshold, the result is reported as negative.  Certain prescription medications may lead to initial false positive readings during EMIT screening. During the GC/MS confirmation process, it will be able to accurately determine if a medication has caused the initial positive reading. In addition, all positive results are reviewed by an on staff toxicologist and an independent Medical Review Officer (MRO). Both the toxicologist and the MRO are able the determine if a medication could have caused a positive reading.  Q: How long are Substances of abuse detectable?  Detection times vary form drug to drug and person to person. The following chart may be used as a rough guideline. This chart does not include the timeline for the hair dug test.   Alcohol 24-30hr Amphetamines 1-2Days Canabinoids(THC) 1-36Days Cocaine(metabolite) 3-5Days Opiates 1-3Days PCP 1-30Days   Q: Can punitive action based on drug test results be challenged in court?  Any dismissal situation may be challenged on court. Substance abuse related dismissals are no exception. If a dismissal is challenged in court, the plaintiff rarely wins providing the laboratory and employer have acted within established, legal guidelines.        Q: Who gets the results and how long does it take? It is important that the results of drug tests are kept in strict confidence. Once the laboratory and the the conferring MRO have determined a positive finding, a pre-appointed contact person within your company will be notified of the result. That person will then follow your company's pre planned protocol for addressing such issues.      Q: What happens if an employee tests positive?  Laws on this subject vary form state to state. In most states, the employer must provide the employee with a name of an agency that provides help. In a few states, the employer must make a standing offer for future employment should the employee successfully complete rehabilitation. Some states dictate that the employer or a covering insurance plan pay for rehabilitation. It is best to check with legal counsel for the laws governing your state/states. In addition, agreements should be reached with unions if applicable.    "Fooling the Bladder Cops: The Complete Drug Testing Guide" by Justin Gombos. Click Hereto read this brochure in Adobe Acrobat Reader® Format *The reason for publishing this document on my web site is my personal believe that we all have equal rights for the information;  firing the positive tested employee does not make any good. Order easy to use hair test on line.