Q: How long do drugs stay in the body?

Drug Testing

A: That depends on the drug and how it is used. Frequent users usually require more time for their bodies to rid their system of a drug than do recreational users. Although patterns of use, how the drug is administered and purity of the drug are key factors for the retention of drugs in the system, there are some accepted standards.

Drug Testing

        Drug                             minimum            maximum

(AMP) Amphetamine                       2 - 7 hours                2 - 4 days

(BAR) Barbiturates                          4 - 6 hours                Up to 10 days for

(BZO) Benzodiazepines                   4 - 6 hours                 Up to 10 days

(COC) Cocaine                                 1.25 to 4 hours         2 - 5 days

(THC) Marijuana                                2 hours                   Up to 40 days

(MTD) Methadone                             4 hours                   Up to 3 days

(mAMP) Methamphetamine             2 - 7 hours               2 - 4 days

(MDMA) Ecstasy                              2 - 4 hours               1 - 3 days

(OPI) Opiates                                      2.5 hours                2 - 3 days

(PCP) Phencyclidine                          4 - 6 hours               7 - 14 days

(TCA) Tricyclic Antidepressants      4 - 6 hours               Up to 10 days

Drug Testing

More information on each substance can be found on our Drug Information Page

Drug Testing

Drug Testing

Q: I have employees take Pre-employment drug screens, do I need randoms?

Drug Testing

A: Most employees (given enough time) can fool a pre-employment screen. Many different devices in recent years have "popped up" in local stores and on the Internet. The most effective way to keep employees from using these recreational drugs is to test them "on the spot". This kind of testing is usually monthly, and only a small percentage of your employees test. Random testing is usually relatively inexpensive and very effective.

Drug Testing

Q: Can I do drug testing on employees myself?

Drug Testing

A: Although doing testing yourself can save money, there are several considerations to take into account. Most instant tests can "screen" a employee for the presence of a substance, although terminating a employee or even disciplining a employee based on these tests can open you and your company up for a lawsuit. The person testing the employee must be trained in proper collection, testing and storage of the sample. In many cases, a "positive" result must be verified by a certified laboratory (GC/MS) before it can be used against a employee. In most cases hiring a qualified testing service can save time, money and headaches down the road.

Drug Testing

Q: Why should I care what a employee does on his own time?

DrugDrug Testing       Testing

A: For one it tells you about their character. No matter what your personal feelings about drugs are, THEY ARE ILLEGAL. A employee taking drugs is more apt to steal, call in sick or have a accident. Most insurance companies don't care if you employee only uses drugs on "his own time", if they have a accident and injure others-you could be held liable and your insurance could skyrocket or worse, be canceled. Also some drugs (like marijuana) are next to impossible to establish when the drug was taken. One fact will remain, you could have established a drug control policy and tested your employees.

Drug Testing      

Drug Testing

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