As a business owner, you not only want your staff to be healthy and productive, but you want your company to be free of any problems stemming from employee substance abuse.
That is the reason most companies now require alcohol and drug testing of potential new hires and, in certain cases, existing employees. The harmful use of alcohol and chemical substances can lead to addiction and – consequently – can negatively impact an employee’s performance.
Let’s talk about what’s involved in an alcohol drug test, and where you can go in Grand Junction for a reliable drug and alcohol testing center.
Why Is a Urine-Based Alcohol Drug Test Preferred?
A urine drug test evaluates a sample of urine for traces of alcohol, illicit drugs, and certain strong prescription medications, including:
- Amphetamines
- Benzodiazepines
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- PCP
- Opioids (narcotics)
This simple but reliable type of drug testing is often done for pre-employment, athletes, or post-on-the-job accidents. Another type of drug test is done by analyzing a small section of a person’s hair; the problem with this is that some people find this too intrusive.
How a Urine Alcohol Drug Test Works
A urine analysis tests for alcohol use in particular by detecting the presence of Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG), a metabolite found in alcoholic beverages. The test can show ethanol ingestion within the previous three to four days.
During a typical alcohol drug screening, a subject is given a cup and escorted to a restroom. You will be directed to urinate into the cup in private, and purses and wallets are not allowed in the room. You will be allowed to lock your bag in a locker and bring the key with you into the restroom. This is done to prevent people from secretly providing an improper urine sample.
Normally, you are also told not to flush the toilet or wash your hands. Once you open the door to the restroom, you will be allowed to wash your hands at that point, within view of the office staff. Again, this is done to ensure that they receive a true urine sample from you.
Your sample will then be submitted for analysis. A medical professional will subsequently review the results – which are usually returned within three to four days – with the patient and/or employer.
Drug and Alcohol Testing in Grand Junction, Colorado
At WorkPartners Occupational Health in Grand Junction, Colorado, we offer urine-based drug and alcohol screenings. We have in-house testing services using eScreen®, which is a computer-based drug-screening technology. Using this capability, we can quickly test urine samples and breath-alcohol collections for both DOT and non-DOT tests.
Whether you require a one-time collection for an employee (or potential employee) in the area, multiple or recurring screenings for an employee, or a large-scale or ongoing program to administer in your workplace, WorkPartners Occupational Health has a viable solution to meet your needs.
Our walk-in drug screening and laboratory testing is conveniently available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and our staff is on call 24/7 for post-accident and reasonable suspicion of drug and alcohol screenings. We also work with third-party administrators (TPAs) and any lab of your choice.
To learn more about our walk-in drug and alcohol screening services or to schedule a test for prospective or existing employees, contact WorkPartners Occupational Health today by calling (970) 241-5585. We look forward to serving you.
