Important Facts about Drugs and the Workplace from MedExpress Labs

 

The majority of drug users are employed.  75% of adults who reported using illicit drugs at least once in the past month are employed – this number represents more than 8.5 million individuals.

 

Employing Drug users Drastically Increases Costs

·        Employed drug users cost their employers almost twice as much in medical and worker compensation claims as their drug-free coworkers.

·        Workers reporting current drug use are more likely to have worked for three or more employers, to have voluntarily left and employer in the past year, and to have skipped one or more days of work in the past month.

·        Companies that do not conduct drug testing were found to experience a 19% increase in workers’ compensation claims as compared to the companies engaged in the drug testing which experienced a 64% reduction (University of Houston).

·        Employees who tested positive on their pre-employment drug test were 77% more likely to be discharged within the first three years of employment and were absent from work 66% more often than those who tested negative (US Postal Service).

·        38 – 50% of all worker’s compensation claims and serious injuries are related to drug and/or alcohol abuse in the workplace.

 

MedExpress Labs can Help Implement a Drug Screening Program

 

MedExpress can provide a broad range of drug testing programs.  We can tailor a drug program from a basic employment pre-screen only to a complete program including random testing, post-accident, upon reasonable suspicion or a customized schedule.

 

The values of drug screenings are many.  The threat of a pre-employment drug test will immediately deter abusers from applying.  Chances are, morale will rise – because workers don’t want to be around drug users either.

 

MedExpress offers a range of drug tests. Our standard/basic drug tests are:

 

1.    Basic 5 Panel Drug Screen

a.    This test is performed on-site at our facility and takes less than 10 minutes to yield a result.

2.    Basic 5 Panel Drug Profile

a.    This test sample is collected at our facility.  The sample is sent to our CLIA certified lab and the employer receives documentation of a positive or negative result.  Results are usually available in 24 hours.

3.    Basic Drug Profile – Chain of Custody – Hair Test

a.    A sample of hair is collected from the back of the scalp (other areas may be used if the individual is bald or does not have at least 1 ½ inches of hair).  The sample is sent to our CLIA certified lab and the employer receives documentation of a positive or negative result.  Results are usually available in 3 – 4 business days. This is a chain of custody, court admissible test.

4.    Basic Drug Profile - Chain of Custody - Urine Test

a.    This Drug Profile is a general screening panel that checks for the most commonly abused legal and illegal substances.  A urine specimen and/or blood sample is collected at our facility.  Results are usually available in 48 hours.

5. Comprehensive Drug Profile - Chain of Custody - Urine Test

a. The Comprehensive Drug Profile is a general screening panel that checks for 9 of the most commonly abused legal and illegal substances.  A urine specimen and/or blood sample is collected at our facility.  Results are usually available in 48 hours.

 

For a proposal on your drug screening program, please contact Dave Rexroat at 913-897-8378 or daver@medexpresslabs.com.