Drug testing is one action an employer can take to determine if employees or job applicants have used substances that affect workplace safety and performance. Testing can identify traces of controlled substances, illicit drugs, and alcohol consumption through different screening methods.

There are a variety of employment-related drug tests used by employers. The types of drug tests which show the presence of drugs include:

• urine drug tests
• blood drug tests
• hair drug tests
• saliva drug screens
• breath alcohol testing

Blood Drug Testing

A variety of substances can be detected through blood drug testing, including:

1. amphetamines
2. cocaine
3. marijuana
4. methamphetamines
5. opiates
6. nicotine
7. alcohol

Blood tests take longer to develop than urine tests, but this method is very effective at detecting concentrations of alcohol and other drugs. Workplace drug testing, post-accident screenings, and legal cases often rely on blood tests. Though blood testing is highly effective, it only detects substance use within a short timeframe—usually up to 24 hours for alcohol and certain drugs.

Urine Drug Tests

A urine drug test is the most commonly used test when job applicants or employees are screened for illegal drugs or alcohol use. Urinalysis shows the presence of drug residues that remain in the body after the effects of the drug have worn off.

By far the most common test for drug use is the 5-panel urine test. It checks for the presence of cocaine, opiates, amphetamines/meth, marijuana, and PCP. Less common is the 10-panel, which tests for the same drugs as the 5-panel, with the addition of benzodiazepines, quaaludes, methadone, propoxyphene, and barbiturates.

Saliva Drug Screen

The saliva holds traces of alcohol, hormones, and other chemicals that can indicate drug use. Saliva testing is no longer as popular as blood or urine testing. Drugs can usually be detected in the saliva for only a few hours to a few days.

Hair Drug Testing

A hair drug test provides a 90-day window of drug use. It doesn’t indicate current impairment due to drugs, only past use. A hair drug test does not detect alcohol use. Hair can be tested for cocaine, marijuana, opiates, methamphetamine, and phencyclidine. Hair analysis requires more processing time than urine or blood testing.

Breath Alcohol Testing

Breath alcohol testing, similar to that performed by law enforcement, is the most commonly requested method of detecting alcohol in workers. A specially trained technician using government-approved equipment can quantify the percentage of alcohol currently in the body. It does not test for prior intoxication. Should an employee test positive for alcohol consumption with a breath test, the levels are often verified with a lab blood test.

How Long Till I Get My Results

The time it takes to get your drug test results depends on the type of test and the processing required. Rapid tests like saliva or urine screens can give results within minutes, but lab-based testing used for most employment and legal purposes typically takes 1 to 3 business days. More complex tests such as blood or hair analysis may take up to 5 business days for results.

In addition to lab turnaround times, each substance stays detectable in the body for different periods. Below is a quick guide to common drug detection windows:

Drug detection times

• Alcohol: 3-5 days in urine, 10-12 hours in blood
• Amphetamines: 1-3 days in urine and around 12 hours in blood
• Barbiturates: 2-4 days in urine and 1-2 days in blood
• Benzodiazepines: 3-6 weeks in urine and 2-3 days in blood.
• Cannabis: 7-30 days in urine and up to 2 weeks in blood
• Cocaine: 3-4 days in urine and 1-2 days in blood
• Codeine: 1 day in urine and up to 12 hours in blood
• Heroin: 3-4 days in urine and up to 12 hours in blood
• LSD: 1-3 days in urine and up to 2-3 hours in blood
• MDMA (ecstasy): 3-4 days in urine and 1-2 days in blood
• Methamphetamine (crystal meth): 3-6 days in urine and 24 – 72 hours in blood
• Methadone: 3-4 days in urine and 24-36 hours in blood
• Morphine: 2-3 days in urine and 6-8 hours in blood

Employee & Applicant Drug Testing in Nebraska

In Nebraska, employers have the discretion to implement drug and alcohol testing policies, but they must adhere to specific legal guidelines to ensure fairness and protect employee rights.

Your Rights and What to Expect

Testing Procedures: Employers may conduct drug tests for various reasons, including pre-employment screening, reasonable suspicion, post-accident investigations, and random testing. However, these tests must comply with Nebraska’s Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Act, ensuring that procedures are non-discriminatory and respect employee confidentiality.

Specimen Types: Employers are permitted to use various specimen types for drug testing, such as urine, blood, saliva, or hair samples. The choice of specimen should align with the employer’s written policy and the nature of the testing.

Positive Test Results: If you test positive, the result must be confirmed using a reliable method, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, before any disciplinary action is taken. Employers are required to maintain the confidentiality of test results and use them solely for employment-related decisions.

Refusal to Test: Refusing to submit to a mandated drug test can lead to disciplinary actions, including termination of employment. It’s important to understand your employer’s drug testing policy and the implications of non-compliance.

Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Benefits

• Workers’ Compensation: If an employee is injured on the job and tests positive for drugs or alcohol, they may be disqualified from receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
• Unemployment Benefits: Failing a drug test or refusing to take one can also impact eligibility for unemployment benefits, depending on the circumstances and the employer’s policies.

Where do I find the special requirement and laws for each state concerning drug screening?

Your state bar association can lead you to many publications and sources that will answer this need. You might also want to contact the Institute for a Drug-Free Workplace, which offers many publications dealing with state and federal drug testing laws, as well as many other drug testing topics. Their website address is http://www.drugfreeworkplace.org/.

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