Random Drug Testing Benefits Employers

Drug testing programs aim to prevent the hiring of drug-using applicants while deterring drug use among current employees. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 21.4% of employed adults used illicit drugs within the past month. Results from the 2014 Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index™ (DTI) show that, in the general U.S. workforce, random urine drug test positivity rates are higher (5.7%) than they are for pre-employment (4.0%) or periodic (1.6%). Random or "spot" drug testing works as a drug use deterrent because these programs are conducted in an unannounced and unpredictable manner. Utilizing a random drug testing program may help employers by: Deterring current employees from engaging in drug use Preventing the need for substance abuse recovery programs Helping reduce health insurance costs Improving attendance and employee productivity Providing a safer workplace with reduced accidents However, setting up a random drug testing program isn't as simple as drawing names from a hat. The key to running a successful random testing program lies in the employee selection methodology. Employers should adopt reliable, repeatable processes to ensure accuracy and fairness for their program's selection process. When administered properly, the operative word 'random' will hold true and individuals in the program will not know if and when their drug test will occur. This element of chance and risk acts as the drug use deterrent. For more information on random program administration call Mobile Medical Corporation 888-662-8358.