Types of Drug Tests
Drug Testing Methodologies
DISA stays ahead of the evolving demand for workplace substance abuse prevention by providing innovative drug testing solutions for all industries. By leveraging technology and industry-leading expertise, our solutions offer you a higher standard of testing, keeping you armed with the tools you need to make the best, most informed employment decisions possible for your business.
Take advantage of our multiple testing methodologies and expanded drug panels while enjoying the benefits of our cutting-edge technology and best-in-business practices.
What's Available
- Complete Chain of Custody Management – Electronic Custody and Control Form
- Online Scheduling, Tracking, and Reporting
- Extensive Collection Site Network
- Compliance and Audit Assistance
- Policy Assistance and Management
- Expert Laboratory Analysis
- Electronic Ordering Capabilities (eCCF)
- Random Pool Management
- Medical Review Officer (MRO) Services
- Urine Testing
- Oral Fluid Testing
- Synthetics Testing
- Hair Testing
- Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing (EBAT)
- Expanded Opioid Testing
Urine Testing
The urine test is the most common form of drug and alcohol testing. It may be conducted as part of pre-employment screening, randomly, or post-accident by employers, especially for employees in certain occupations. Currently, urinalysis is the only testing method approved for federally-mandated testing. It’s also the least invasive and most legally acceptable form of employment drug testing.
Urine test results show the presence or absence of drug metabolites in a person’s urine. Metabolites are drug residues that remain in the body for a period of time even after the effects of a drug have worn off, and because of this, a positive urine test does not necessarily prove that a person was under the influence of drugs at the time of the test.
Drugs that are screened in a typical urine drug test include marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamines, PCP, opiates, and more. DISA's SAMHSA-certified vendor partners are some of the largest clinical testing laboratories in the U.S. and provide urine collection services for several major businesses worldwide.
Hair Testing
The hair test is regarded by many as the best indicator of repeat drug use since it can detect repeat drug use up to a 90-day window. Since hair testing has a wider “detection window,” it eliminates the opportunity for people to abstain for several days prior to being tested, to avoid a positive test. Hair tests can also be used to draw comparative test results, to determine when the drug was used, how long it was used for, and when it was discontinued.
Hair testing requires a small sample of hair that is collected under direct supervision without any invasion of privacy and is considered an excellent option for pre-employment and random drug testing programs. Hair tests detect marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamines, PCP, and opioids.
For more than 35 years, DISA’s vendor partners have pioneered hair drug testing. Hair testing is considered cheat-proof since it cannot be substituted, adulterated, or diluted with cleansers, bleaches, or dyes.
Oral Fluid Testing
The mouth swab drug test, also known as a saliva test or oral fluid test, collects a saliva sample from the inside of a person’s mouth. Mouth swab drug tests remain popular among employers for many reasons, including that they are less expensive than other drug tests. They are also easy to administer (a swab of the inner cheek is the most common collection method), and often the sample collection can be done on-site, which makes them quick and efficient. FDA-approved onsite swabs are available for testers to observe the specimen collection, making it hard to cheat; samples are then sent to the lab for screening and confirmation. This also reduces tampering, shy bladder, and any donor challenge later in the screening process.
Drugs take time to metabolize and pass through the system into urine, but saliva tests can detect extremely recent use, ranging from a few minutes to about 48 hours. This makes oral fluid testing ideal for a wide variety of testing situations.
DISA’s vendor partner is a pioneer of oral fluid technology and a leader in providing education and all of your oral testing needs.
Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing
Unlike other tests for drug consumption, alcohol tests can only show current levels of impairment or intoxication, but not past use. Breath alcohol tests are the most common form of alcohol testing in the workplace. Alcohol tests using this methodology are administered by having the person blow into a breathalyzer, and the results are given as a number.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Alcohol Testing
Mandatory alcohol and drug testing is required by the United States Department of Transportation for some occupations and industries. This mandatory testing includes occupations in safety-sensitive industries such as trucking, pipeline, aviation, maritime, railroad, and transit employees. For alcohol screenings, a Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) result of 0.02 or higher will require a confirmation breath alcohol test within 15-30 minutes of the screening. Results of 0.02 or higher must be immediately reported to the employer. Results between 0.02 – 0.039 involve the employee being removed from safety-sensitive positions for a set period of time, which each DOT administration determines. Results of 0.04 or higher consist of the employee being immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties and undergoing a DOT-specified substance abuse program before returning to a safety-sensitive position.
Next Steps for Your Company
With drug addiction affecting many companies, most employers are wondering what they can do to help their employees and protect their companies. Early recognition of drug use in the workplace can prevent significant personal, health, and professional consequences.
Listed below are possible signs of substance abuse.
Emotional/Social
- Personality change
- Irritability
- Drunk/intoxicated at social events
- Frequent tardiness
- Increased customer complaints
- Mood swings/anxiety
- Erratic or decreased performance
- Social withdrawal
- Problems with law enforcement
- Sudden decrease in work productivity
Physical
- Disheveled appearance
- Change in diet
- Unexplained minor injuries
- Addition of long sleeves
- Unexpected weight loss
- Smell of alcohol
- Needle marks
- Signs of intoxication or withdrawal, e.g., slurred speech, tremors, excessive sweating, dilated or pinpoint pupil
Explore DISA Services
Drug Testing Offerings
DOT Drug Testing
DISA helps safety-sensitive employers stay DOT compliant with expert drug testing services, including random testing, MRO review, and return-to-duty support.
DISA's Contractors Consortium (DCC)
Join over 20,000 contractors reducing redundant testing and increasing worksite safety across oil & gas, construction, industrial, and medical sectors.
DISA's Substance Abuse Professionals
If you’ve failed a drug test, find a qualified SAP near you by calling SAP Referral Services at 888-720-7277.
Electronic Custody and Control Forms (ECCF)
Speed up your drug testing process by up to 25% with eCCFs—DISA’s digital solution reduces errors, improves accuracy, and streamlines the chain of custody.
Medical Review Officer (MRO) Services
DISA’s certified MROs review drug test results to ensure compliance, protect employee rights, and validate the accuracy of non-negative test outcomes.
On-Site / Mobile Drug & Alcohol Testing
DISA’s mobile drug testing units reduce downtime and costs by bringing secure, compliant collections directly to your jobsite, 24/7/365.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing for Employers
Make smarter hiring decisions with pre-employment drug testing that improves safety, reduces risk, and ensures workplace compliance.
Random Drug Testing
Learn how to build an effective, compliant random drug testing policy with best practices, common questions, and industry tips.
24/7 Post-Accident & Reasonable Suspicion Testing
Ensure safety and compliance with around-the-clock drug and alcohol testing following workplace incidents or signs of impairment.
Drug Testing Compliance Training And Support
Stay audit-ready with DISA’s expert policy creation, mock audits, training, and compliance reviews for DOT and non-DOT drug testing programs.
Return To Duty (RTD) Drug Testing
Understand the Return-to-Duty (RTD) drug testing process after policy violations. Learn steps, SAP role, and follow-up requirements.
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Reduce the Risk of Drug Abuse at Your Company
Make the most informed employment decisions possible with DISA's pre-employment screening solutions. For more information, call DISA at 281-730-5509 or contact us online below.
