✔ Check criminal records   ✔ Fast verifications   ✔ Safe and secure (ISO)

EN / SE
Blogs

Safe drug tests with DISA – supporting transport and aviation

Calendar Icon 05 November, 2025

The aviation and transport sectors play a vital role in society, yet face a significant recruitment challenge. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, around 10,000 new hires will be needed annually until 2036. In this environment, alcohol and drug testing is becoming an important part of the recruitment process and ongoing personnel management.

In this article, we explore how DISA supports employers with PEth-tests and other alcohol and drug screening methods, the applicable legal framework, and the importance of having clear policies that also respect individual privacy.

Two colleagues working behind a laptop

Alcohol and drug testing – a must in safety-critical roles

Working as a pilot, bus driver, train operator or lorry driver carries significant responsibility. Impairment due to alcohol or drugs can have devastating consequences for passengers, fellow road users and society as a whole. That's why alcohol and drug testing is now an integral part of safety work in the industry.

DISA offers a full range of support to employers who want to carry out tests in a legally secure, discreet and efficient way – whether for recruitment, random testing or suspected substance use.

 

 

PEth test: Benefits and pitfalls

One of the most widely used tests in the transport sector is the PEth (phosphatidylethanol) test – a blood analysis that indicates alcohol consumption over time. It is highly sensitive and often used to identify recurrent or excessive alcohol intake.

DISA works with Provsvaret, a leading provider of drug testing services, to ensure that all tests are carried out in accordance with current guidelines and medical practice.

  • Provides reliable information on alcohol consumption in the last 2-4 weeks
  • Difficult to manipulate
  • Good complement to other tests
  • Requires medical interpretation. High values should always be assessed by a doctor before taking labour law action
  • Risk of misinterpretation or disproportionate consequences, as highlighted in the media (e.g. Aftonbladet reporting)

 

 

Forensic testing in practice – how DISA helps

In the aviation and transport industry, safety is a top priority, and a sober workforce is a prerequisite. DISA offers employers safe and legally compliant support for alcohol and drug testing, tailored to both legal requirements and business needs. We manage the process from start to finish, focusing on both employer responsibilities and individual rights.

DISA can assist in three common testing occasions:

  • For new hires: As part of a thorough background check, we help employers conduct pre-employment alcohol and drug tests. This gives a clear picture of the candidate's ability to work in safety-critical environments and can be combined with, for example, a driving licence or criminal record check.
  • Unannounced testing: To ensure a consistently safe work environment, DISA offers both scheduled and unannounced drug and alcohol testing. This fosters a culture of accountability and trust, where risky behaviours can be identified and addressed in time.
  • In case of suspected substance use: If there are indications of substance use, DISA can quickly assist with tests and documentation as a basis for further action – always in accordance with the company's policy and labour law framework.

Test methods we offer:

  • Saliva test: A quick and non-invasive method that shows recent intake, particularly effective in random checks.
  • Urine test: The most widely used testing method in the labour market. Shows the presence of substances over a longer period of time and is particularly useful for periodic checks.
  • Blood test/PEth test: A reliable test to detect long-term or regular alcohol intake. Often used in cases of recurrent alcohol consumption of concern and in investigations where the consequences can be serious, for example in the case of a suspended driving licence.

DISA acts as a one-stop shop for employers who want to create a safe, secure and professional recruitment process. By combining alcohol and drug testing with our other background checks, we offer a solution that is both preventive and business-oriented.

 

 

Privacy and rights – what applies legally?

Alcohol and drug tests may only be carried out if there is a clear purpose, for example to ensure safety at work. According to the Swedish Work Environment Authority and the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection, testing should take place within the framework of a clear policy, informed consent and in accordance with the GDPR.

From a worker's perspective, tests can be perceived as intrusive, especially when they concern private consumption outside working hours. One example is cannabis, where traces can remain in the body for a long time even though the individual is not under the influence during working hours. This grey area is highlighted, for example, in Transportarbetaren's report on Johnny, who lost his job even though he was not under the influence while on duty.

DISA helps employers create fair and legally sustainable processes where both safety and employee rights are taken seriously.

 

 

DISA as a trusted partner for a safe and responsible workplace

DISA is a comprehensive partner for employers in the aviation and transport industry. By offering alcohol and drug testing for new hires, random checks and suspected substance abuse – using methods such as saliva, urine and blood (PEth) tests – we support companies in their safety and compliance responsibilities.

In co-operation with Provsvaret, we guarantee medical quality and legal certainty at every step. Together with our other background checks, such as driving licence and criminal record checks, DISA becomes a reliable partner in the entire recruitment and employment process. 

Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you and your company.