Different Alcohol Testing That Can Be Done For Employment

Alcohol testing is typically required for jobs that involve safety-sensitive tasks, such as driving or operating machinery. Employers may also test for alcohol at random or when they have reasonable suspicion that an employee is impaired. There are numerous ways to conduct tests, including using breath, urine, blood, and saliva samples. A certified technician or lab personnel usually administers them.

Pre-employment Testing

A breath alcohol test is quick, easy and non-invasive. It’s also reliable and provides instant results. It makes it a popular choice for employers who require pre-employment testing in various industries. Employees who drink on the job can make poor decisions that put themselves or their co-workers at risk. Intoxicated employees also miss work more frequently than sober ones and often cause workplace accidents. Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing Houston TX is widespread among employers with safety-sensitive roles, such as those governed by the Department of Transportation (DOT), to ensure that candidates are sober and qualified for their positions. When done correctly, these tests ensure your company hires the right people for the job. However, it’s important to remember that the test results are only as accurate as the person taking it. If a person suspects that their employer has manipulated the results, they can challenge the test’s validity by providing a chain of custody for the sample.

Breath Alcohol Testing

Breath alcohol testing is a fast and accurate way to test an employee for alcohol use. DOT-approved Evidential Breath Test (EBT) devices can be conducted randomly, on-site, or on reasonable suspicion. Breathalyzers are the most commonly used method of workplace alcohol testing. They are easy to administer, provide quick results, and are a recognized test for current impairment.

Health Street can conduct a breath test on-site or at any of our locations in the US. Our mobile team can also test on-site after a workplace incident or post-accident. Employers can administer breath tests during the hiring process as part of a pre-employment drug screening program or to assess an employee’s current level of impairment while on the job. Alcohol use can interfere with an employee’s performance and create safety hazards for themselves and others. Therefore, identifying the problem of alcohol users can benefit the company and its workers.

Urine Alcohol Testing

A urine alcohol test measures the presence of ethanol and other metabolites in the sample. The test typically has a detection window of up to 80 hours, which is useful for catching recent alcohol use. Employers may conduct urine alcohol testing for job applicants, depending on state law and company policy. It is often done before making a job offer and can be a condition of the employment contract. Generally, employers may also require that current employees undergo alcohol testing as long as it is consistent with the company’s drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures. Companies that have a written drug and alcohol policy that outlines specific rules for testing should make it clear that any employee who violates those guidelines can be subject to immediate discipline or even termination. The company should also provide a confidential means for employees to report suspected drug or alcohol abuse and explain what actions will be taken by the company if an employee fails or refuses a test.

Blood Alcohol Testing

In some workplaces, including those that are safety-sensitive, employers may require a blood alcohol test in the hiring process. This testing can also be done for current employees if there is a reasonable suspicion that they are working while impaired. This test measures the levels of alcohol and alcohol biomarkers in the blood or serum, a liquid part of the blood, after clotting. It is usually conducted at a laboratory, and the results take time. It is often done alongside a urine drug screen. A saliva screening device, which can be used to test for drugs and alcohol, is a popular option. It looks for the ethyl glucuronide (EtG) compound, which registers whether an individual has consumed alcohol in the past 72 to 80 hours. It’s less accurate than a blood test but instant and inexpensive. Employers that use this method must comply with privacy laws and ensure a chain of custody.