4 Categories of People That Might Need Drug Testing

Why Drug Testing is Important in Certain Fields

A drug test is done to look for one or more illegal or prescription drugs in a person’s urine, saliva, hair, blood, or sweat. Urine testing is the most common type of drug testing and common drugs that are included are marijuana, cocaine, steroids, opioids, and so on. 

The main reason for doing a drug test is to see whether or not a person has consumed certain drugs. Today, drug testing, including hair follicle testing, is done in various fields for different reasons. Here are four groups of people who are typically asked to carry out a drug test and why.

Football player running with the ball.

Drug Testing for College Athletes

College students are tested for drugs when they are engaged in athletic activities and during championships. They are tested for steroids, masking agents, and peptide hormones. However, some colleges also test students for drugs when they are engaged in other competitive extracurricular activities like cheerleading, and other pursuits. If a student is found to be taking drugs, they can face consequences and suspension from their extracurricular activity or their sports team.

Two construction workers in a new construction home going over blueprints.

For Construction Workers

In compliance with health and safety standards at work, an employee can be tested for drugs especially if they work in construction firms. Construction laborers, supervisors, and workers have the second-highest users of illegal drugs in the US. Employers can test you before and after hiring you for a job. Enacting drug testing programs has helped to create a safer workplace.

pom drug testing
Image of a truck driver about to get into a semi-truck

Drug Testing for Truckers

According to trucking regulations in the US, employees frequently need to be tested for drugs while they’re in service. If a person is found to be using certain drugs including marijuana, they can be removed from service. The most common test is the DOT drug test in which a person is tested for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, and others. Testing can be done unannounced at a maximum of six times in 12 months.

Two policemen taking photos of evidence.

Legal and Forensic Purposes

Drug testing is a part of most motor vehicle accident investigations and criminal investigations. Drug screening is sometimes offered as a part of a court case. Drugs and crime have a close link, and drug testing for forensic purposes helps to prove whether the people in question or guilty or not. Drug testing is very useful in the field of criminal activities especially in today’s day and age.

Drug testing proves useful for many different people across a variety of industries. To learn more about the types of drug tests we provide at Peace of Mind Drug Testing, get in touch with us today.