EMPLOYMENT SCREENING + BACKGROUND CHECKS

Drug Screening > Types of Drugs Detected

Studies reveal employees who abuse drugs have a tremendously harmful effect on the workplace. They are more likely to have extended absences from work, show up late, be involved in workplace accidents, and file workers' compensation claims.⁹

Generally there are two widely accepted drug groups tested; the 5-Panel test and 9-Panel test.

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Amphetamines
• Phencyclidine

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Amphetamines
• Phencyclidine
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Methadone
• Propoxyphene

More recently we have begun to see a need for testing for the presence of so-called designer drugs.

Designer drugs are synthetic illegal drugs produced by underground chemists and sold on the streets. They are called ‘designer drugs’ because certain changes have been made to their pre-existing chemical structures. Basically these drugs are specifically ‘designed’ or altered. These drugs mostly have dangerous and unpredictable side effects.

Examples of popular designer drugs include:

• Lysergic Acid Diethylamide also known as LSD or Acid
• Rohypnol also known as the date rape drug
• Gamma hydroxybutyrate also known as GHB or G
• Ketamine also known as K, ket, special K, vitamin K or cat valium
• Crystal Meth also known as jib, crank, speed or meth
• Ecstasy also known as X, E, XTC, Adam, and MDMA
• Fentanyl also known as Free or Sublimaze

Use of designer drugs can usually be detected with hair follicle or urine testing.

⁹ Bureau of National Affairs

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