Drug Testing
Drug testing involves the technical analysis of a biological specimen such as urine, hair, blood, saliva, breath, sweat, or oral fluid. It measures the presence of specified parent drugs and their metabolites in the specimen. There are various types of drug tests, including Pre-employment drug tests, Random drug tests, and Confirmatory tests.
Pre-employment Drug Testing
Pre-employment drug testing is a requirement in many industries, including those with federal contracts. Additionally, it can help reduce the cost of Workers' Compensation Insurance. These benefits are not the only reasons that companies are performing pre-employment tests on their job applicants. In addition to reducing insurance costs, employers are also able to ensure a safe work environment. Drug and alcohol tests can provide employers with valuable information about an applicant's lifestyle. Studies have shown that substance abuse correlates with lower levels of professionalism and reliability. Drug tests are often accompanied by a release form, and a release can be required from both the applicant and the employer.
Random Drug Testing
While a small business might not need a random drug testing policy, employers that have jobs that require a high level of safety are wise to consider this policy. Random drug testing is required by the federal government for certain safety-sensitive jobs. A reliable provider can help with the administration of drug testing and understand the regulatory requirements in each state. They will also provide accurate results in a timely manner. Random drug testing is legally required in certain states and is more effective than pre-employment testing for safety-sensitive positions. Random testing must be conducted without notice and ideally should be a surprise. Employees should report immediately if they are randomly selected for testing. It is important to note that while random testing is legally required, it does not require a 24-hour waiting period after which an employee must provide the sample.
Confirmatory Testing
Confirmatory drug testing is the second step in drug testing after the initial screening. Positive drug screening results must be confirmed in the lab, so a second sample is usually sent to the lab after a specified period of time (one day after the initial screening). Confirmatory drug testing uses chromatographic methods in combination with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to determine the presence and concentration of drugs in the body. To conduct the test, a federal agency can request a laboratory with HHS certification to perform the testing. The lab will analyze two aliquots of the specimen to determine whether it contains the drug of interest. The first aliquot, known as the test's "A" specimen, can then be tested at a different HHS-certified laboratory.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are used to treat depression and anxiety. They can also be used to treat pain and eating disorders. A drug test for these medications can be a helpful way to detect possible abuse. However, the process can take a long time, especially if the patient is on multiple medications. To minimize the chance of false positives, it is best to disclose all medications you're taking. Before undergoing a drug screening, it is important to disclose if you are taking antidepressants. You should bring your prescription bottle with you to show the technician. Also, make sure that the drug is noted on your health record. Although false positives are rare, it's still important to be transparent and disclose your prescription medication to the technician. Even if you don't feel confident about the results, it's best to tell the testing clinician in advance so they can take proper steps to ensure that you're not being tested for any drug.
Atypical Antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotics are a class of drugs that are used to treat various psychiatric conditions. They are second generation antipsychotics, which differ from conventional antipsychotic medications in their mechanisms of action. While atypical antipsychotics are approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, they are also commonly prescribed off-label to treat conditions for which they are not approved by the FDA.While the efficacy of atypical antipsychotics differs across the different classes, there is some evidence to suggest that the drug is safe for patients. For example, clozapine (Xanax) has been shown to reduce the risk of suicide in adults, but no evidence has been found for its safety in children.
Labetalol
Labetalol is a nonsedating antihypertensive agent used for treatment of hypertension. This drug is very well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching peak plasma levels within one to two hours of oral administration. The drug has a 50% protein-bound metabolite and does not undergo significant excretion via hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. In adults, Labetalol is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, but is contraindicated in the treatment of severe hypotension, overt cardiac failure, heart block, or bradycardia.Labetalol comes as a tablet that should be taken orally two or three times daily. It should be taken at the same time each day, and the patient should follow the instructions on the label. If the patient does not understand the directions, he or she should ask the doctor or pharmacist for an explanation. Never take more of the drug than recommended.
