Urine Drug Test Procedures
If you are scheduled for a urine drug screen with WorkSafe Physical Therapy, it is important to know what to expect. This blog post will provide information on the types of tests that may be administered, as well as how to prepare for your test. Knowing what to expect can help ensure that you provide a valid sample and do not experience any delays in results.
What is a urine drug screen and why do I need one?
A urine drug screen is a test that is used to detect the presence of drugs in your system. This test is often required by employers either pre-employment, at random, or post-accident.
While not all companies require a pre-employment drug test, it is common. If you have been asked to take a urine drug screen as part of the pre-employment process, it is important to know what to expect.
What are the different types of Urine Drug Screens at Worksafe Physical Therapy?
We can provide different urine drug tests as requested by the employer.
The most common UDS (urine drug screen) that we currently administer is a stat 10-panel. This means the results are available immediately.
At WorkSafe Physical Therapy we also have the capability to perform non-federal, lab-based tests and federally regulated drug screens. If you are working under a Federal Program, such as the FMCSA, FTA, or PHMSA you must undergo drug screening using the DOT collection process.
What drugs are screened?
There are a variety of drugs that can be detected through a urine drug screen.
The most common types of urine drug screens include but are not limited to:
-Amphetamines
-Cannabinoids (THC)
-Cocaine
-Opiates
-Phencyclidine (PCP)
-Barbituates
-Benzodiazepines
-Methadone
Not all of the substances listed are always tested for and some are tested that are not included on this list.
How do I prepare for my test?
There are a few things that you can do to ensure that you provide a valid sample and do not experience any delays in treatment.
-Be sure to drink plenty of fluids prior to your test. This will help to ensure that you provide a sufficient sample.
-Avoid any foods or beverages that may cause false positives on the drug screen.
-Be sure to inform the person administering the test if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications.
-Arrive for your appointment at least 15 minutes early to fill out the required paperwork
-Bring your physical photo ID card with you. We cannot do the drug screen without a valid photo ID present. A copy or picture of your ID is not valid.
If you have any questions about what to expect at your urine drug screen, be sure to ask your employer or the person administering the test. Knowing what to expect can help ensure that you provide a valid sample and do not experience any delays in treatment.
What to Expect when Providing a Sample?
When you arrive for your urine drug screen, you will be asked to provide a sample of urine. The medical professional that is administering your drug screen will escort you to a private bathroom.
All the urine drug screens done at WorkSafe Physical Therapy are monitored tests. This means that the person collecting the sample will be in the same room as you but there is a privacy barrier.
Once you are in the bathroom you will be asked to empty all items out of your pockets into a lockbox and to wash your hands.
You will then be provided with a cup and given further instructions. It is important to follow the instructions exactly as given to have a valid sample provided.
Occasionally, a direct observation test will be required. This is when the medical professional administering your urine drug screen will watch you provide the sample. The scenario when this usually will happen is if there is suspicion of tampering with the sample.
What Happens if I Can’t Provide a Sample?
This happens frequently. If you attempt to provide a sample and are unable or you can’t provide a sufficient amount you will be allowed to drink up to three 16 oz cups of water and wait 20-30 minutes before trying again.
All candidates are allowed up to 3 attempts to provide a valid and sufficient sample within a 3-hour time frame.
If you are still unsuccessful in providing a sample after 3 attempts your company will be contacted for further authorization to reschedule your drug test.
What happens after I provide a sample?
After you have provided a valid sample one of 3 things will occur.
- If a lab-based test was requested the sample will be divided and sealed into containers to be sent to the lab while you are present and watching. Then you will continue with any other testing that you are scheduled for.
- If it was an instant test that had all negative results, we will proceed with any other testing that was scheduled.
- If the instant test showed a “non-negative” for any substance, it will be sealed and packaged to be sent to the lab for further analysis. At this point, you will be free to leave, and any further testing will be rescheduled after the results are received and reviewed.
If you have a “non-negative” on a stat test it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are positive for the substance. It could be a false positive- these tests are not as accurate as lab-based testing. Therefore we will send it to the lab for further analysis.
After you have finished with your test, we will send all documentation to the company that has requested the test to be done on your behalf. You will not be required to keep track of or turn anything in.
Final Thoughts on Urine Drug Screens at WorkSafe Physical Therapy
If you are required to take a urine drug screen, knowing what to expect can help ensure that you provide a valid sample and do not experience any delays. All the urine drug screens done at WorkSafe Physical Therapy are monitored tests, which means that the person collecting the sample will be in the same room as you. Once the screen is complete, all necessary documents will be sent to your current or future employer.
We hope this has helped clear up any confusion on what to expect at your urine drug screen here at WorkSafe Physical Therapy! If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Contact WorkSafe to find out how we can help your company today!
Working to keep you safe, healthy, and productive,
