Drug and alcohol screening v testing: What’s the difference?

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Whether you want to call it drug and alcohol screening or testing, we don’t mind.

You’ve very likely heard about drug and alcohol testing, but what about drug and alcohol screening? Are testing and screening the same thing?

From some people’s perspective, there is a difference between the two. Essentially, that difference is that drug and alcohol screening is the initial process of detecting the possible presence of drugs or alcohol, while testing is more precise and detailed. In other words, from a layman’s perspective, testing is more accurate and reliable than screening.

We did say that this is some people’s perspective, however, at Integrity Sampling we take a slightly different view. Whether you want to call it drug and alcohol screening or testing, we don’t mind. However, what we do care about is achieving the most accurate and reliable results possible every time.

Accurate and reliable drug and alcohol screening

One of the issues with the common perspective about drug and alcohol screening is that it provides the image that results are not very accurate or reliable. And in some workplaces, where cheaper and inferior products are used for screening, this is unfortunately correct. While non-negative results are confirmed by laboratory testing, this can be unsettling for the employee involved in the employer in the intervening period.

While we also have non-negative results confirmed by NATA laboratory testing, we prefer to use accurate and reliable equipment from the outset. This ensures initial results are more likely to be spot-on.

For alcohol screening, we predominantly use the Dräger Alcotest 6000. It’s a professional-grade breathalyser that is far more reliable than consumer-grade models and even other professional-grade units. It’s similar to those used by police forces to conduct roadside alcohol testing.

For drug testing, we rely on the Dräger DrugTest 5000 and Dräger DrugCheck 3000. Both units comply with Australian Standards to ensure reliability, validity and legal defensibility. They deliver accuracy rates exceeding 99%, as verified by independent evaluations, and fully meet the latest Australian and New Zealand Standards.

So, when an employee provides a non-negative result, it’s highly likely the result is positive. NATA Laboratory testing still must confirm it, of course, but this provides a much greater degree of certainty.

Basics of a good workplace drug and alcohol screening program

Whether you want to call it drug and alcohol screening or testing is up to you, but if you want to implement a comprehensive program it’s more involved than just doing tests. A comprehensive workplace drug and alcohol screening program requires a well-rounded approach to ensure safety, compliance and fairness. Below are the key elements of a successful program:

  1. Establish a Drug and Alcohol Policy

The foundation of any screening program is a clear and comprehensive drug and alcohol policy. This document should outline:

  • The company’s stance on drug and alcohol use in the workplace.
  • When and how testing will be conducted.
  • Consequences of policy violations.
  • Support options for employees who disclose substance use issues.

A good policy is transparent, legally compliant and regularly reviewed to remain up-to-date with workplace laws and regulations.

  1. Screening types

A robust program includes a variety of screening types to address different needs:

  • Pre-employment screening: Helps ensure new hires are drug-and alcohol-free before joining the workforce.
  • Random screening: Randomly testing employees helps deter substance use and maintain a safe environment.
  • Post-accident screening: Conducted after workplace incidents to determine if drugs or alcohol were a contributing factor.
  • Under suspicion screening: When an employee exhibits signs of substance use, such as erratic behaviour or physical symptoms.
  1. Workplace drug and alcohol education

Education is a vital component of any drug and alcohol screening program. Employees need to understand:

  • The risks and consequences of substance use.
  • The company’s drug and alcohol policy.
  • The importance of screening in maintaining workplace safety.

Regular training sessions and open communication can foster a culture of safety and responsibility.

  1. Ensure fairness and confidentiality

Employers should conduct drug and alcohol screening fairly and maintain strict confidentiality. Employees need to trust that results are handled discreetly and that screening is applied consistently across the workforce.

  1. Choose the right screening methods

The screening methods used should be appropriate for your industry and workplace. For example, we recommend saliva drug testing where possible, predominantly because it’s effective for detecting recent use. However, if you’re looking to identify past drug use, urine testing may be considered.

Trust Integrity Sampling

When implementing a drug and alcohol screening program, working with professionals ensures compliance, accuracy and effectiveness. Integrity Sampling can assist with policy development, employee education and reliable screening processes tailored to your business needs.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or enhancing your existing program, a well-executed screening strategy is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

Contact us today to discuss your needs.

FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:

Whether you want to call it drug and alcohol screening or testing, we don’t mind.

At Integrity Sampling, we use Dräger’s advanced technology and equipment for results with over 99% accuracy

By Michael

Michael is the founder of Integrity Sampling and is responsible for overseeing all national operations. He is based at Integrity Sampling's head office in Melbourne and is also responsible for the co-ordination of drug and alcohol testing within Victoria, assisting in the implementation of drug and alcohol (fit for work) policies and the presentation of drug and alcohol education and awareness programs. You can connect with Michael Wheeldon on LinkedIn

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