lab tech background

Drug & Alcohol Testing

Certified. Thorough. Safe.
Overview
Overview
Urinalysis 
Urinalysis
Oral Fluid
Oral Fluid
Book a Drug Test
Book A Drug Test

OVERVIEW

According to the National council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, over 70% of people with addiction problems are employed. Manual labour jobs that have long hours can make addiction problems worse and leave you and your co-workers in danger. Not only does the likelihood of workplace accidents greatly increase when employees are under the influence, but the chances of aggravated assault and sexual harassment increase as well*. On the less serious side, addictions can also cause withdrawal symptoms on the job, inability to focus and a greater chance of risk-taking behaviors. These reasons and more are why D&A testing is a key part of creating a safe workplace for employees. IRWIN'S Safety believes in creating a culture of safety that reduces and eliminates workplace injuries and incidents and our D&A Awareness workshop will prepare you and your employees for dealing with drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

Our collectors are certified through the Drug & Alcohol Testing Association of Canada (DATAC).

DO DRUG TESTS COVER MARIJUANA?

Like alcohol, marijuana can be tested for in the workplace. It is especially important if there is reasonable suspicion of use during or before shifts. Marijuana can still be prohibited in the workplace, even though it is a legal substance. This is do to the risks of use and abuse of the drug. Most D&A tests do test for marijuana in the workplace and testing positive can prevent an applicant from getting a job or cause them to be fired.

Marijuana Drug and Alcohol Testing

ARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS TESTED?

Prescription drugs vary greatly in their effect on a person, because of this certain drugs have a higher chance of abuse by users and are tested for in D&A screenings. Commonly tested prescription drugs include: Amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and opiates (such as codeine, morphine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone and oxycodone). Because these prescription drugs are highly addictive and inebriating, use during work hours in an industrial setting can have devastating consequences. Although prescribed by a doctor, the side effects of these drugs can cause sedation, dizziness, drowsiness, poor co-ordination, and reduced breathing ability. All of these common side effects can cause serious problems in the workplace - this is why the use of these drugs is often prohibited. 

test samples 800x500

Urinalysis

HEALTH urine test 306x378

Urinalysis provides results instantly and can be performed in remote areas. This test uses urine to detect drugs in the body - it does not give concentrations, only a pass/fail, and will require further lab testing to verify positive results.

Advantages:

  • Instant results
  • More cost effective than laboratory screening
  • Can be used in remote areas where shipping specimens to a laboratory may be difficult

Disadvantages:

  • Potential for adulteration or substitution
  • Certain types of POCT devices can be costly
  • Positive results require laboratory confirmation

Oral Fluid

HEALTH swab test 306x378-1

A mouth swab test that can detect recently used drugs is superior to a urine test. This test is difficult to tamper with or cheat on. Oral tests have a shorter drug detection window and a smaller fluid sample size.

Advantages:

  • Reduced donor embarrassment
  • Detection times of recently used drugs are significantly improved
  • Minimizes the chance of adulteration or substitution

Disadvantages:

  • Narrower drug detection window 
  • Less fluid sample size

Book a Drug & Alcohol Test or Awareness Workshop Today

Contact IRWIN'S Safety for a Drug and Alcohol Awareness Workshop. Our instructors have experience in the medical field and are experts at workplace issues related to drugs and alcohol. This workshop will prepare you and your employees to identify, investigate and test all drug and alcohol related workplace incidents. Protect your workers with IRWIN'S high quality services today!

IRWIN'S HEALTH TESTING ADVANTAGE.

At IRWIN’S we strive to protect your people, property and business. Drug and alcohol testing can help mitigate workplace injuries and property damage while establishing a culture of safety in your organization. Our certified specimen collectors can perform a variety of drug and alcohol testing services that will meet your organization's needs.
Contact Us
IRWINS_ADVANTAGE-01-01