Workplace drug testing at Exeter Hospital

Workplace drug testing checks a sample of your urine, saliva, hair or breath for the presence of drugs or alcohol. Employers in the UK use it to help keep the workplace safe, though they must have your consent before testing you.

Why might I need workplace drug testing?

You might be asked to take a test:

• as part of a job application, before you start a role
• as part of ongoing random testing under your employer's drug and alcohol policy
• after an accident or incident at work
• if your employer has reasonable grounds to suspect you're under the influence at work
• as part of a planned return to work following treatment for a drug or alcohol problem.

It's particularly common in safety-critical or business-critical roles, such as construction, transport and logistics, where impairment could put you or others at risk.

What are the benefits of workplace drug testing?

Testing helps protect you and your colleagues, especially in roles where being impaired could lead to accidents or harm. A clear, fairly applied policy also gives everyone certainty about what's expected.

If a test does identify a problem, this can be an opportunity for early support, such as a referral to counselling or a drug and alcohol programme, rather than the issue going unaddressed.

Are there different types of workplace drug testing?

• Urine testing: The most widely used method, able to detect a broad range of substances over several days
• Saliva (oral fluid) testing: Non-invasive and suited to on-site testing, though it generally only detects more recent use, within around 24 hours
• Breath alcohol testing: Gives an immediate result for current alcohol impairment
• Hair testing: Unusual in UK workplaces, but can detect use over a much longer period, up to around 3 months – it's more often used for legal or court purposes than routine workplace screening.

Testing can also happen at different points – before you start a job, at random, after an incident, on suspicion, or as part of a return-to-work plan. Any non-negative screening result is normally sent to an accredited laboratory to confirm it before any formal action is taken.

How do I prepare for workplace drug testing?

There's no special physical preparation needed. Your employer should have a clear drug and alcohol policy, usually set out in your contract or staff handbook, and should have your consent before testing you.

Tell whoever is collecting your sample about any prescribed medication you're taking, since this can sometimes affect the result.

You can't be made to take a drug test, but if you refuse when your employer has good grounds for testing, you may face disciplinary action.

What happens during workplace drug testing?

1. You'll be told the type of test being used and asked to confirm your consent
2. You'll provide the sample requested, such as urinating into a container, giving a saliva swab, or blowing into a breathalyser
3. If the initial result is anything other than clearly negative, a second sample is normally sent to an accredited laboratory to confirm it before any action is taken.

What happens after workplace drug testing?

On-site screening tests usually give an initial result within minutes. If it's negative, that's normally the end of the process.

If the result is non-negative, you may be asked to provide a further sample for laboratory confirmation, and you may be suspended from work while this takes place.

If a laboratory result confirms drug or alcohol use, your employer will usually discuss this with you. What happens next depends on their policy, and can range from support, such as counselling, to disciplinary action.

What are the risks or side effects?

There's no physical risk involved. Urine, saliva and breath tests are all non-invasive.

Your results should be kept confidential and only shared with people who need to know. If you dispute a non-negative result, you can normally ask for your sample to be sent for independent laboratory confirmation.