Surviving a Summer Cold

« Back to Home

Are You Facing A Pre-Employment Urine Drug Test For The First Time? Here Are A Few Things To Know

Posted on

For most employment positions, employers want to know that you will be a safe and reliable person. Therefore, a drug test often comes along with a pre-employment screening. A urine screening for drugs is possibly the most cost-efficient way for employers to handle this task, so you will often be referred to a health care clinic where the test will be administered. If you have never had to take a drug test before, you may feel a little uneasy about the process. Here are a few of the biggest questions inexperienced patients tend to have about their first urine drug test. 

How long will the urine screening take?

Urine screenings are usually a brief thing, requiring just a few minutes of your time at the clinic. The person giving the test will likely give you documentation to fill out and sign giving your consent to have your urine tested. The testing process will be explained and you will be given instructions. In some cases, you will not have to wait for the results of the urine test before you can leave. 

Will the administer of the test stay with you while you urinate?

The person giving the urine test will not stay in the room with you while you urinate. However, they may ask that you leave the door slightly open while they stand nearby. This is a preventative measure to ensure you do not water down your urine in the sink or flush any containers (used to hold fake or purchased urine) down the toilet. 

What types of drugs can be detected with a urine screen?

The drug screening using your urine will show various drugs depending on what the test is designed to detect. Some of the most common drugs an employer will be looking for with a urine drug test include:

  • opiates and other prescription medications
  • marijuana
  • cocaine
  • methamphetamine 

What do you do if you are on prescription medication?

If you are on prescription medications, it is best to let the person administering the test know before the actual test. In fact, this is a question that is usually asked on the forms you fill out when you first arrive. While most prescriptions will not be a concern, some, such as opiates or benzodiazepines may show up. It is a good idea to bring your current prescription medication bottles with you to prove you are indeed under a doctor's care and taking the medications legally. 

For more information, contact local professionals like Pecos Drug Testing.


Share