For over 30 years, lab-based urine testing was the only testing method permitted by most federal government agencies mandating testing by employers, including the US Department of Transportation (DOT). It is the established gold standard of drug testing and is permitted in all 50 states and every US territory. In fact, in a 2022 survey of employers, nearly 87% said they rely on lab-based urine testing in addition to or instead of other drug testing methods.[1] Yet, employers’ drug-free workplace needs and priorities appear to be shifting in response to popular cultural changes, which is start ..read more

With the civilian unemployment rate dropping to nearly historic lows, it’s more important than ever for employers to offer competitive hiring processes and ensure they find the best possible employees for their workplace.1 Workplace drug testing remains one of the most valuable tools in an employer’s toolkit to ensure the workplaces are safe, company culture does not suffer, and brand reputation is protected. Why is it hard to find people to work?  With such low unemployment rates come a myriad of other issues for employers looking for qualified workers. While 3.8 million jobs were added ..read more

Here’s what we know: substance abuse in America is on the rise according to a variety of reports. We also know that historically, substance abuse increases during the traditional holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. This significant increase in substance abuse, especially the abuse of alcohol, has a negative impact on society in general and the workplace in particular. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issues an annual report[1] that indicates there are: 59.3 million Americans 12 and older who admit to using illicit drugs 138.5 million ..read more

This article features highlights from an interview with Faye Caldwell, Esq. She is the managing partner at the Houston-based law firm of Caldwell Everson, PLLC., and one of the most respected legal experts on drug testing and cannabis laws. She is the past president of the Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (SAPAA) (2019-20), a former member of the HHS Drug Testing Advisory Board (DTAB), and was appointed a member of the National Safety Council Alcohol and Drug Impairment Division (NSC ADID). She is a frequent speaker at conferences and webinars and has been published extensiv ..read more

It’s 2022 and the world has evolved over the past 2 ½ years as we’ve weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and the everyday pressures of life. Marijuana legislation has continued to evolve as well and is now legal in numerous states across the US – for recreational and/or medicinal use. Is it time for employers to re-evaluate workplace drug testing for marijuana? Absolutely. The data speaks for itself When you look over 5 years, positivity for marijuana in the general US workforce increased 50% (2.6% in 2017 vs 3.9% in 2021).[1] With the focus of employee wellness, workplace safety, and mitigating ..read more

Graphic credit: the Weather Channel The national weather service has declared Hurricane Ian as an immediate danger and threat to the Florida peninsula including areas near Tampa and Fort Myers. As a result, there is potential impact to Quest Diagnostics collection site hours of operation, logistics, laboratory testing, and transportation times for drug test specimens to our laboratories. If you scheduled an appointment at one of our Patient Service Centers (PSCs), please check ahead using our website: QuestDiagnostics.com/appointment. Reopening will be based on local conditions. If you plan on ..read more

Find drug positivity trends across the US by 3 digit zip on the DTI drug map Amid the reality of persistent drug use, Quest Diagnostics Employer Solutions offers data-driven insight and industry experience to help you make the best decisions about building and managing your workforce in order to comply with applicable state and federal requirements. In the same way that no 2 companies are alike, no 2 state drug testing laws are identical. Each state has its own unique legal requirements, which can include regulations and statutes that on the surface do not appear to be related to drug testing ..read more

When it comes to business, the bottom line is always the bottom line. According to numerous studies, the cost of workplace substance abuse affects companies’ bottom line to the tune of billions of dollars annually.[i] [ii] To ignore the problem and not conduct drug testing would not be a wise business decision. Yes, drug testing is a business expense, but one that can result in a positive return on investment (ROI) for employers. Your business’s operations and reputation are built on certainty—knowing that your people can deliver on demanding projects and meet rigorous requirements. Quest Dia ..read more

As some employers consider the possibility of discontinuing their drug testing programs and others weigh the pros and cons of continuing to test for marijuana, recent reports indicate that substance abuse in the United States is on the rise. The 2022 Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index1 (DTI) contains valuable information about drug use trends in the workplace, and the bottom-line message for employers is a simple one: drug testing has never been more important. The annual DTI has long been a chief source of important key indicators for workplace drug testing, including positivity rates by d ..read more

Today Quest Diagnostics released the latest findings from the Drug Testing Index™ (DTI). The DTI reveals drug use trends among the American workforce and positivity rates by industry sector. It is published annually as a public service for government, employers, policymakers, media, and the general public, and includes workforce drug testing data since 1988. For 2021, the rate of positive drug test results among America’s workforce reached its highest rate since 2001 and was up more than 30% in the combined U.S. workforce from an all-time low in 2010-2012. “Our Drug Testing Index reveals sever ..read more