FAQs on Chattanooga TN Urinalysis Drug Testing and Other Questions

For Employers:

Why should my company drug screen?
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, "nearly 75 percent of all adult illicit drug users are employed, as are most binge and heavy alcohol users. Studies show that when compared with non–substance abusers, substance-abusing employees are more likely to

1. change jobs frequently
2. be late to or absent from work
3. be less productive employees
4. be involved in a workplace accident
5. file a workers' compensation claim."

What are the potential costs to my business if I employ drug users or those with substance abuse issues?
1. According to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, 38% to 50% of all Workers' Compensation claims are related to substance abuse inthe workplace; substance abusers file three to five times as many Worker's Compensation claims.
2. Substance abusers incur 300% higher medical costs than non-abusers.
3. Substance abusers are 2.5 times more likely to be absent eight or more days a year.
4. Substance abusers are 1/3 less productive.
5. It costs a business an average of $7,000 to replace a salaried worker.

How can my company create a drug free policy?
If you are interested in instituting a drug free policy at your Chattanooga TN business or organization, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has an excellent kit to get you started: http://www.workplace.samhsa.gov/pdf/workplace-kit.pdf

I am an employer who is required to comply with DOT standards. What are their drug and alcohol policies?
The Department of Transportation outlines basic information on DOT drug and alcohol standards and urinalysis drug testing in this educational document: http://www.dot.gov/odapc/documents/EmployerGuidelinesOctober012010.pdf

For Employees:

What can I expect at a drug screening appointment?
When you arrive at our office, you will be greeted by our friendly staff. You may need to wait a few minutes, but generally no more than 10. We fill out the paperwork and you sign a consent form. Then all that's left is sample collection, which you can do in our comfortable, well-designed facilities. Your privacy will in no way be intruded on. The entire process will take very little of your time, and is handled professionally, discreetly, and with complete confidentiality.

Is it possible to beat a drug screening test?
The only 100% guaranteed way to "beat" a drug screen is to not use illegal drugs or over the counter drugs for which you do not have a legally obtained, medically necessary prescription. While there are many methods and products advertised online and by word of mouth as means to create a false negative result, current laboratory protocols can detect such tampering and alteration of specimens.

What if my test results come back as a false positive?
False positives are very rare. There is a slight chance that some perfectly harmless, innocent substances could produce a false positive. For example, in extremely unusual circumstances, poppy seeds have produced a false positive for opiates. However, laboratory tests and protocols are very sensitive and highly accurate, so the chance of such a false positive occurring is very low. Should your test come back as a false positive, a secondary confirmation test may be used, or your Medical Review Officer may investigate the circumstances that may have lead to that result.

Will I need to pay out of pocket or through insurance for my drug screening, or is it completely covered by my employer?
Typically employers pay for the cost of employment-related urinalysis drug screening, but to be sure you understand your employer's policy, ask your supervisor or HR department about the specifics at your company.

For personal drug screening and testing services in Chattanooga TN, payment is due at the time of service. We accept all major credit cards, as well as cash.