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Workplace & Industry Drug & Alcohol Testing

Click on our various personal drug and alcohol tests listed below to learn more about each.

POCT Tests

This is an instant drug test that immediately reveals if there are any drugs in the system. The basic six-panel urine test detects cocaine, THC (the active ingredient in marijuana), opiates, PCP, methamphetamines, amphetamines.

While the Point of Collection Test (POCT) does not measure quantity, it is a good starting point to establish whether drugs are present. The test uses the same cut-off levels as the more expensive lab-based drug test.

Our kits have a built-in adulteration strip that will detect any illicit tampering with the urine sample. This adulteration strip determines if the specific gravity, PH and creatinine levels are within normal range, as well as if anything has been added to the urine.

We also conduct a variety of other POCT tests including 7,8 and 10-panel drug test that covers a more extensive list of drugs. It is usually only necessary if prescription drug use is suspected. This 10-panel drug test detects benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone and oxycodone.

Urine Tests

This tests for the same drugs as the POCT instant test but is processed and analyzed in an outside laboratory and a process called gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer (GC-MS) is conducted. As opposed to POCT collection results, lab-based urine drug testing results are quantitative and legally defensible results.

If the results come back positive for any substance, our Medical Review Officer will determine whether the drug can legally be present in the test subject’s system.

Some prescription drugs present as illegal substances. The Medical Review Officer will contact the client directly to discuss any prescription medications, the dose of such medications and the prescribing doctor. If they have a valid prescription for that medication that presents itself, it is not considered a positive drug test.

***Need to Know***
You will be required to provide a urine sample so please be ready to use the washroom upon your arrival. If you cannot provide a sufficient sample, you may be required to stay for up to three hours.

Saliva/Oral Fluid Tests

Oral fluid testing analyzes a saliva sample for parent drugs and their metabolites. An absorbent collection device is placed in the mouth and the saliva collected is screened for drugs of abuse. Samples are checked to verify the saliva is human and undiluted. For most drugs, the window of detection in oral fluid is typically 24-48 hours. Oral fluid testing can detect drugs in the saliva roughly 30-60 minutes after ingestion. This short timeframe makes it an excellent test for post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing situations.

Breath Alcohol Tests

A breath alcohol test (BAT) at our facility is similar to a breathalyzer test the police would administer. We use the Phoenix 6.0 breath alcohol machine, which measures the content of alcohol in a person’s system from a breath sample.

The test subject simply takes a deep breath and then blows into the machine until their lungs are empty. Our Certified Breath Alcohol Technicians are also Phoenix 6.0 Factory Authorized Operators and Calibration Technicians – enabling us to provide our clients with Legally Defensible Results
We’re available for pre-access alcohol (& drug) testing plus on-site alcohol testing or come into one of our 17 locations for breathalyzer testing.

Hair Drug Tests

What is hair drug test?

A hair screen is an examination that uses a small sample of hair to identify specific drugs used by the person being tested. A hair follicle drug test measures the drug molecules and their specific metabolites that are produced only after the drug has been processed by the human body. After the drug is processed, trace amounts of its metabolites are inserted into hair follicle by the bloodstream.

What time period does a standard hair follicle test cover?

A standard hair follicle screen covers a period of approximately 90 days but is susceptible to time variation depending on the growth rate of your hair. The hair sample is cut as close to the scalp as possible and the most recent 3.9cm (or 1.5 inches) are tested. It is possible to go back even further than 90 days since the time period is limited only by the length of the hair sample but is standardized to a 90-day history.

How fast does head hair grow?

Hair collected at the crown of the head grows on the average of approximately 1.3 cm (or 1/2 inch) per month. This growth rate varies among people by approximately + .2 cm per month which can create a possible time variation of up to +1 week per month.

Can body hair be drug tested like hair from the head?

Body hair can be drug tested just as hair from the head. The growth rates for body are considerably slower than the hair from your head. Most body hair is replaced in about one year. It is challenging to precisely represent the time period of a standard screen with body hair, so substances may be detected in body hair for up to 1 year after the substance left the blood stream.

How much hair is needed?

A standard screen with GC/MS confirmation requires 100+ milligrams of hair or approximately 90-120 strands that are up to 3.9cm (or 1.5 inches) in length.

How effective is hair follicle testing in detecting drug usage?

In comparison to a urinalysis drug test, cocaine, PCP, opiates, and methamphetamine have proven hair analysis far more effective than urine testing in identifying low-level drug use over an extended period since these are normally out of the bloodstream in within 3-7 days. The detection period for hair is limited only by the length of the hair sample and is approximately 90 days for a standard screen.

How do drugs get into hair?

After a substance is ingested, whether orally, smoked, snorted, or injected, metabolites are produced as the drug is processed by the human body. As these drugs and metabolites circulate in the blood stream, they enter and nourish the hair follicle and are then inserted into the hair strand.

Hair Alcohol (ETG) Tests

Ethyl Glucorinide (EtG) is produced through non-oxidative metabolism in the liver and through a reaction that is catalysed by isoenzymes. EtG appears in blood less than 45 minutes after alcohol consumption, and in urine in less than 60 minutes. EtG also accumulates in the hair and this allows for a larger window of time for alcohol consumption detection, enabling EtG to be used as a long-term alcohol marker.

Court Orders & Expert Witness Consultations

Whether it’s a serious or light issue and you need clarification – let us handle it. Our testers are certified and come with over 25 years of experience. We have seen it all, our expertise is vast and cost-effective.

We can provide assistance whether it be providing expert reports or physically attending court/hearings to give testimony. Our testers have been certified as Expert Witnesses by the Supreme Court of B.C. and would be happy to help you with our legally defensible tests.

Pre-Access Drug & Alcohol Testing

Drug and alcohol testing helps to prevent hiring individuals who may be a safety threat to themselves and others in a safety-sensitive workplace. Applicants undergo a drug test after being granted access to a work site. Testing is administered at our downtown medical clinic and any positives are re-tested and confirmed any superior or court worthy reliability.

We can customize, deliver and maintain your employee drug and alcohol testing programs on your behalf, including managing all related employee data, and sensitive employee relations. As a third-party administrator, we offer a wide range of cost-effective services tailored to your needs.
Our certified technicians are professional and adept at securing off-site locations for mobile collections. We’ll serve as a liaison between the company, the laboratory, various collection sites, the Medical Review Officer and external agencies.

We take care of all the necessary supplies, forms and documentation. And we’ll be there to support you during corporate policy reviews.

Reasonable Suspicion Drug & Alcohol Testing

Reasonable suspicion testing is performed when supervisors have evidence or reasonable cause to suspect an employee of drug or alcohol use. Evidence is based upon direct observation, either by a supervisor or another employee. Specific reasons for reasonable suspicion testing include physical evidence of illicit substances, patterns of erratic or abnormal behavior, disorientation or confusion and an inability to complete routine tasks.

Because these tests are time sensitive, we provide a 24/7 mobile service. Contact us today if you would like to hear more.

Random Drug Screening Programs

Random drug testing is a strong deterrent to drug users as it is conducted on an unannounced basis. Using a random (DOT approved) computer-generated selection process, we select one or more individuals from all the employees included in the employer’s workplace drug-testing program. By using a random selection process, employers ensure that there is no bias and that all employees have an equal chance of being selected, even those who have been drug tested recently. Random drug testing can be more effective at detecting and deterring drug use than pre-employment testing because employees do not know when they may be selected for testing.

Our random testing programs are also very helpful in satisfying court ordered testing requirements and other personal random testing programs. With some drugs only detectible for 24-72 hours, often random testing programs are one of the most effective way to determine drug use.
Contact us today for more information or to set up a Random Screening Program.

Post-Accident Drug Testing

Post-accident drug testing is performed after an employee has been involved in a workplace accident. Testing is used to determine whether drugs were a factor in the incident. Employers who implement post-accident drug testing must establish objective criteria for how and when testing will occur.

Because these tests are time sensitive, we provide a 24/7 mobile service. Contact us today if you would like to hear more.

24/7 Mobile Testing

Has there been an incident, or do you need emergency drug and alcohol testing?
We understand the sometimes immediate and confidential nature of testing, and we are available for you 24/7. Whether you require us on site or there is a sensitive family matter, we can come to you. Contact us today to find out more information about our mobile service.