No two companies are alike and similarly, no two company’s drug testing programs are likely to be the same
A drug test involves various stages leading up to final result and there are professional providers for each phase of the drug testing process. These providers include:
- Device manufacturers
- Specimen collectors (for urine, oral fluid, and hair),
- Laboratories (for analysis of the collected specimen),
- Medical Review Officers (MROs) (licensed medical professionals who verify test results),
- Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs) who evaluate employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and make recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare, and
- Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) who manage the entire testing process, representing their clients with the other professionals involved in the testing process. In addition to outsourcing the above services, many TPAs offer their own internal collection services and sometimes even MRO services.
In order to select a drug testing provider who can meet your company’s needs, it is critical to first outline why your company drug tests and how you will define a successful program. Although this may seem simple, to be the most effective it should involve all stakeholders in the evaluation and understanding of your program’s desired outcomes. Typical stakeholders in an organization can include the business owner or a designated representative, an HR manager, a safety coordinator, someone from the medical department if applicable, and anyone else with responsibility for employee performance, safety, and health.
Read more:
Quick Guide on How to Select a Drug & Alcohol Screening Provider
