What is a drug test?
Drug tests are used to detect the intake of narcotics and other substances of abuse. Visida performs hair, urine and saliva drug tests. Saliva and urine drug tests are analyzed at the Karolinska University laboratory and hair tests are sent through Drug test Scandinavia to a laboratory in the USA.
Why do you take drug tests in the workplace?
In some workplaces, random drug testing of the staff occurs as part of the preventive work environment work based on safety and health aspects. Drug tests can also be carried out upon new employment or if the employer suspects possible abuse.
The company's drug policy and terms of employment determine whether drug testing must occur.
Visida performs drug tests at our clinics in Luleå and Boden, but can also perform drug testing on site at the customer's premises. Feedback is made to both the sample submitter and the customer in accordance with signed consent.
What is chain of custody?
Chain of custody means that you must be able to follow the drug test at every step, starting from the supervised sampling when the sample provider submits his sample until the final answer is given to the client. All transport, handling and storage during this chain is recorded and must be traceable. This is to be able to ensure afterwards that everything went right, and so that it can be judged legally as a valid test (as well as that the test has not been confused or mishandled).
Drug tests taken at the workplace are de-identified and coded so that those who handle the drug test (analyze and send out answers) do not know which individual it is that has taken the test.
Drug tests taken at the workplace are de-identified and coded so that those who handle the drug test (analyze and send out answers) do not know which individual it is that has taken the test.
Is the consent of the test taker required?
All drug tests performed at Visida are based on informed consent. The consent must be signed by the test taker before the test can be taken. Visida can never force a person to take a drug test, but the person must voluntarily agree to this and sign a consent form. The consent is signed and is part of the test referral.
What happens if the test taker changes his mind and does not want to take a drug test?
If a test taker changes his mind and does not want to take a drug test, Visida informs the client that the person does not want to take a drug test.
Does Visida use accredited laboratories?
The laboratory that performs the analyzes must be accredited against standard 17025 or 15189. Visida only uses laboratories that are accredited against these standards.
What drug testing routines does Visida use?
The European Workplace Drug Testing Society, EWDTS, is an organization that has published several guidance documents for the analysis of drugs in urine, hair and saliva. All Visida's drug testing routines/policies are based on the EWDTS guidance document.
Perform Visida rapid drug tests?
Visida does not perform rapid drug tests. Rapid drug tests are a testing method that can be analyzed within minutes on site.
Visida has chosen to only use drug tests that have been analyzed in accredited laboratories.
Can illegal drugs be used in a workplace?
"Drugs and working life do not go together. Nevertheless, the percentage of people affected by drugs in our workplaces is increasing, which can have serious consequences. In addition to being illegal, it can, among other things, mean impaired work ability and be a safety risk." (Almega)
More information for employers about drugs in working life.
More information for employers about drugs in working life.
Are companies allowed to carry out drug tests?
"In the private sector, there are no legal rules that limit your right as an employer to require employees to undergo drug testing." (Almega)
"The Norwegian Working Environment Authority has no regulations on drug testing. However, the Labor Court has made the assessment that drug testing can be justified if the work entails a high risk of serious accidents. In some workplaces, employers and employees have jointly agreed on a policy for drug testing to prevent accidents, and how the results of the tests should be handled."
Swedish Work Environment Agency-Drug tests in working life
"The Norwegian Working Environment Authority has no regulations on drug testing. However, the Labor Court has made the assessment that drug testing can be justified if the work entails a high risk of serious accidents. In some workplaces, employers and employees have jointly agreed on a policy for drug testing to prevent accidents, and how the results of the tests should be handled."
Swedish Work Environment Agency-Drug tests in working life
More questions?
Visida has many years of experience with drug testing in the workplace. We are happy to share our experience!
Contact: [email protected]
Contact: [email protected]