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Drug and Alcohol Testing

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING

A drug test is an analysis of a biological specimen. Urine, Hair, Fingernail and Oral Fluid/Saliva are types of testing we offer to determine the presence or absence of specified parent drugs or their metabolites. 

We offer two types of testing methods: Point of Collection Testing (Express Test) and Lab Based Testing. 

URINE

Point of Collection Testing (POCT)

POCT testing provides instant results at the time of the appointment. POCT test results meet the same cutoff levels as laboratory results but is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). 

Laboratory confirmation is recommended for all positive POCT tests to ensure accuracy and legal defensibility. 

Laboratory Testing 

If time permits, lab-based testing is always recommended as the most reliable solution for urine drug testing. Our lab-based testing gives you the most legally defensible type of results and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Lab-based results can take 2-5 business days to process. 

ALCOHOL TESTING

Breath alcohol testing is the most common and preferred method for detecting alcohol consumption. It measures the concentration of alcohol in a person’s breath, providing an accurate indication of their current level of intoxication. This method is non-invasive, quick, and easy to administer. It delivers legally defensible results, ensuring that the rights of both employers and employees are upheld throughout the testing process. A person who has not consumed any alcohol should produce a breath alcohol test result of 0.00%, indicating no detectable alcohol in their system.

For breath alcohol testing, Safe-T Core uses Evidential Breathalyzer Testing Devices. Both our Prince George and Terrace clinics operate on the Lifeloc 6.0 EBT.

Safe-T Core also offers ethyl glucuronide (EtG) testing to detect alcohol levels within urine. EtG is a metabolite of ethanol, the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. EtG testing is valuable because it can detect alcohol consumption even after the alcohol itself has been metabolized and cleared from the body. This makes it useful for monitoring abstinence in situations where ongoing alcohol consumption is prohibited.

ORAL FLUID

For saliva testing, Safe-T Core offers lab-based testing only. This is to ensure we are providing you with accurate results that you can depend on. Currently, there are no instant saliva devices that have FDA approval. Due to a very high risk of inaccuracy, we do not offer instant oral swabs at this time. 

HAIR FOLLICLE

Hair follicle testing is lab-based, and results are available within 10 business days. 

Hair follicle testing can provide up to approximately a 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. To complete the collection, we need a minimum of 1.5 inches in length from the crown of the head starting as close to the scalp as we can cut.

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Ensure that you arrive at your appointment with physical valid government issued photo ID.  This includes: 

Driver’s license, firearms license, provincial identification card, passport or status card. 

Urine Drug:

  • Empty your bladder 2 hours before your appointment.
  • After emptying your bladder, drink 20 oz of water spread out over the 2 hours before your appointment time. 
  • Do not go to the bathroom until your appointment time and you are instructed to do so by the collector. 

Oral Fluid (Saliva) Drug: 

  • Please do not have anything in your mouth for at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

WHY DRUG TEST EMPLOYEES?

  • Pre-Employment: Drug and alcohol testing is conducted during the hiring process of a candidate. This helps employers make informed decisions and identify candidates who could pose a risk in safety-sensitive work environment.
  • Pre-Access: Testing is conducted for designated work sites (e.g. mine sites) that require a negative drug and alcohol test prior to site access. This identifies people who could pose a risk in a safety-sensitive work environment before granting them access to the work site. 
  • Random: Drug and alcohol testing if often used to deter employees from substance use in the workplace. To justify random testing, the employer must demonstrate that there are inherent risks in the workplace and that these risks make the work highly dangerous or could result in the occurrence of workplace accidents.
  • Post-Incident: Drug and alcohol testing is conducted after a workplace incident to determine if drugs or alcohol were a contributing factor.
  • Reasonable Cause: Testing is performed when a supervisor or manager believes that an employee may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol based on observable behaviours.

The first step in drug testing is to ensure you establish a drug and alcohol policy that includes details of your drug and alcohol testing program. By implementing a comprehensive program, employers can create a safer and more productive work environment while establishing a strong safety culture. 

Don’t wait until an incident occurs to take action.

Contact us today to learn more about how our drug and alcohol testing can help your company prioritize safety and minimize risk.

SPECIMEN TYPE URINE EXPRESS 7 URINE EXPRESS 10 (SEMI-SYN OPI) URINE EXPRESS 12 URINE EXPRESS 12 (SEMI-SYN OPI) URINE LAB 13 ORAL LAB 7 ORAL LAB 11 URINE EtG + FENT (UPON REQEST)
Marijuana
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cocaine
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Amphetamine/ Methamphetamine
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
MDMA (extasy)
X
X
X
X
Opiates (Codeine/Morphine)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
6-Acetylmorphine (Heroin)
X
X
X
Phencyclidine (PCP)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hydrocodone/Hydromorphone
X
X
X
Oxycodone/Oxymorphone
X
X
X
X
X
X
Benzodiazepines
X
X
X
Barbiturates
X
X
X
Methadone
X
X
X
Propoxyphene
X
X
X
Methaqualone
X
Buprenorphine
X
X
Fentanyl
X
EtG/Ethyl Glucuronide (Urine Alcohol)
X