Drug testing for a new job

[coolmom99]

I have a question that I'm hoping someone can answer. My brother is in the process of looking for a new job and apparently many companies require you to pass a drug test before they will hire you. He is concerned because he takes a prescribed narcotic daily. He has a prescription and his doctor will provide whatever documentation they require but does anyone know if he is going to run into any problems? I don't know if they only test for certain things or how it all works. Does anyone know?

 

[Kimberly]

Pharmacuetical narcotics can be distinguished between illegal ones fairly easily. It wouldn't hurt to have a physician's note though just to warn them of it, just in case it's a very basic drug test.

 

[doxdogy]

If I remember correctly, you are usually asked if you are taking any prescription drugs.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

They are testing for illegal drugs. Maybe your brother could keep the narc to himself if he wanted. Tell him to call his doc and ask about it.

 

[CathrynRose]

Most all companies, when drug testing, use an MRO - a medical review officer.

All results are sent to the MRO - you are allowed a certain amount of those commonly used (Vicodin, Codeine, etc) narcotics, in your urine without having to account for it.

On this same note - with Sudafed showing up as a stimulant, and Benadryl as a depressant, youre also allowed that same reasonable amount to be in your urine.

If then, your amount exceeds this "normal amount" you'd have to provide this MRO with your RX's, etc.

As long as he aint poppin' them like Matthew Perry and Rush Limbaugh - he's fine.

I used to work for the largest drug testing facility.... now this stuff is smooshed in my brain for life.

 

[CEDmom]

I've always been given a disclosure form to list any medication I may have taken that would affect the results. He just needs to let someone know at the time of the test and he shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I'm with Kimberly. I would not withhold any information like that. It's best to disclose everything up front. Otherwise the assumption could be that he's addicted to prescription meds or could be getting them illegally.

 

[goofyforlife]

As long as he discloses everything....you know...5 pills, three poppyseed bagels, etc..... He will be fine....

I was taking medicine for my back the last time i took a drug test and passed.

 

[teacherforhi]

You just have to disclose what you're taking. I was on pain killers back before Christmas when I got called in for a random drug test (one of the dangers of having a CDL). I just wrote on the form all the happy little pills I was taking (heck, it was for a on-the-job injury) and no one ever said a word.

 

[CathrynRose]

Im not trying to say any of you are wrong....however:

You dont need to disclose anything. Because of HIPAA regulations, all tests are using MRO's, so the nurse who collects doesnt know your life story.

Make sure you give a proper phone #, IN CASE the MRO calls.

I take Vicodin just about everyday for headaches, along with Ascomp (asprin, caffeine, a barbituate, and codeine) and again - because levels were within "normal usage" (like I didnt pop 6 pills at a time) I pass fine.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

Im not trying to say any of you are wrong....however:

You dont need to disclose anything. Because of HIPAA regulations, all tests are using MRO's, so the nurse who collects doesnt know your life story.

Make sure you give a proper phone #, IN CASE the MRO calls.

I take Vicodin just about everyday for headaches, along with Ascomp (asprin, caffeine, a barbituate, and codeine) and again - because levels were within "normal usage" (like I didnt pop 6 pills at a time) I pass fine.

That's what I was thinking. I'm not SURE, but I'm thinking you can keep this to yourself, with HIPAA I don't see how you couldn't.

But, I could be wrong.

 

[coolmom99]

Thank you all so much. I told him that I'd be able to get an answer - and quickly to boot!

 

[EthansMom]

Usually, you fill out a form to disclose any medications taken.