Pre employment drug test
Pre Employment Drug Test Options for Reliable Workplace Screening
A pre employment drug test screens job candidates for substance use before hiring. It ensures workplace safety and compliance with employer policies. AMH Nationwide routes collections through five national lab networks, with all non-negative results reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange testing.
What is a pre employment drug test?
A pre employment drug test is a laboratory analysis of biological samples from job applicants to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites. Employers use this test to verify that candidates meet workplace drug policies and safety standards before hiring.
The test helps reduce workplace accidents, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with regulations. AMH Nationwide facilitates the lab order and directs applicants to one of over 20,000 nationwide collection sites linked with five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox.
What is the most common pre employment drug test?
The most common pre employment drug test is a urine drug screen using the federally certified urine protocol under 49 CFR Part 40, especially for safety-sensitive positions regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Urine testing detects recent use of substances such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP, generally covering a detection window of 1 to 4 days depending on the drug. Hair drug testing is also used, mainly for non-DOT roles, providing a longer detection window of up to 90 days.
When do employers drug test new hires?
Employers typically require a pre employment drug test after a conditional job offer is made but before the employee starts work. This timing ensures candidates meet drug-free standards prior to employment.
Some employers may also conduct testing during the onboarding process or as part of a comprehensive background check. AMH Nationwide does not provide online ordering; all testing is arranged by contacting (877) 731-6362 for lab orders and collection site directions.
Why do employers drug test before hiring?
Employers conduct pre employment drug tests to promote workplace safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and reduce liability. Screening helps prevent accidents related to impairment and supports a productive, drug-free work environment.
Drug testing also aids in protecting company reputation and complying with federal or state regulations for certain industries, such as transportation, construction, and healthcare.
Arrange Your Pre Employment Drug Test
To schedule a pre employment drug test, call (877) 731-6362. AMH Nationwide will provide the lab order and direct you to a nearby collection site within our five national lab networks.
How does a drug test relate to a background check?
A drug test and background check are separate components of the hiring process. The drug test screens for substance use, while the background check reviews criminal, employment, or education history.
Employers may require both to make informed hiring decisions. AMH Nationwide provides only drug and alcohol testing services; background checks are not part of our offering.
How reliable is drug screening for employment?
Drug screening through AMH Nationwide is highly reliable due to partnership with five national lab networks, strict chain-of-custody procedures, and review of all non-negative results by certified Medical Review Officers.
The federally certified urine protocol under 49 CFR Part 40 ensures consistency and compliance for DOT-regulated testing. Hair testing laboratories are CAP and CLIA accredited, ensuring quality standards. Detection windows and test sensitivity depend on the sample type and substances screened.
What drug tests are available for pre employment screening?
Employers and individuals can choose from various drug testing methods depending on job requirements and detection needs.
Common options include:
Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to discuss the appropriate test type for your employment screening needs.
Common Questions
No. AMH Nationwide requires a lab order to perform a pre employment drug test. Employers or authorized requesters must contact us at (877) 731-6362 to initiate testing and receive collection site information.
Results typically return within 24 to 72 hours depending on the test type and lab network. All non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer before final reporting.
Common substances include marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, PCP, and sometimes alcohol or synthetic drugs depending on the test panel selected by the employer.
Hair testing covers a longer detection window up to 90 days but may not detect very recent drug use. Urine testing is more sensitive for recent use within days. Both methods are reliable when conducted through accredited labs.
Drug tests are designed to detect active drug metabolites at levels consistent with use, not incidental or passive exposure. Laboratories use cutoff thresholds to avoid false positives.
No. Drug testing requirements vary by employer, industry, and regulatory obligations. Safety-sensitive roles are more likely to require testing before hiring.
Ready to get started?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and arranges collection nationwide. Every non-negative result reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362 or contact us.