--- title: "Pre employment drug test" description: "Pre employment drug test services use reliable lab networks for accurate results. Call (877) 731-6362 for drug screening at work and testing details." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-28" tags: ["pre employment drug test", "pre employment drug test | drug testing staff | drug screening for employment | what is the most common pre employment drug test | when do employers drug test new hires | workplace drug testing | drug screening at work | most common drug test for employment | drug test and background check | why do employers drug test"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-drug-test/" last_updated: "2026-08-28" --- # Pre employment drug test **By AMH Nationwide** | August 28, 2026 Pre employment drug test services use reliable lab networks for accurate results. Call (877) 731-6362 for drug screening at work and testing details. --- 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. Overview ## 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](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Testing Types ## What is the most common pre employment drug test? The most common pre employment drug test is a [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) drug screen using the federally certified urine protocol under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40), 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](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-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. Urine Drug Test: Standard for DOT and many employers, detects recent use. Hair Drug Test: Used for extended detection, non-DOT roles, detects up to 90 days. Saliva and Blood Tests: Less common in pre employment but used in specific situations. Process ## 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. Purpose ## 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. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) Integration ## 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. Accuracy ## 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. Options ## 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: Urine Drug Test: Most widely used, detects recent drug use. Hair Drug Test: Detects longer-term substance use up to 90 days. Saliva Drug Test: Detects recent use within hours to days. Blood Drug Test: Rarely used for employment, detects current impairment. Contact AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362 to discuss the appropriate test type for your employment screening needs. AMH Reviewed & Maintained By AMH Nationwide Customer Service AMH Nationwide is BBB A+ accredited and routes every order through Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox, all of which use multiple lab certification agencies and standards such as [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing)-aligned laboratory protocols, the ANSI National Accreditation Board for forensic testing and calibration, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Every non-negative screen is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing before a result is released, and chain-of-custody documentation is maintained on every collection. This page does not constitute medical or legal advice. **Last updated:** July 2026 You May Also Need [Nail Drug TestingNo head or body hair available? A 5-panel fingernail test covers a similar look-back window.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-fingernail-drug-test/)[ChildGuard: Environmental ExposureConcerned about a child or loved one? ChildGuard screens for exposure to drugs in their environment.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-hair-drug-test-environmental-exposure-childguard/)[Shorten the Detection WindowShortened options like 30 and 60 day hair panels are also available, useful when a urine test’s 1-3 day window is too short.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/30-day-hair-drug-test/)[Hair ETG Alcohol TestAlso need alcohol testing? The hair ETG test screens for alcohol use, and can be added to the same collection.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/etg-and-peth/) Frequently Asked Questions ## 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. Sources • [SAMHSA – Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing) • [U.S. DOT – 49 CFR Part 40 – Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) • [CDC – National Center for Health Statistics – Drug Use FastStats](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/drug-use.htm) • [Quest Diagnostics – Employer Solutions, Hair Testing Methodology](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/) • [LabCorp – Occupational Testing Services](https://www.labcorp.com/) ## 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. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) --- **Need a drug, alcohol, HIV or STD test?** AMH Nationwide is a national lab testing agency operating since 2004, with more than 20,000 collection sites across the United States. Hair, urine, fingernail and blood testing, panels from 5 through 19, for individuals and employers. - Call: (877) 731-6377 - Find a collection site: https://amhnationwide.com/locations/ - Full page: https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-drug-test/