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Here are a number of frequently asked questions about Marconova and drug testing. Should you have any further questions then you are welcome to contact us.
Why use random drug testing?
Unannounced random drug testing is the most effective method from a preventative aspect. It is also an excellent complement to training courses and information concerning the company’s outlook and drug policy. Random drug testing keeps the drug policy alive over time and contributes to helping personnel who have become substance abusers.
Do we need drug tests inscribed in our policy?
Yes, it will probably be demanded by the union and being aware of what applies simplifies matters for all parties.
How many should be tested in one year?
A reasonable number is approximately 25 % of the workforce in order to achieve an adequate number of people and a good result. This is, however, something, that we come to a joint decision on. Most of our maritime companies test all crew members and some are governed by rules on how many shall be tested.
How do we test for alcohol?
We use the same advanced fuel cell technology as the breathalysers used by the police. The difference is that we can document our answers since we always have printers connected to the unit.
Why A and B tests?
We always use A and B tests from a security aspect. The A test is always used for the analysis. Should the test be positive, even after the confirmatory test, the person being tested can always request that the B test be analysed if he/she knows that he/she has never taken the drug that was analysed as positive in the A test. The B test is therefore to safeguard the person being tested. Marconova freezes the B tests for one year in the case that the A test was confirmed as positive.
How do random selections work?
This method is carried out using information without names (eg employee numbers). For example – we receive the employee number from the workplace in close connection to the test occasion, randomly select the number of people to be tested and notify the company. Since Marconova makes the choice nobody needs to suspect that someone at the company sits and “selects” which employees shall be tested. We are completely neutral and no nothing about the choice we select from our random number generator.
How many drug tests have positive results?
The number is mainly constant year after year and is somewhere between 2 – 3 % annually.
Can you see more than drugs when you analyse the test?
No, nothing. The laboratory cannot see anything besides the drugs they analyse for. We can therefore not see if the person is pregnant, has any specific tendencies or diseases.
Which type of analysis method is preferable?
Marconova has chosen to remain neutral in that question but we have tested all the methods. To date all the accredited Swedish laboratories (that carry out drug testing) have specified urine as the ”golden” standard. This is also correlated to a price issue and urine tests are the cheapest compared to saliva and hair analyses. There are also different detection times between the different tests which should be taken into consideration. We can carry out all of these tests and discuss with the customer which is best, based on their requirements and wishes along with our experience.
Are pharmaceuticals a problem?
Pharmaceuticals are drugs and correctly prescribed, to the right person, and correctly used are not a problem. It is only when the pharmaceuticals are not used correctly that it can become a problem for the individual. Some pharmaceuticals that are classified as narcotics are highly addictive and can be an enormous problem for the individual which is difficult to treat. You can also find an addiction combination with, for example, alcohol and pharmaceuticals classed as narcotics. An overdose of pharmaceuticals classed as narcotics can also make a person feel drunk, which makes the person a potential danger in the workplace. Marconova always discusses with the customer which kind of drug test panel would be suitable and which drugs should be included depending on the company’s policy and the type of organisation.
Can a drug test be manipulated?
If you really want to you can manipulate all drug tests. You should know, however, that is is difficult and our talented and experienced drug testers are making it even more difficult. We do know however that it happens and the easiest drug tests to manipulate are the planned ones. With random drug testing you do not know when you will be selected and on which day we are coming. That means that if you want to try to manipulate a random, unannounced drug test you need to be prepared every day at work.
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