Starting a new job often comes with a few standard steps—interviews, paperwork, maybe even a medical check. For many workplaces, drug and alcohol testing is also becoming a more common part of the process.
If you’ve wondered what this testing involves—or if it’s something you should be introducing in your business—this post provides a clear overview of what to expect.
What Is Pre-Employment Drug & Alcohol Testing?
Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is a screening process conducted before a candidate is officially hired. It helps employers determine whether a prospective employee is free from substances that could impair their ability to perform their job safely and effectively.
Tests are typically conducted in accordance with the following National standards:
- AS/NZS 4760:2019 Oral Fluid/ Saliva – Opiates, amphetamine-type stimulants, methamphetamine, cannabis (THC), cocaine, oxycodone, and benzodiazepines
- AS/NZS 4308:2023 Urine Testing – Amphetamine-type stimulants, benzodiazepines, cannabis metabolites, cocaine metabolites, and opiates
- AS 3547:2019 – Breath alcohol testing
Why Is It Important?
- Enhance Workplace Safety
Affects from drugs and/ or alcohol can pose serious risks in any role, especially those involving driving or machinery. Testing helps prevent incidents before they occur, protecting employees and the public.
- Ensuring Legal and Policy Compliance
Many industries are bound by laws or regulations requiring a drug- and alcohol-free workforce. Testing ensures compliance from the outset and supports adherence to internal workplace policies.
- Promoting Fairness and Performance
Testing all candidates ensures a consistent and fair hiring process. It also helps identify individuals who are more likely to contribute positively to productivity, attendance, and decision-making.
- Protecting Company Reputation
A single drug and or alchol related incident can have serious consequences for any organisation. Testing demonstrates a proactive commitment to maintaining a safe, professional, and trustworthy workplace.
What Does Testing Involve?
The process is usually straightforward, depending on the workplace policy, you might be asked to complete a Breath Test, Oral Fluid or Urine Sample, in line with national standards. Tests may be performed on-site or independantly at a nearby clinic. If a result is positive or unconfirmed, a confirmation test is usually required.
What Is a Confirmation Test?
Confirmation tests – confirm the result of the first test, to eliminate the possibility of an unconfirmed or false positive test result. This additional step ensures the results are accurate, and enforceable.
- For Alcohol Testing
This usually means waiting 15 minutes to eliminate mouth alcohol and retest to confirm the result.
- For Drug Testing
A second sample is typically collected and sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for confirmation, as outlined in the companies workplace policy.
- Curious to know – What Is The Most Common False Positive Drug Test?
What Happens After Confirmation Testing?
- If an alcohol test is within policy limits, the candidate proceeds with the next stage of the employment process.
- For drug tests, an unconfirmed result is followed by a confirmation test, with results typically available within 48 hours give or take the laboratory opening hours with weekends and public holidays. Results may lead to a follow-up conversation or a request for more information (such as evidence of a prescription).
Medication (Prescribed and/ or Over-the-Counter)
If taking medication (prescribed and or over-the-counter) or have questions about the process, it’s okay to ask the potential employer, HR representative or your medical professional. Being upfront helps avoid confusion.
Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing isn’t meant to trip anyone up. It’s just one part of making sure you can perform the job you are applying for safely. Knowing what to expect can help take the stress out of the process.
If you’re ever unsure, ask questions. And if you’re an organisation looking to commence or improve your testing, Alcolizer Technology is available to conduct on-site pre-employment testing or provide you with the tools and support to manage testing internally.
How Does Alcolizer Technology support Pre-Employment Testing?
We offer a range of fast, accurate, and legally defensible testing solutions, including:
- Breath Alcohol Testing
Using our Australian Standard AS3547-certified breathalysers.
- Oral Fluid & Urine Drug Testing
To provide fast and convenient self testing solutions that can be used as part of your interview process. We also offer training and education to ensure testing is conducted inline with the National standard. Alternatively our onsite testing service is available to conduct testing as is our drop in testing locations in Balcatta (Perth WA) and Cleveland (Brisbane QLD).
- Laboratory Confirmation
For unconfirmed results, samples are sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for confirmatory testing. We also supply confirmation kits for in-house testing, with support from our in-house toxicologist if required.
Best Practices for Employers
To implement an effective pre-employment testing program:
- Ensure your drug and alcohol policy and procedure clearly outlines the testing procedures, including when and how tests are conducted, as well as the consequences of non-compliance or positive results (see our Policy Review Service)
- Ensure transparency by informing candidates about the testing process during recruitment
- Use certified equipment and trained personnel to maintain accuracy and legal defensibility
- Stay compliant with national standards, work health and safety laws, and industry regulations
Partner with Alcolizer Technology
With over 35 years of experience, Alcolizer Technology is a trusted partner in drug and alcohol testing. Our cutting-edge drug and alcohol testing solutions, training, on-site testing, service and calibration, and ongoing support help businesses maintain safe, compliant, and productive workplaces.
Whether you’re setting up a new testing program or upgrading your current system, we’re here to help.
Contact our team on 1300 789 908 or register your details here to learn more about our pre-employment testing solutions.
