Hair, Blood and Urine Testing for Employers

Featured image: “VialsCloseup” by UW News, used under CC BY 2.0

There are a lot of reasons an employer might wish to drug test or check alcohol blood levels of their employees. It helps you avoid liability in the case of an employee accident or employee caused damaged in the event of a lawsuit. It can help you get discounts on your insurance, or in the case of some types of insurance, especially heavy manufacturing insurance and worker’s compensation, helps you to qualify for it. There are only two types of alcohol testing, blood and breath (though obviously different labs use different procedures and different breathalyzers), but there are considerably more options and choices to consider for drug testing.

Hair Drug Testing

Generally, employers use hair drug testing the least. This form of testing is not necessary for most purposes, as it can detect some substances up to a year after ingestion. It is also the most costly, as test administrators need a lab setting to perform a hair test. Some claim that hair tests produce the most foolproof results, but some studies have shown exfoliation can diminish the amount in the hair. Employers are unlikely to use hair testing, unless it is a position in which people cannot be doing drugs under any circumstances. Something like a drug counselor might qualify. In the absence of head hair, it is common to use leg hair or other hair on the body.

Blood Drug Testing

If your main concern is using on the job, then a blood test is likely to be the most accurate for determining drug use that day. One issue with blood tests is that they can sometimes show positive for several days after ingestion, especially with marijuana. This has become a problem in Colorado, where studies have shown people can fail 3 days after partaking. But most other drugs will be accurate, and any positives indicate recent usage. This is the most common type for liability and in worker’s accident situations.

Urine Drug Testing

Urine testing is by far the most common test in the real world. Employers most commonly use urine testing for pre-employment screening, but other private and public entities often use this technique for other purposes. Many urine tests can be done on-site, unless there is a specific reason to suspect a substance is being abused that is not normally tested for in a usual test. There are 5 panels, 7 panels, and up to 11 panels that are used.

The traditional 5 panel tests for PCP, opiates, amphetamines, cocaine and marijuana. 7 panels usually include benzodiazepines and barbiturates in the tests, and 10 panels can include almost anything, including MDMA, LSD, methadone and more. Generally, there is not one uniform 4 or 5 panel. They may include testing for similar substances to 7 and 10 panel tests, or they may test for substances more commonly abused in that geographic region. But in general, it is less cumbersome to test for specific metabolites with urine testing, whereas the cost to test for specific metabolites is more with blood. But with blood, if you are testing for “novel” or rarely used substances, it may be required.

It will ultimately be your decision, but we are here to give you suggestions on the best option for you.

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Alcohol Testing: Blood vs Breath

Everyone knows that the police use breathalyzers and blood tests when it comes to determining DUI charges. But they can also sometimes come in handy for employers. Some employers use alcohol tests to screen potential candidates and make sure employees are simply not intoxicated on the job. Others use alcohol tests to determine fault in cases of worker accident and determining liability. Whatever your reason may be, in this article we will be going over specific tests for determining alcohol blood levels, and the differences between them. The main reason to use alcohol tests is to determine if an employee is drinking on the job. One difference between drug and alcohol tests is that while drug tests determine drug usage within the last week or month (or in the case of hair tests, a year), alcohol tests determine if a person is currently intoxicated.

How Blood Tests Work

Blood alcohol content (also known as BAC), refers to the measurement of the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood. Alcohol testing takes two primary forms, with a blood test, and a breath test. Both tests determine BAC, but they do so in different ways. Blood tests directly calculate the amount of alcohol in that person’s bloodstream. Generally, blood tests involve filling a vial (or two, if there may be a need to retest it later), and testing that vial in a lab. Blood tests can be a slow process, so when the administrator needs immediate answers, they’ll usually go with breath tests.

How Breath Tests Work

Breath tests also measure blood alcohol content, but they do so by determining the amount of alcohol in someone’s system and in their blood, by looking at the breath. Of course, breath tests don’t always produce the most accurate result, which is why when it comes to legal situations, people can ask for a blood test and refuse a breathalyzer. This does not apply to private entities, but it’s still an important consideration when choosing which test to conduct. Breathalyzers generally cost less than blood testing equipment, so sometimes they are useful as a stop gap measure. If there are issues with the breathalyzer results, then proceed with the blood testing.

The Problems with Breath Tests

One issue with breath tests is that a number of factors can affect the testing equipment and distort its results. Drinking and eating can sometimes cause the test to show lower results than what a blood test would display. If you have recently used mouth wash, a breath test can show very high levels of alcohol in your blood. Similarly, having a drink and seconds later taking a breath test can once again cause your test numbers to rise.

Another problem is that test administrators cannot “store” breath tests for retesting later the same way they can store blood tests. The fact that amateurs can administer breath tests is also a potential cause for concern, as overuse and improper use can result in inaccurate test results. Technique can also have an effect, where once again a professional administering a breath test or a blood test is far less likely to have issues with the results.

In our next article we will be going over drug testing, and the different methods and the differences between the methods.

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Making A Great First Impression During Your Interview

Getting a callback for a job interview is a great feeling, but can also cause job candidates to worry about how to make the best first impression at the interview. How should you dress? Will the interviewer like you? What can you do to be better prepared? There are many steps you can take to make the interviewing process go smoothly and to help you make a great first impression.

Controlling Your Profile

Interviewers are often creating a profile of candidates during the interview process. From the moment you step into the prospective place of employment for your interview, to the moment you leave, this profile is being created. You want to leave your interviewer with the best impression of yourself. You are leaving your interviewer with an expectation of what kind of worker you would be everyday on the job.

Arriving on Time

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on your first impression is arriving late. Failure to arrive on time lowers the overall impression of your interview. Yes, you might be able to gain back some points, but this is an easy way to start at 100%. In the professional world, if you are early, you are on time. Life happens, and most people understand unavoidable events. If you are going to be late, call ASAP. Don’t wait until you get there. This gives the interviewer time to process any reason why you might be late instead of possible annoyance filtering into the interview process.

Consider Your Apparel

When thinking about what to wear, always dress professionally. Even if your workplace is a blue jeans and T-shirt type of atmosphere, it is still wise to dress nicely during your interview process. If you get hired, your place of employment will let you know the appropriate attire. Clean, professional clothing not only looks nice, it causes less distractions. Make sure your clothes aren’t wrinkled, your shoes are clean, and you’re groomed nicely.

Manners Matter

When you get to your place of employment, be nice to the receptionist. Their impression of you counts. Their first impression of you might be the first impression of you the interviewer will get. Chances are they might let the interviewer know what they think about you before you even shake hands with your interviewer.

Be Prepared

Make sure you bring only the essentials. You don’t want to have a cup of coffee spill in the middle of your interview, or have crumbs from your brunch on your hands. Chewing gum might make your breath smell nice, but it is distracting and unprofessional in an interview. Have your resume neat and organized. If you have a bag, make anything you might need such as papers or pens easily accessible. You don’t want to be fumbling while your interview is going on because this will make you seem disorganized. Unless it is an emergency, keep your phone turned off. If you think you might be receiving a call during the interview, let the interviewer know so it won’t be an unwanted distraction. If you are stuck in the waiting room, use the time to observe your surroundings instead of messing with your phone.

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is the most important thing in an interview. You need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively. It is important to be confident, however research shows that people respond better to someone being trustworthy than confident. Find a connection. It could be a picture on the wall, or responding to something personal the interviewer mentioned. If possible, laugh. Laughter will make the interviewing process seem more natural. There are many things that might be asked during the interview, but it is important to prepare some questions for you to ask the interviewer. Ask smart questions such as, “What do you hope I will accomplish at this company?” Ask for advice such as, “What advice would you give about succeeding in this company?” When you ask for advice, it indicates to your interviewer that you’re dedicated to performing well in the workplace.

Non-Verbal Communication

When you meet the interviewer, non-verbal messages are also important. Make the first move with a firm handshake and a smile, but don’t crush their hand. During the interview show that you are alert and interested by maintaining good posture. Make eye contact, but don’t stare. It’s okay if you use hand gestures while you are speaking, but try not to overdo it. You don’t want to distract the interviewer from what you are saying with hand gestures.

The saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Taking these steps are a good start to help you make a good impression. Be prepared for everything and you will be able to do anything. If you would like more information about acing an interview, or about staffing opportunities, contact The Sedona Group Austin, located in Austin, TX.

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Understanding The Different Types Of Paternity Testing

There are many reasons that a father or mother of a child or a grown adult would want to get a paternity test done. A paternity test is one of the only ways to conclusively verify if a child was fathered by a particular person. While these tests are not 100 percent accurate, the two types of standard paternity tests given today have a very high accuracy range of being between 90-99% accurate.

In order for a paternity test to be completed, three samples of blood or DNA must be taken. One sample from the child, one sample from the father and one sample from the mother. Both DNA tissue sampling tests and blood sampling paternity tests work well for an accurate testing result.

When Paternity Tests are Taken

For paternity tests on children, it is usually best if the test sample from the child is taken after they are born. On occasion there are also cases when a paternity test is taken when the child has reached the age of maturity or even as an adult. The paternity tests that are done when the child is older are usually done for identification of father verification purposes. This can be the case with disputed wills and in the case of proving one’s adult heritage.

However, in some cases, there are occasions when parents wish to establish paternity before the child is born. This is called prenatal paternity testing. This can carry risks for the child and can be an expensive procedure. That is why it is usually recommended to wait until the child is born to do any paternity testing. Unless there are significant reasons for a prenatal paternity test to be completed, health care professionals recommend using only postnatal paternity testing so the child is not put at risk.

Pre-Natal Paternity Tests

The one paternity test that is available for prenatal with less risk is the Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity (NIPP) test. This test can be done any time after the mother is 8 weeks pregnant. For prenatal testing the NIPP is considered the most accurate and the safest prenatal paternity test. This paternity test is done by using the mother’s blood. Because the baby’s blood is a part of the mother’s blood they are able to isolate the differing DNA’s from this sample. Once this is accomplished they can separate the child’s DNA from the mother’s and establish paternity from the child’s sample.

Standard Blood Paternity Tests vs. DNA Paternity Tests

Both blood tests and DNA are used for paternity tests today. However, the more accurate of the two tests is the DNA test, which can involve blood samples or tissue samples. The reason DNA is sometimes considered the better test is because DNA is a unique fingerprint of only a single individual person and is present in every cell of the human body. By contrast, the standard, older Paternity Blood Tests can only prove the likelihood of paternity. The Blood Paternity test most widely used is the Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) test and is 95% accurate at ruling out false paternity claims but is not as conclusive in proving paternity.

Because DNA is 100% unique for each person, it is a much more accurate way of testing for paternity. When a DNA test is conducted there are three samples taken. The DNA for a paternity test is taken from samples from the mother, the father, and the child. Once this is done the results are broken down through laboratory analysis. The analysis is very conclusive because every child receives half of their DNA from their mother and half of their DNA from their father. The DNA taken from the child will be conclusive if the father’s DNA exists in the child up to a 99.9 % accuracy.

If you would like more information about modern paternity testing, contact The Sedona Group of Austin, located in Austin, TX.

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The Important Role Of HR In Meeting Compliance Standards

Meeting compliance standards can be complicated for companies and individuals. Standards can vary from state to state, and city to city, so having a department to handle researching them can be extremely beneficial. That’s where an HR department comes in. It is vital for HR professionals to be aware of all compliance standards and diligently strive to meet those for their employers. A checklist of hiring practices, pay scales, benefits, policies and procedures, performance reviews, discipline and termination are important to have and to use regularly. Below are some other duties that an HR department can perform to keep companies meeting compliance standards.

Education

Federal and state compliance laws occasionally change, so keeping up with them can be a full time job. HR professionals are not only familiar with current compliance standards, but keep up with them when they change, ensuring that companies and individuals are always in compliance with updated standards. HR department members may educate other employees when necessary to keep a company up to date.

Hire Experienced Staff

Many HR departments also handle employee recruitment. They have the knowledge to hire staff with valuable experience and the skills to maintain an effective compliance program. Even in smaller companies where a full time HR staff is not an option, partnering with an outside HR agency as your source when you have questions or need guidance on compliance and hiring can be a good idea.

Policies and Procedures Manual

It’s common for modern companies to create a policies and procedures manual to keep available, and update it with current changes. An internal HR department can create and update such a manual, or an outsourced HR department can create it and company employees can update as needed.

Train Management

The first step in ensuring that employees understand compliance issues is to be absolutely certain that company managers understand them. They are the first in the chain of command to hear grievances, settle disputes, etc. HR professionals can train company management to ensure that they understand the compliance standards they will have to enforce.

Train Employees

HR professionals can also ensure that all employees are aware of expectations and procedures regarding harassment, reporting accidents, changes in benefit,s and other issues important to their well-being as productive employees. Having an HR team conduct retraining meetings when needed is a good way to keep employees aware, and keeping current employee handbooks easily available ensures that all information can be referred to if necessary.

Listening

Effective HR Managers listen to managers, employees, and reports. Taking in all available perspectives and applying that knowledge keeps Hr professionals aware of what steps may need to be taken to stay on top of compliance issues.

Providing Feedback

Professional HR department members let employees know when they are doing something right or wrong. People respond better to positive reinforcement. When a problem is discovered, HR professionals can give an opportunity for corrections to be made, and may take necessary actions to get the company back into compliance.

Document Decisions

HR professionals document situations when they arise. Documentation of events is the only proof available to show company knowledge of infractions and the simultaneous steps taken to make corrections. Documentation can even be copied and distributed as applicable. Memories fade, so companies can save a lot of headaches by having an HR department that records important decisions, employee performance reviews, critical communications, and maintains all employee records.

If you would like more information about helping your company meet compliance standards, or would like more information about professional HR consultations, contact the Sedona Group of Austin, located in Austin, TX.

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9 Tips For Excelling In An Interview Over The Phone

Gone are the days when an impressive resume would score you a job immediately. It’s only natural for you to get excited if you score a phone interview. However, getting a phone interview can be just the beginning of the job hunting process. For a phone interview, remaining calm is your best option, and with these tips for preparation, you should be able to succeed in your interview.

Tip 1: Conduct Your Research

Before the interview, you should research the company and the role for which you’re applying. Great ways to do this are to look at the company website, their social media, and their blog if they maintain one. This will help you get ahead of the competition and will show enthusiasm for the company and position itself.

Tip 2: Be Prepared To Go Into Detail About Your Resume

Always be prepared to explain what’s on your resume. If you have any significant gaps in employment, you will have to explain why there’s a gap in your employment history. Employers can also ask about the transitions between each of your previous jobs and what your current career goals are.

Tip 3: Research Interview Questions

Most employers will ask fundamental interview questions to get the logistics out of the way. After any inquiries regarding your job history, they might ask you about hypothetical situations that are meant to throw you off guard. However tough the question may be, you should remain calm as your tone will tell if you’re nervous.

Tip 4: Have a Quiet Space

When participating in a phone interview, it is essential to have a quiet area when going into the interview. This will allow you to speak clearly and effectively. Having a quiet space will also mean that you’re able to give your full attention to the interviewer.

Tip 5: Consider Your Tone When Speaking

It is essential to have the right tone when speaking to an interviewer. A good tip is to always speak confidently, and mirror the tone of your interviewer. This will help build rapport between you and your interviewer. During a phone interview, the interviewer is also gauging your speaking abilities. Remember to speak with ease, as the interview should be conversational. Too much rigidity will not impress the employer. When speaking with ease, your personality shows through the way you talk. Just because an employer can’t see you doesn’t mean they won’t be able to decide how they perceive your character from your voice.

Tip 6: Take Notes

Along with having the necessary information about the company by your side, you should take notes on what your interviewer is saying about the position. This will help you later for when you need to ask questions.

Tip 7: Have Questions Prepared

Although some people may not ask questions during a phone interview, it is helpful to ask questions. Asking questions is an important part of the interview as it shows that you’re interested in the position and passionate about yourself. Some good questions to ask are, “What is the company culture like?”, or “How would you describe your experience at this company?” Avoid asking questions regarding benefits or salary until you have a follow-up interview.

Tip 8: Ask If They Have Further Questions And What Steps There Are Moving Forward

In this time frame of wrapping up an interview, the interviewer can ask any questions in response to the questions you asked. After that, you can ask what steps there are to take moving forward. The interviewer will let you know the next steps, and you can be confident in knowing what will happen moving forward.

Tip 9: Thank the Interviewer

Once you have completed the interview, always remember to thank the interviewer. After you hang up, the waiting begins. It’s appropriate to follow up a week or two, unless you were otherwise instructed in the interview. if you get no response, you can always email asking the status of the application. Don’t be too discouraged by a slow response as some companies must complete many interviews before choosing a candidate, but don’t waste the time you have waiting. Continue applying to new positions and interviewing until you get an offer.

If you would like more tips for excelling in job interviews, on the phone or in person, or would like more information about job hunting, HR management, or employee drug testing, contact The Sedona Group Austin, located in Austin, TX.

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Employment Drug Testing Myths & Misinformation

If you are looking to enter the workforce, at some point you will be subjected to drug testing. The most common drug test is a urine sample for drugs, but there is a lot of misinformation and myths circulating about employment drug testing of all kinds. Is it true that shaving your head is the only way to make sure your system is clear of marijuana? Is urine sample testing the most common method because it’s the cheapest? This article will set these and many more facts straight.

Myth: Illegal drugs don’t affect work performance

Many credible studies have shown that alcohol and drug abuse directly contribute to one sixth of job fatalities and create and unsafe work environment. The vast majority of the time its innocent coworkers who are hurt or killed not the person under the influence. Studies also show a dramatic decrease in work accidents after a company implements drug screening.

Myth: Marijuana stays in the body for months or years for detection

Studies have shown that depending on the concentration of the marijuana, you can expect the drug to be detectable for up to seven days for average users. In the most extreme cases, you can expect the drug to be detectable for 10-21 days after your last use.

Myth: There is no way to beat a drug test

There are a few ways that urine samples can be compromised to possibly pass the test.

1. Drinking excessive fluids before a test or diluting the sample with water or some other fluid can lessen the concentration of the drug giving you a possible favorable result.
2. Substituting your sample with urine from another person or synthetic urine.
3. Using chemicals that oxidize the urine and destroy the detectable drug levels such as nitrites.

Myth: Drug test can produce false positives

It is true that certain prescription drugs or poppy seeds could produce an extremely rare positive result, but industry standards require any positive results be reviewed by a medical professional. You will be interviewed by the medical officer and if your explanation can be verified then a negative will be reported to the employer. Today, all accredited screening labs use the latest technology to eliminate the concern of false positives.

Myth: Urine test are used because they are cheap, not for accuracy

Urine test are both affordable and very accurate. Compared to saliva, drugs stay in urine longer and in stronger concentrations. Although hair samples can detect drugs over a longer period of time, urine test are faster and can detect prescription drugs and up to 10 drugs in a single sample.

Myth: All drugs stay in your body the same amount of time for everyone

This is extremely false. No one person is exactly the same and neither are different drugs. Your genetic and physical makeup will greatly affect how long a drug stays in your system. Things such as age, height, weight, gender and ethnic background can all be factors in drug testing. The drug itself will be a factor depending on the type drug, quantity and frequency.

Hopefully this article will clear up some of the confusion concerning employer drug test. Ultimately, if you want to pass a drug test, simply avoid illicit drugs.

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