Quick interjection: So, you’re about to assume an important job, only there is a slight bump—drug test! Sounds daunting right as much as when it is actually a piece of Biology and chemistry drug testing can change your career trajectory dramatically. What goes behind the screens?
In a crowded laboratories imagine a bunch of scientists working like bees doing some unimaginable molecular science that you got to know about indirectly from a periodic table in your chemistry class rife like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. These methods check different substances marijuana being the most common to not so common prescription drugs. How about those ridiculous moments when a poppy seed bagel triggers an opiate flag? It’s funny until you are explaining to HR why your breakfast set it off.
Still, why are these tests that critical? For many businesses they are central to health and productivity and they’d rather flag off potential dangers than an office misdemeanor. Ensuring no one operates equipment under the influence will most definitely kill someone at some point. Equally important, though, is not prohibiting accounting department Fred from his daily dose of caffeine.
The broader societal issues with regards to drug tests are even more provocative than the protocols and the stress. Samples tell tales that urge us to view how substances have an effect on people and how they connect us. It isn’t just the biochemistry, e also need empathy. So where do we draw the line between care and carelessness? Perhaps one day companies will signal more support asking questions like “how can we help” before they throw the book at someone.
The drug testing debate is far from being over. There are differing opinions – safety proponents verses privacy advocates. In any case, however, the quality of the data does not statistically dismiss the importance of the debate surrounding its use. It may just be time for a richer discussion on where this fits in our society. That sort of real conversation is what will bring change, starting with issues that are so private and personal.