N
The Global Insight

How common are pre employment drug tests?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on March 28, 2026

In general, the percentage of jobs requiring pre-employment drug tests is lower than 2%. In fact, only one city in America has a percentage of jobs higher than 2.4%. In Arlington, TX, almost 7% of the jobs available require a pre-employment drug screening.

What happens if you test positive on a pre employment drug test?

If the test results in a positive reading, meaning there is drug residue in the body, the results are forwarded to a medical review officer, who reviews the results and looks for any possible valid medical explanation for the results. “As a medical review officer, I would review a patient’s medical history.

What happens if you fail a pre employment drug test?

What Happens If I Fail a Pre-Employment Drug Test? In most cases, if you fail a pre-employment drug test, you will no longer be eligible for the job. Companies who require pre-employment drug tests must clearly state that the offer of employment is contingent upon a new hire passing a drug screening test.

What food can make you fail a drug test?

Keep reading to learn more about why poppy seeds can cause someone to get a positive drug test result and which common foods may contain poppy seeds….Common foods that often contain poppy seeds include:

  • bagels.
  • bread.
  • cakes.
  • muffins.
  • other baked goods.
  • granola.
  • babka.
  • salad dressing.

Do you have to pass a pre employment drug test?

Private employers are not legally required to drug test their employees and do so at their own discretion. Employees in a federally regulated position, on the other hand, are mandated to take and pass a pre-employment urine test.

How long does a positive drug test stay in the clearinghouse?

The positive drug test remains in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse until you successfully complete the Return-to-Duty process and follow-up testing. After that, the information stays in the Clearinghouse for five years.

How are blood tests used for pre employment?

A breath alcohol test can only test for current intoxication and has no indication of past use. With a blood test, blood is drawn to determine the amount, if any, of drugs and alcohol in the system. Generally, blood tests for pre-employment drug screenings are used to find illegal substances. The most common drugs screened in a blood test are:

Can a company require you to pass a drug test?

Employees can be subjected to tests for drugs and/or alcohol by their employer, as permitted by state law. It’s important to remember that employment may be contingent on passing these drug screenings. Each state has different laws on drug testing.