Yes, Stevens Transport does conduct hair follicle tests as part of their pre-employment screening process. Hair follicle testing is a common practice in the trucking industry to determine drug and alcohol use history of potential employees. This article will provide you with an in-depth understanding of hair follicle tests conducted by Stevens Transport and the significance of this form of drug screening in the hiring process.
Understanding Hair Follicle Testing
Hair follicle testing is a method used to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in a person’s system. Unlike urine or blood tests, which can only identify recent drug use, hair follicle tests have a significantly longer detection window. This means they can provide a more comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance use over a period of up to 90 days.
During a hair follicle test, a small sample of hair is collected from the scalp or any other part of the body. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it undergoes rigorous analysis. The laboratory tests the hair for the presence of various drugs and alcohol metabolites, providing a detailed report of any substances detected during the testing.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Important in the Trucking Industry
The trucking industry places great importance on ensuring the safety of both the drivers and the general public. As commercial truck drivers are responsible for operating large vehicles on the road, they need to be in a clear state of mind without any impairments caused by drugs or alcohol. Hair follicle testing helps identify individuals who may pose a safety risk by using substances that could compromise their ability to drive safely on the job.
Additionally, hair follicle testing offers a longer detection window compared to other testing methods. This extended timeframe allows employers to gain a more accurate understanding of an applicant’s drug use history, even if they have abstained from substances in the days leading up to the test. It provides a comprehensive overview and helps identify individuals with a pattern of substance abuse.
The Hair Follicle Testing Process at Stevens Transport
Stevens Transport follows a structured process when conducting hair follicle testing during their pre-employment screening. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:
- Applicants are notified about the hair follicle testing requirement during the initial application process.
- Upon arrival for the drug screening, applicants provide a hair sample to the authorized personnel.
- The hair sample is sealed, labeled, and sent to a certified laboratory for analysis.
- The laboratory performs a thorough examination of the hair sample to identify any traces of drugs or alcohol.
- Once the results are available, they are provided to Stevens Transport for review.
- Stevens Transport evaluates the results and makes hiring decisions based on their established policies and guidelines.
Common Misconceptions about Hair Follicle Testing
There are a few misconceptions about hair follicle testing that are important to address:
- Misconception 1: Hair follicle testing can detect drug use within a few days of ingestion.
- Misconception 2: Shaved hair or hair treatments can evade detection.
Contrary to this belief, hair follicle testing is not effective in detecting substances within a few days of use. It takes approximately 5-7 days for the hair containing the drug metabolites to grow above the scalp’s surface. Therefore, hair follicle testing primarily provides information about an individual’s substance use within the past 1 to 3 months.
Attempting to shave the hair or using hair treatments does not prevent the detection of drug metabolites. Hair samples can be collected from any part of the body, and laboratory tests are designed to detect attempts to tamper with the sample. Additionally, specialized shampoos and treatments do not eliminate drug metabolites from the hair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stevens Transport does conduct hair follicle tests as part of their pre-employment screening process. Hair follicle testing is significant in the trucking industry as it provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of an applicant’s drug use history over an extended period. By utilizing this form of drug screening, companies like Stevens Transport can ensure the safety of their drivers and the public, while also identifying individuals with substance abuse patterns. It is crucial for applicants to be aware of the hair follicle testing process and understand its significance in the hiring process.