When it comes to making hiring decisions or assessing the continued employment of individuals, ensuring fairness and compliance with Australian Standards is of paramount importance. One area where this is particularly critical is drug testing. In Australia, it is essential that non-negative drug test results be sent to the laboratory for confirmation through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). This article explains why GCMS confirmation is crucial in maintaining fairness and preventing discrimination in employment-related drug testing.

Non-negative drug test results can create a significant dilemma for employers. These results indicate the presence of certain substances in an individual's system, which may be prohibited or controlled in the workplace. However, a non-negative result doesn't necessarily mean that the individual has engaged in illegal drug use, as various factors can lead to false positives, including prescription medications, dietary supplements, or even certain foods.

To ensure fairness and accuracy in drug testing, Australia has established a set of stringent standards and guidelines for employers. These standards are outlined in the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4308:2008 - Procedures for specimen collection and the detection and quantitation of drugs of abuse in urine.

AS/NZS 4308:2008 sets the framework for a legally defensible drug testing process, emphasizing the need for a thorough and accurate analysis of drug test results. This standard safeguards the rights of the individual being tested and helps employers make informed decisions.

One of the key provisions of AS/NZS 4308:2008 is the requirement for GCMS confirmation when non-negative results are obtained. GCMS is a highly sophisticated and precise analytical technique used to identify and quantify substances present in a test sample.

GCMS offers several advantages in confirming drug test results, including:

Specificity: GCMS can distinguish between structurally similar compounds, reducing the risk of false positives.

Quantification: GCMS provides precise measurements of the detected substances, allowing for a more accurate assessment of the individual's drug use.

Reliability: GCMS is a highly reliable method for confirming the presence of drugs, providing results that can withstand legal scrutiny.

By sending non-negative drug test samples for GCMS confirmation, employers are taking a responsible and fair approach to the situation. This process safeguards individuals from false accusations and protects their rights. Discriminatory decisions based solely on non-negative initial tests can have severe consequences, both legally and ethically.

Employers in Australia must adhere to strict legal regulations concerning drug testing in the workplace. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal complications, including allegations of discrimination, wrongful termination, and damage to an organisation's reputation.

KINNECT will promptly forward a candidate's non-negative urine sample to the laboratory for GCMS confirmation. Typically, this supplementary testing will require approximately 2 to 3 business days for completion at the laboratory. Please note that additional fees are associated with this test. To ascertain the cost for this testing, kindly consult your schedule of fees or contract.

Ensuring that non-negative drug test samples are sent to the laboratory for GCMS confirmation is a fundamental aspect of maintaining fairness and compliance with Australian Standards in employment-related drug testing. It protects the rights of the individuals being tested, prevents discrimination, and ensures that decisions surrounding employment are based on accurate and reliable information. Employers should always prioritise the use of GCMS confirmation to maintain a fair and legally defensible drug testing process.