Drug testing occurs in the workplace to reduce the impact of drug abuse in the workplace, including lateness, absenteeism, attitude problems, theft, decreased productivity and violence. A drug-testing program should be implemented only after establishing policies and procedures. The most common type of drug test occurs in the pre-employment stage.

A potential employee will be sent to a collection site, where a urine sample is given and sent to a lab for analysis. Most employers use a standard five-panel test of marijuana, cocaine, PCP, opiates and amphetamines. Testing labs re-confirm positive test before reporting it. If the test is positive, the employee can be retested at the laboratory of their choice. Drug tests generally cost between $50 and $70.