Preemployment drug screening at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1989 and 1991.
During identical 2-month periods in 1989 and 1991, all applicants for employment at a major teaching hospital participated in preemployment drug screening. In 1989, before establishment of a formal preemployment testing program, screening was conducted without identifying information. Of 593 applicants screened, 64 (10.8%) were confirmed positive for one or more drugs. Marijuana metabolites were detected with the greatest frequency (35 samples, 55% of positive screens), followed by cocaine (36%), then opiates (28%). In 1991, after a formal preemployment testing program was in place, 365 applicants were screened, and 21 (5.8%) were confirmed positive. Opiates were most often detected (48% of positive screens), followed by cocaine (38%), then marijuana metabolites (28%). During both periods, positive urine screens were associated with ethnicity (non-White) and occupational category (blue-collar). Whereas in 1989 positive screens were associated with male gender, in 1991, females were more likely to test positive. The decline in prevalence following implementation of a screening program supports the notion that preemployment testing can serve as a deterrent for drug-using persons in applying for employment.
Lange
W R
WR
Medical Advisor's Office, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
Cabanilla
B R
BR
Moler
G
G
Bernacki
E J
EJ
Frankenfield
D L
DL
Fudala
P J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D015994:Incidence; D007586:Job Application; D008297:Male; D010560:Personnel Selection; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014505:Urban Population
D013287:Illicit Drugs; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs