Impairment Testing vs. Drug Testing

Over the past 10 - 15 years we’ve witnessed some notable societal changes related to drug use. Some of these changes include: the Opioid crisis, legalization and decriminalization of cannabis and other drugs, changing attitudes and new research, the cannabis industry, and technological influences. We’ve now arrived at a place where we are seriously re-evaluating how to strike a balance between people’s personal and professional lives. One topic that continues to gain attention is the difference between impairment testing and drug testing.

Impairment testing and drug testing are two distinct concepts that serve different purposes. Here's a breakdown of the differences between the two:

Impairment Testing:

Impairment testing is a process used to assess an individual's physical or mental capabilities and determine whether they are impaired or unfit for a specific task or activity. It focuses on evaluating an individual's overall functioning and ability to perform essential job functions or tasks safely and effectively.

Impairment testing is commonly used in occupational settings to ensure the safety of employees and others. It is particularly important in high-risk industries such as transportation, construction, and manufacturing, where impairment due to various factors (fatigue, illness, alcohol, drugs, etc.) can pose significant risks.

Impairment testing methods may involve physical examinations, cognitive assessments, psychomotor tests, and subjective assessments of an individual's performance. The goal is to identify any impairments that may affect the person's ability to carry out their job duties safely.

Drug Testing:

Drug testing, on the other hand, is a specific type of testing that aims to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in a person's system. It is primarily conducted to determine if an individual has recently used drugs, including illicit substances or certain prescribed medications.

Drug testing is commonly employed in various contexts, such as workplace drug testing programs, sports organizations, law enforcement, and healthcare settings. It is often used to enforce drug-free policies, ensure public safety, and maintain the integrity of competitive sports.

Drug testing methods can include analyzing samples of urine, blood, saliva, hair follicles, or sweat patches. The tests can identify a range of substances, including illegal drugs (e.g., cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine) as well as legal medications (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines) that may impair cognitive or physical abilities.

Which should you choose?

This is a complex and nuanced question that requires one to evaluate their unique situation. Historically, drug testing has been the only choice, and most businesses had a drug testing policy. Since cannabis was illegal, they routinely took adverse action against their employees who tested positive for THC. These days, since cannabis is legal in so many places, many business owners have decided that they don’t care what their employees do on the weekend, but want them to be verifiably sober during work. For these businesses, impairment testing is the best choice.

Depending on the nature of the work, the employee’s history with the company, and the laws of the jurisdiction(s) where the company operates, businesses will have to make the best decision for their situation.

In summary, impairment testing focuses on evaluating an individual's overall ability to perform specific tasks, while drug testing specifically aims to detect the presence of drugs in a person's system. Both serve important purposes in ensuring safety, but their objectives and methodologies differ.