What to Expect in a Drug and Alcohol Screening
A Simple Guide to the Workplace Screening Process
Medically reviewed by Dr Peter Aldridge
Chief Medical Officer, Assist Group
WorkCover-accredited Medical Practitioner – Hazardous Substances
40 years' experience in Industrial and Occupational Medicine
Last reviewed: June 2026
If you have been asked to take a drug and alcohol screening, whether for a new job or as part of your workplace's safety program, it is normal to feel unsure about what is involved. The process is usually quick and straightforward, and knowing what to expect makes it far less daunting.
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Screening is common in Australian workplaces for good reason. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation reports that alcohol use contributes to around 11% of workplace accidents and injuries, which is why many employers, particularly in safety-critical industries, screen as part of keeping everyone safe. Drugs are part of the picture too. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey found that around one in ten Australians who had used illicit drugs in the past year reported attending work under the influence. Here is what a screening involves, the different types of tests, how to prepare, and what good practice looks like for employers running a program.
What is a Drug and Alcohol Screening?
A drug and alcohol screening is a simple test that checks whether alcohol or certain drugs are present in your system. Workplaces use it to confirm that employees are fit to carry out their roles safely, especially where the work involves machinery, vehicles, heights or other safety risks. Screening is a standard safety check, much like a high-visibility vest or a site induction. Most people who take one have nothing to worry about.
Why Employers Carry Out Drug and Alcohol Screening
Employers screen for a few common reasons:
- pre-employment, before you start a new role
- random testing, where employees are selected without warning
- for cause or reasonable suspicion, if there are signs someone may be impaired
- post-incident, after a workplace accident or near miss.
Most of these are set out in a workplace policy that staff are told about in advance. You can read more about how workplace drug and alcohol testing is carried out and when it applies.
What Happens During a Drug and Alcohol Screening
The exact steps depend on the type of test, but a typical screening follows the same pattern. You will usually be asked to confirm your identity and sign a consent form. The collector then explains the process and asks about any medications you are taking, since some can affect results.
You provide a sample, most often urine or saliva, in a private and dignified setting. The sample is checked on site for an initial result, and the whole appointment usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
Types of Drug and Alcohol Tests
There are a few common methods, and your workplace will decide which one applies:
- urine testing, the most common method, which detects a range of substances used over recent days
- oral fluid (saliva) testing, which is quick and tends to reflect more recent use
- breath testing, used to measure current blood alcohol concentration
- hair testing, which can show a longer history of use over several months.
For workplace screening in Australia, urine tests are usually carried out to AS/NZS 4308 and oral fluid tests to AS/NZS 4760, the Australian Standards that set out how samples are collected, handled and analysed.
How to Prepare for a Drug and Alcohol Screening
There is little you need to do, but a few steps help the appointment run smoothly:
- bring photo identification and any paperwork your employer has asked for
- bring a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take
- drink water as you normally would, but avoid large amounts right before a urine test, as this can affect the sample
- allow enough time so you are not rushed.
If you take prescribed medication, it is worth mentioning it to the collector. Declaring it helps explain any result that needs a closer look.
What Your Results Mean
Most screenings return a negative result, meaning no substances were detected, and that is the end of the process. If a sample returns a non-negative result, it is sent to an accredited laboratory for confirmation before any conclusions are drawn, so an initial reading is never the final word. Where a confirmed result does show a problem, a fair workplace treats it as a health and safety matter first. Many employers have a drug and alcohol management plan that sets out support, referral and a clear path forward.
If You're an Employer Introducing Screening
A screening program works best when staff understand it before it begins. A clear, written drug and alcohol policy, explained during induction rather than sprung on the day, improves trust and cooperation and reduces the kind of anxiety described above.
A few things make a program effective:
- a written policy that explains when and why testing happens, shared with staff in advance
- consistency, so random drug and alcohol testing is genuinely random
- the right test method for each role and its level of risk
- an accredited collection and laboratory process in line with the Australian Standards
- a management plan that pairs testing with support and a clear path forward.
Getting the clinical and compliance side right is easier with an experienced occupational health provider. Assist Group offers drug and alcohol testing services tailored to your industry and risk profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Drug and Alcohol Test?
A drug and alcohol test, or screening, checks whether alcohol or specific drugs are present in your system. Workplaces use it to confirm employees are fit to work safely.
How Long does a Drug and Alcohol Screening Take?
Most screenings take around 15 to 30 minutes, including check-in, consent and providing a sample. A breath alcohol test on its own takes only a few minutes.
Can You Fail a Drug and Alcohol Screening?
A non-negative result does not automatically mean you have failed. The sample is confirmed by a laboratory first, and any prescribed medications you have declared are taken into account.
How Long do Drug and Alcohol Test Results Take?
On-site screening gives an initial result within minutes. If a sample is sent to a laboratory for confirmation, results usually take a few business days.
How Much does a Drug and Alcohol Test Cost?
When screening is required by an employer, the employer usually covers the cost. Prices vary by test type and provider when a test is arranged privately.
Can an Employer Require a Drug and Alcohol Test?
In most cases yes, where testing is part of a clear workplace policy that is applied fairly and consistently. A good policy sets out when testing happens and how results are handled.
Book Random, For Cause or Suspicion Drug and Alcohol Testing
For most people, a drug and alcohol screening is a brief and routine part of starting or staying in a role. Knowing the steps, bringing the right paperwork and declaring any medications is all it takes to walk in prepared.
For employers, that same clarity is what makes a program work, from a policy explained in advance to the right tests for each role and support built in from the start.
Book Drug and Alcohol Testing today by phoning our medical reception in your location by CLICKING HERE, or submit your details in the contact form at the bottom of this page.