2006 National Drug Testing Index Reports a Drop in Workforce-related Positive Drug Tests to 3.8%

A continued decline in positive drug tests for the amphetamine class of drugs among safety-sensitive workers, coupled with a decrease in positive marijuana drug tests results among the general U.S. workforce, drove workplace drug use to a new low in 2006. These were the main findings of the annual Drug Testing Index compiled and released by Quest Diagnostics Inc., a leading provider of employment-related drug testing services.

The 2006 Drug Testing Index summarizes the results of more than nine million workplace drug tests performed by Quest Diagnostics between January and December 2006.

Overall, the testing data indicated that drug use by employees and applicants fell to the lowest level since Quest Diagnostics began publishing the Drug Testing Index in 1988. Of all urine workplace drug tests performed by Quest Diagnostics during 2006 for the combined U.S. workforce, 3.8% had positive results, compared to 4.1% in 2005 and 13.6% in 1988.

" We believe this continued decline in workforce drug positivity may be driven by two factors: increased employer vigilance about the impact of workplace drug abuse on liability and the cost of decreased productivity, and the possibility that those who abuse drugs may tend to avoid employment at companies that actively conduct drug testing," said Barry Sample, Ph.D., Director of Science and Technology for Quest Diagnostics' Employer Solutions division.

Complete 2006 Drug Testing Report Index http://www.questdiagnostics.com/employersolutions/dti/2007_03/dti_index.html


Maryland overall was comparable to the national average of positive drug tests results. However, two Maryland counties did have slightly higher than average positive drug tests. The Garrett and Cecil county areas scored 4.5 to 5.5% in positive drug tests as reported by the survey.


“For Cause drug testing” is still the highest for positive results nationwide.
Of the 7 types of drug testing reasons, pre-employment, random etc., For Cause drug testing came in at 18% for positive results.

IWIF can help you establish a drug-free workplace
For more information, contact the IWIF Loss Control Dept. at 410-494-2165 or send an e-mail to “Ask Joe, IWIF’s Safety Professional.”

For a basic overview of information on developing a drug-free workplace program read “Don’t Hire an Accident”

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