Drug And Alcohol Screen Explained - Brisbane, Emerald, Mackay, Rockhampton, Perth

A Drug and Alcohol Screen is performed in Brisbane, Emerald, Mackay, Rockhampton and Perth when a biological sample such as blood, urine, saliva or breath is collected and analysed. 

Analysing a sample takes from a few seconds up to 5 minutes and will detect the presence or absence of drugs and alcohol or their metabolites in the sample collected.  At KINNECT, all clinicians collecting biological samples for analysis have been trained in accordance with Australian and New Zealand Standards ASNZS 4308:2008.

The presence of certain drugs and alcohol or their metabolites indicates that the substance detected has been consumed.  The consumption of certain drugs is prohibited by some employers and the results of a Drug and Alcohol Test will determine if a worker is fit to enter the workplace and perform their duties safely.

At KINNECT urine, saliva and breath samples are collected when performing Drug and Alcohol Screening:

Breath Alcohol Analysis

The concentration of Ethanol on the breath indicates the concentration of alcohol in the blood.  At KINNECT, Applicants breathe into a device that instantly and accurately analyses the concentration of ethanol on the breath.  This device is called an Alcometer and is the same type of instrument used by police performing roadside Random Breath Tests.

Oral Fluid Analysis

Saliva is collected and analysed to indicate the consumption of Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, Cocaine, Opiates and Cannabinoids (THC).  Saliva is collected from an Applicant’s mouth using a swab and the result panel is checked within 4 minutes of collection.

Urinalysis

Urine is collected and analysed to indicate the consumption of Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, Cocaine, Opiates, Cannabinoids (THC) and Benzodiazepines.  Urine is collected in a small container and analysis can take up to 5 minutes.

If a Drug and Alcohol Screen in Brisbane, Emerald, Mackay, Rockhampton or Perth detects the presence of a drug or its metabolites, the biological sample that is collected is sent to a laboratory for further testing.  This is called confirmation.  Confirmation determines the actual level of a drug or its metabolites in the biological sample collected and indicates whether the consumption of the drug has been therapeutic or recreational.

For therapeutic consumption of a drug, a worker may still be considered safe to enter the workplace; for recreational consumption of a drug, a worker will not be considered safe to enter the workplace and will therefore, fail the recruitment process.