Our By the Numbers series takes a closer look at the numbers, facts, data, and outputs that impact workplace drug testing programs. In this post,we take a closer look at positivity by drug which the Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index™ (DTI) measures using a combination of three factors: drug category, specimen type, and workforce segment.
- Substances in drug category include: 6-AM (heroin), amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, MDMA (ecstasy), methadone, opiates, oxycodones, PCP, and propoxyphene.
- Specimen types include urine, oral fluid, and hair.
- The three workforce segments are: federally-mandated, safety-sensitive workers; the general U.S. workforce; and the combined U.S. workforce.
The Drug Testing Index is the most comprehensive compilation of workplace drug testing numbers that industry, government, media, and employers rely on for data and insights. Five-year snapshots are used to help identify trends in positivity rates. If the positivity rate changes in the same direction for several years and/or is observed across multiple specimen types, it may be viewed as a trend.
In the latest (2015 data) DTI analysis, Dr. Barry Sample, Senior Director of Science and Technology, Quest Diagnostics, reported that the rate of amphetamine and heroin detection in urine drug tests and the rate of marijuana detection in oral fluid drug tests has increased annually for the past five years in the general U.S. workforce. Our infographic illustrates the following key insights from urine drug testing:
- Amphetamine positivity increased in 2015, and has increased 44 percent from 2011 to 2015.
- Marijuana positivity has risen 26 percent since 2011. Additionally, almost half (45 percent) of individuals in the general U.S. workforce in 2015, with a positive drug test for any substance, showed evidence of marijuana.
- Heroin positivity has increased a startling 147 percent in the past five years.
These numbers highlight that individuals in the workforce continue to use and test positive for amphetamine, marijuana, and heroin. In fact, the most recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that 67 percent of drug users are employed. For that reason, employers should remain diligent in their efforts to combat substance abuse in the workplace.
To review all of the data, download the Drug Testing Index brochure.
View other DTI infographics from Quest Diagnostics.
For more information about drug testing, visit our website.
Our By the Numbers series takes a closer look at the numbers, facts, data, and outputs that impact workplace drug testing programs. In this post,we take a closer look at positivity by drug which the Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index™ (DTI) measures using a combination of three factors: drug category, specimen type, and workforce segment.
The Drug Testing Index is the most comprehensive compilation of workplace drug testing numbers that industry, government, media, and employers rely on for data and insights. Five-year snapshots are used to help identify trends in positivity rates. If the positivity rate changes in the same direction for several years and/or is observed across multiple specimen types, it may be viewed as a trend.
In the latest (2015 data) DTI analysis, Dr. Barry Sample, Senior Director of Science and Technology, Quest Diagnostics, reported that the rate of amphetamine and heroin detection in urine drug tests and the rate of marijuana detection in oral fluid drug tests has increased annually for the past five years in the general U.S. workforce. Our infographic illustrates the following key insights from urine drug testing:
These numbers highlight that individuals in the workforce continue to use and test positive for amphetamine, marijuana, and heroin. In fact, the most recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that 67 percent of drug users are employed. For that reason, employers should remain diligent in their efforts to combat substance abuse in the workplace.
To review all of the data, download the Drug Testing Index brochure.
View other DTI infographics from Quest Diagnostics.
For more information about drug testing, visit our website.