Wr. Lange et al., PREEMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENING AT THE JOHNS-HOPKINS HOSPITAL, 1989 AND 1991, The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 20(1), 1994, pp. 35-46
During identical 2-month periods in 1989 and 1991, all applicants for
employment at a major teaching hospital participated in preemployment
drug screening. In 1989, before establishment of a formal preemploymen
t testing program, screening was conducted without identifying informa
tion. Of 593 applicants screened, 64 (10.8%) were confirmed positive f
or one or more drugs. Marijuana metabolites were detected with the gre
atest frequency (35 samples, 55% of positive screens), followed by coc
aine (36%), then opiates (28%). In 1991, after a formal preemployment
testing program was in place, 365 applicants were screened, and 21 (5.
8%) were confirmed positive. Opiates were most often detected (48% of
positive screens), followed by cocaine (38%), then marijuana metabolit
es (28%). During both periods, positive urine screens were associated
with ethnicity (non-White) and occupational category (blue-collar). Wh
ereas in 1989 positive screens were associated with male gender, in 19
91, females were more likely to test positive. The decline in prevalen
ce following implementation of a screening program supports the notion
that preemployment testing can serve as a deterrent for drug-using pe
rsons in applying for employment.