New Hire Questions about Drug Testing/Background Check

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Anonymous

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Hey everyone, I'm new to this board and had a few questions. I recently got a job with a pharmaceutical company and had to fill out some paperwork for a background check and drug test prior to employment.

My first question is what sort of things are they looking for in a background check? I'm fairly young, and have no criminal record but not the greatest credit because of my age. I assume DMV records and speeding tickets aren't a big deal but I have 1 moving violation and 1 non-moving violation on record. I believe they're using Verifications, Inc.

My second question is regarding the drug testing. I am currently on prescription medications that would they would be testing for (2 different ones) I believe. Would presenting a valid prescription work for this? I have heard stories that even if you're prescribed valid medications some prevent you from working in certain places/companies/positions. Does the lab report all results, both negative and positive, even if I have a prescription?
 


Anonymous said:
Hey everyone, I'm new to this board and had a few questions. I recently got a job with a pharmaceutical company and had to fill out some paperwork for a background check and drug test prior to employment.

My first question is what sort of things are they looking for in a background check? I'm fairly young, and have no criminal record but not the greatest credit because of my age. I assume DMV records and speeding tickets aren't a big deal but I have 1 moving violation and 1 non-moving violation on record. I believe they're using Verifications, Inc.

My second question is regarding the drug testing. I am currently on prescription medications that would they would be testing for (2 different ones) I believe. Would presenting a valid prescription work for this? I have heard stories that even if you're prescribed valid medications some prevent you from working in certain places/companies/positions. Does the lab report all results, both negative and positive, even if I have a prescription?
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No credit is not as negative as bad credit. You'll be fine there, provided you don't have any student loans in default.

You might run into issues with the moving/non-moving violations depending on how old they are. This will probably be your biggest hurdle.

Finally, they might not be testing for the prescription drugs you are currently taking, but I would ask the lab running the test just to make sure. If you make a preemptive statement about your prescription drugs to our potential employer, don't be surprised if they hold it against you.
 


Anonymous said:
No credit is not as negative as bad credit. You'll be fine there, provided you don't have any student loans in default.

You might run into issues with the moving/non-moving violations depending on how old they are. This will probably be your biggest hurdle.

Finally, they might not be testing for the prescription drugs you are currently taking, but I would ask the lab running the test just to make sure. If you make a preemptive statement about your prescription drugs to our potential employer, don't be surprised if they hold it against you.
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Well the moving violation was a simple speeding ticket and I forget what the non-moving violation was specifically for but it was basically driving through the lines in an empty parking lot. Both were over a year ago, and I think the speeding ticket will be 3 years ago in April/May.

I take klonopin on a daily basis, and have been for about 5 years. I recently also was quite sick and prescribed cough syrup with hydrocodone which I intend to stop taking today (it's been tough, lots of coughing and I have a broken rib). I figured I shouldn't disclose it to my employer, but should I tell the lab prior to running it so they don't automatically report positives for those drugs? I'm all set as far as other drugs are concerned - I don't use any recreational drugs at all including marijuana.
 


Anonymous said:
Well the moving violation was a simple speeding ticket and I forget what the non-moving violation was specifically for but it was basically driving through the lines in an empty parking lot. Both were over a year ago, and I think the speeding ticket will be 3 years ago in April/May.

I take klonopin on a daily basis, and have been for about 5 years. I recently also was quite sick and prescribed cough syrup with hydrocodone which I intend to stop taking today (it's been tough, lots of coughing and I have a broken rib). I figured I shouldn't disclose it to my employer, but should I tell the lab prior to running it so they don't automatically report positives for those drugs? I'm all set as far as other drugs are concerned - I don't use any recreational drugs at all including marijuana.
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I wouldn't worry about Klonopin showing up on a drug screen. In fact, telling someone that you take Klonopin pretty much reveals you have seizure or anxiety issues. Therefore, I would keep that info private if possible.

Definitely get off the hydrocodone since it's a narcotic, however, most are aware it's indicated for cough relief. I would ask the lab conducting the test about the hydrocodone.

Your driving violations sound minor. They are more concerned with DUIs. Good luck.
 


Anonymous said:
I wouldn't worry about Klonopin showing up on a drug screen. In fact, telling someone that you take Klonopin pretty much reveals you have seizure or anxiety issues. Therefore, I would keep that info private if possible.

Definitely get off the hydrocodone since it's a narcotic, however, most are aware it's indicated for cough relief. I would ask the lab conducting the test about the hydrocodone.

Your driving violations sound minor. They are more concerned with DUIs. Good luck.
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I figured the driving violations wouldn't be a major thing. And yes, I use the Klonopin for mild generalized anxiety/panic attacks and a bit of a sleep aid. I was under the impression that because it was a benzodiazepine that it would be tested for and come up positive as such.

As far as the hydrocodone goes, how long do you think it would take to clear out of my system if I stopped taking it starting tomorrow? I already took some today for the cough.

In the event I test positive for both, do I get the opportunity to present the prescriptions to the lab? And with a valid prescription does the lab tell my employer that I tested positive and I am prescribed those medications? It seems like if they won't continue the hiring process due to valid prescriptions/medical issues that it might be considered a type of discrimination. I say this because I have had no problems working or being in school the entire time I've taken Klonopin.

I'm just hoping that if I test positive for those two, and have a prescription that the lab simply reports my results as "passed" but I'm not sure if it's a pass/fail thing or if I even get a chance to explain should I come up positive for either one and hadn't mentioned it prior to the test.

Sorry to be so long-winded but this will be my first real job, and I don't want to screw it up over medications that I've been prescribed legitimately and legally. Especially since I have to quit a different full-time job and move to take this one
 


Anonymous said:
I figured the driving violations wouldn't be a major thing. And yes, I use the Klonopin for mild generalized anxiety/panic attacks and a bit of a sleep aid. I was under the impression that because it was a benzodiazepine that it would be tested for and come up positive as such.

As far as the hydrocodone goes, how long do you think it would take to clear out of my system if I stopped taking it starting tomorrow? I already took some today for the cough.

In the event I test positive for both, do I get the opportunity to present the prescriptions to the lab? And with a valid prescription does the lab tell my employer that I tested positive and I am prescribed those medications? It seems like if they won't continue the hiring process due to valid prescriptions/medical issues that it might be considered a type of discrimination. I say this because I have had no problems working or being in school the entire time I've taken Klonopin.

I'm just hoping that if I test positive for those two, and have a prescription that the lab simply reports my results as "passed" but I'm not sure if it's a pass/fail thing or if I even get a chance to explain should I come up positive for either one and hadn't mentioned it prior to the test.

Sorry to be so long-winded but this will be my first real job, and I don't want to screw it up over medications that I've been prescribed legitimately and legally. Especially since I have to quit a different full-time job and move to take this one
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If they deny you employment due to a failed drug test, it will not be actionable by the EEOC. In fact, the EEOC doesn't even protect sexual orientation. A company could flat out not hire a gay person and still not violate any discrimination laws-- let alone someone who fails a drug test. Ask the lab person what you wrote above. That is my best advice.
 


Anonymous said:
If they deny you employment due to a failed drug test, it will not be actionable by the EEOC. In fact, the EEOC doesn't even protect sexual orientation. A company could flat out not hire a gay person and still not violate any discrimination laws-- let alone someone who fails a drug test. Ask the lab person what you wrote above. That is my best advice.
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I talked to the lab that runs the drug screen (Quest) and they said if I test positive for anything that they will first call me to inform me at which point I can give them the contact information and name of the doctor that prescribed the medication for me. That is assuming, of course, it's a prescription medication.

The recruiter had already checked my references, and just has a criminal/DMV check to use. I thought they used Verifications, Inc. but have since been told by an employee on this message board that they use Hire Right.
 


Anonymous said:
... I have to quit a different full-time job and move to take this one
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Ask the people giving the drug test about the hydrocodone -- it should not be a problem.

Why on earth would you want to quit a full time job to take a job in an industry that is imploding? You realize your chances of being unemployed are pretty high within the first 2 years, right?

The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. Good luck.
 


Anonymous said:
No credit is not as negative as bad credit. You'll be fine there, provided you don't have any student loans in default.

You might run into issues with the moving/non-moving violations depending on how old they are. This will probably be your biggest hurdle.

Finally, they might not be testing for the prescription drugs you are currently taking, but I would ask the lab running the test just to make sure. If you make a preemptive statement about your prescription drugs to our potential employer, don't be surprised if they hold it against you.
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The prescriptions you are taking are no one' business but the people doing the lab tests. Inform thjem (there will be a form asking) and tthen drop the subject.
 






Drug Dumper said:
Ask the people giving the drug test about the hydrocodone -- it should not be a problem.

Why on earth would you want to quit a full time job to take a job in an industry that is imploding? You realize your chances of being unemployed are pretty high within the first 2 years, right?

The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. Good luck.
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Well, I'm only making $8 an hour now and it's a 1099 contractor position so this job is much better and it's in the field I went to school for. Why do you say the field is imploding and I'll be unemployed in the first 2 years?
 


Im in the process of getting hired just waiting on my background check that will be going through Verifications Inc. I do have a federal felony from 5 years ago. Usually it never shows up since most employers only use state records. Would anybody know if they happen to check federal as well?
 


Anonymous said:
Im in the process of getting hired just waiting on my background check that will be going through Verifications Inc. I do have a federal felony from 5 years ago. Usually it never shows up since most employers only use state records. Would anybody know if they happen to check federal as well?
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They check it all my friend and re-check records both driving and criminal once a year on all personnel.
 


FYI -- you won't be able to get into Canada if they check your background either. they don't accept misdemeanors OR felonies.

Just a little tidbit I recently learned.

So, if you ever go, DRIVE through and hope they don't do a random passport background check.
 


Drug Dumper said:
Ask the people giving the drug test about the hydrocodone -- it should not be a problem.

Why on earth would you want to quit a full time job to take a job in an industry that is imploding? You realize your chances of being unemployed are pretty high within the first 2 years, right?

The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. Good luck.
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I realize this is an old post, but I hope it makes it back to you. An imploding industry? What did you base that garbage statement on? 3 years later...how accurate did that turn out to be? Maybe don't answer questions of people really looking for answers, with made up opinions.
 


Hey how u doing! I have a question I had a friend recently to a drug test n she failed bt she was offered the job already! She stop smoking marijuana a month bt still in here system.... what's the odds of getting it
 



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