First Advantage is a leading provider of Behalf Background and Drug Screening services which are used by businesses, schools as well as government agencies to maintain drug-free compliant work environment. Because the longer it takes to get back a drug test result, the longer you have to wait before knowing if your candidate can be moved along in this whole process. Fast First Advantage is proud of our average turnaround time that comes with high-quality results so employers may hire and manage their drivers faster than ever! This guide will give you information on the timeline, process and other important elements of First Advantage drug screening if your company is thinking about hiring them to test for drugs or if as a candidate you are getting ready for a drug check.
What is First Advantage Drug Screen?
FADV, through its subsidiary company First Advantage Corporation, serves as a global supplier of employment background reports and drug testing solutions. Its drug screening services serve employers in a variety of industries who rely on the company to enforce zero-tolerance workplace policies, adhere to industry regulations and foster a safer work environment. First Advantage uses preferred certified labs to perform tests, delivering industry compliant levels of test performance and confidentiality.
First Advantage offers an array of drug testing services available to employers, such as 10-panel and other types of tests as well that can test for multiple substances — random drug screenings or post-accident screening. To further facilitate this process, First Advantage contains a digital tracking domain so employers they can keep tabs on the progress starting from testing to results as well.
Tests Offered by First Advantage for Drug Screening
Several drug testing options catered to different industry requirements and compliance standards are offered by First Advantage. Drug tests are usually divided into following categories;
- 10-Panel Drug Test: Screen For amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines cocaine marijuana methadone opiates PCP methaqualone propoxyphene This test is the most commonly chosen as part of a full pre-employment or random drug screening.
- 5-Panel Drug Test -The 5-panel drug test is a remarkably inexpensive method to check for the presence of five major classes of drugs (Amphetamines, Marijuana, Cocaine,Opiates and PCP).
- Alcohol Tests: Measure the amount of alcohol in your system, used most frequently for employees dealing with safety areas where being sober is essential such as drivers or machine handlers.
- Hair Follicle Drug Test — Detects substance use within a detection window of up to 90 days What it is used for: This test can help detect drug use over a much longer period than other types of tests.
- Saliva or Oral Fluid Testing: Similar to a saliva drug test, this type is used for short duration detection of recent presence.
All these tests are processed in certified labs and cross-verified by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) to ensure that the positive results generated from them are foolproof.
First Advantage Drug Screening Process
The First Advantage drug test is simple to manage and intended streamline the review process for both firms and applicants. A detailed analysis of the First Advantage drug test process Then, here is a brief breakdown on what to expect from the standard drug screening methods at First Advantages:
- Initiating the Test
First Advantage[4] (drug test ordered by employer or HR dept) The candidate or employee is next sent an invitation containing information on how to complete the screening at a nearby testing center. First Advantage either works with certified laboratories (like LabCorp) to manage sample collection + processing, or processes samples in one of our own clinics.
- Sample Collection
The candidates are redirected to a local lab where the necessary sample (urine, saliva, blood or hair) is taken. The collection process in urine tests will only take 15 – 30 minutes. Candidates will need valid ID, and must follow all instructions to ensure a sample that is suitable.
- Lab Processing and Analysis
The lab runs a check on the specimen which can take 24-72 hours depending with common tests like urine and spit. Hair testing using hair follicle tests may require more than a week of processing, as the analysis needs to be much more in-depth. The test for the employer is done on those samples from a particular panel (eg, 5-panel vs.
- Review by a Medical Review Officer (MRO)
Positive results are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO). This can include contacting the candidate if medications were found that could account for a positive result, maintaining an accurate and fair testing process.
- Results Reporting
First Advantage then submits results directly to the employer via their web-based system after verification. The employer can see the status, and results may be available for most tests in about 2–3 business days.
How Long Does it Take For First Advantage Drug Screening
Most standard tests (urine drug screen) will have results within 1-3 business days. The timeline can be different according to the following points:-
- Urine Test and Saliva Tests are usually faster than Hair Follicle due to hair follice can take up to a week.
- Positive / Incidental results: Positive cases must be sent for the Medical Review Officer (MRO) review and this can add another 1–2 days.
- Lab Demand: Labs are a finite resource; some seasons will see higher demand than others which may result in minor delays.
In general, First Advantage is considered to provide fast turnaround times thanks to its easy online processes and strong lab partnerships.
Happy And Confetti, Because Employers Choose First Advantage for Drug Screening
One-click solution to drug screening First Advantage is a credible name for drug testing, as it offers several types of tests that are reported on time and digitally. Why Employers Use First Advantage: Top Reasons
- Variety of Tests Available: From variety panels to different methods (urine, saliva and hair), First Advantage is able ti provide industry-specific solutions suited for your needs.
- Confidential Web Portal: Employers can immediately view the status and results of a medical screening utilizing one convenient, web-based platform.
- MRO (Medical Review Officer) Services: every positive is reviewed by an MRO that is certified to give accurate interpretations and take prescribed medications into consideration.
- Compliance Know-how: First Advantage assists employers with compliance to local, state and federal laws especially in industries where drug testing laws are strict (e.g., Transportation, Healthcare).
- Quick and accurate: First Advantage leverage state-of-the-art labs & technology to minimize turn-around time, while also ensuring the accuracy of test results.
Industries in Which First Advantage Drug Screening is Common
Here are a few industries that rely on First Advantage for accurate and legal drug screenings:
- If your job involves transportation, you must undergo regular drug tests for safety and to comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
- Healthcare: Drug tests help ensure that healthcare providers are able to deliver safe, effective patient care
- Workplaces with highly physical requirements like Manufacturing and Construction: As the most dangerous industries in terms of accidents, companies enforce drug testing to reduce these risks.
- Education — Employees, especially those who work with children are put through a drug test in most educational centers.
- Retail and Hospitality — Employers in these sectors regularly test employees to ensure quality work, as well as a safe and secure environment.
Best Practices for First Advantage Drug Screening
In order to receive the best performance and flawless experience we suggest a few tips for both employers and techies alike:
For Employers
- Establish Policies: Clearly define drug testing policies in your employee handbook so applicants know what to expect.
- Leverage the Online Portal: First Advantage’s portal simplifies tracking and paper trails, which is helpful during fast hiring seasons.
- Encourage Immediate Test Scheduling: Continue to encourage candidates to schedule and take their tests as soon as possible; This may help prevent some of the delays.
For Candidates
- Be On Time and Ready: Arrive at the test center with acceptable ID, follow testing protocol.
- Be Mindful of What You Eat Skip poppy seeds and some teas — these foods could lead to a false positive, plus the smell from certain strong smelling foods hangs around for hours.
- Disclose Any Hyperactive Medication: Let the MRO know if you are taking a medication that could affect your results as well.
Key Questions about the First Advantage Drug Screening
When will you be informed on the progress of your drug test at First Advantage?
In general, most results are available between 1 – 3 business days. And common ones for positive or inconclusive tests combined with an MRO in one facility “other” test are getting another billable day at the MRO review end of two days.
Do They Include in the First Advantage 10 Panel Drug Test?
Methamphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana metabolites methadone opiates PCP benzodiazepines cocaine Methaqualone Propoxyphene
Do First Advantage drug tests allow the candidates to know their results?
To the employer is not that common in this case, achieved mainly via direct reporting from First Advantage. Candidates may have to ask that results be relayed by their employer (or not).
Does First Advantage drug test DOT?
Employers in the transportation industry can take advantage of DOT-compliant drug screening options through First Advantage to ensure they remain compliant with federal standards.
What is First Advantage Random Drug Testing?
First Advantage also offers random drug testing for industries that require this service on an ongoing basis – including healthcare and transportation sectors.
Conclusion
First Advantage offers comprehensive, efficient, and accurate drug screening solutions for employers across various industries. From pre-employment and random testing to industry-specific solutions like DOT-compliant screenings, First Advantage helps employers maintain a safe, drug-free workplace. With streamlined online reporting, certified lab partnerships, and MRO-reviewed results, First Advantage continues to be a trusted choice for those seeking dependable and compliant drug screening services.