Frequently Asked Questions

 What are the Standard Alcohol Cut-Off Levels in Canada?

The only regulated alcohol cut-off level in Canada applies to companies regulated by the United States Department of Transportation.  The alcohol cut-off level for D.O.T. is 0.02 grams per 210 litres of breath.

Many organizations choose to adopt the recommendations for an alcohol cut-off level set out in the Canadian Model for Providing a Safe Workplace.  According to the Canadian Model, "an employee should not report to work with an alcohol level equal to or in excess of 0.04 grams per 210 litres of breath."

SureHire does not recommend having an alcohol cut-off in excess of 0.04 grams per 210 litres of breath.

 What are the Standard Drug Panels That are Tested For?

The majority of Canadian employers choose to follow the recommendations set out in the Canadian Model for Providing a Safe Workplace.  The drugs that the Canadian Model recommends screening for are:

Cocaine
Marijuana
Opiates
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Amphetamines

For any companies that are regulated by the United States Department of Transportation, the following drugs MUST be screened for:

Cocaine
Marijuana
Opiates
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Amphetamines

Effective May 1, 2010, the United States Department of Transportation is expanding the panels for the required drug screen to include the following:

Heroin (formerly included within the opiates panel)
MDMA (Ecstasy)

Some companies choose to include more than the standard 5 panel of drugs when screening their employees, the above information relates to the most common drug tests administered in Canada. 

 What is the Difference Between a 5 and 6 Panel Test?

A five panel drug test includes testing for the following drugs:

Cocaine
Marijuana
Opiates
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Amphetamines

A six panel drug test includes testing for the following drugs:

Cocaine
Marijuana
Opiates
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Amphetamines
Methamphetamines

 Future FAQ’s

·         How Long Does THC Stay in the System?

·         How Long do Results Take (quick screen and lab based)?

·         Does a Urine Test Screen for Drugs and Alcohol?

·         Can I Perform In-House Testing?

·         What is the Typical Fail Rate?

·         What is the Difference Between a Urine and Oral Fluid Drug Test?

·         Which Substances Can Cause a False Positive on a Quick Screen Drug Test?

·         Will second hand marijuana smoke show up on a drug test?

·         How long do most drugs stay in the system?

·         How can someone fail a quick screen, but have a negative result at the lab?