Pre-employment screenings often include testing for substances that could impair job performance or pose safety risks. Ethyl alcohol is one such substance commonly screened for. This screening typically involves urine, blood, or breath analysis to detect recent alcohol consumption. For example, a urine test may use ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS), which are metabolites of ethanol, to identify alcohol use within a few days prior to the test. Breathalyzer tests, on the other hand, measure current blood alcohol content (BAC).
Checking for recent alcohol use helps employers maintain a safe and productive work environment. It contributes to a culture of responsibility and mitigates potential liabilities arising from workplace incidents related to substance use. Historically, substance testing, including alcohol, became more prevalent in safety-sensitive industries like transportation and construction. Its use has expanded over time due to increased awareness of workplace safety and substance abuse prevention.