Author: csdesign

How DNA Testing Is Done

Written by csdesign on February 10, 2017. Posted in DNA / Paternity Testing.

You might expect the process of DNA testing to be complex, but it’s actually rather straightforward—at least it will be for the person being tested. Much like drug testing in Arizona, you’ll first learn about the test and consent to it before your doctor orders the test and collects the sample. Then the lab will look at the sample and put together a report. Here is a closer look at how DNA testing is done.

Understanding and Consenting

DNA testing is used to prove familial relationships, which is particularly important when it comes to custody cases, immigration law, and finding missing family members. First, your doctor will go over the nature of the test with you so you know what to expect. You can always do some research on your own, but your testing professional will tell you exactly how the procedure will work. Then you can offer your consent to take the test.

Ordering and Taking Samples

Depending on the nature of the test and how long you have been considering it, you might still need to order the test. Once it has arrived, your doctor can take a DNA sample from you and the other person—or people—in question. If it’s inconvenient or impossible to take samples from each person at the same time, you can take them at different times or locations. The process of taking samples typically includes a simple cotton swab in the mouth.

Analysis and Report

After the samples have been taken, they will be sent to the laboratory. A lab technician will then analyze the samples and look for similarities and differences in the DNA. You can typically expect results within three business days.

DNA testing is just one of the many services we offer at Oschmann Employee Screening Services. If you’re interested in learning about drug testing in Arizona, feel free to give us a call at (800) 224-8532 or visit our website to learn more about our services.

supervisors reasonable suspicion training and designated employer representative training

A Look at Different Substance Abuse Training

Written by csdesign on January 27, 2017. Posted in Drug Free Workplace, Drug Testing.

Not all types of drug testing are the same, and undergoing one aspect of substance abuse training doesn’t necessarily make you a pro. There are different types of training programs and different roles to play, and they are all important for the process. Feel free to keep reading for a look at different types of substance abuse training.

Breath Alcohol Technician

You may have noticed that when you drink alcohol it stays on your breath, which is the reason that breathalyzers work. A Breath Alcohol Technician, or BAT, is someone who has received training regarding the proper testing procedures. This type of certification means that you have met Department of Transportation regulations and are capable of testing for alcohol in the workplace. You can undergo this training via online class or in-person seminar.

Employee Workplace Substance Abuse

The employee workplace substance abuse training program is a comprehensive course that teaches you about the effects that many different types of drugs and alcohol can have. You will learn about drugs like cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and inhalants and how long they stay in the body. Additionally, you will be provided with community resources that can help anyone who is found to be using or abusing these types of substances.

Supervisor Training

Supervisors should be able to detect the signs of drug or alcohol use in the workplace, especially in safety sensitive situations. Supervisor training in recognizing drug and alcohol abuse or misuse will help keep your workplace safe and productive, and the training can be completed through classroom training.

Drug testing in Arizona is crucial in many industries, so you should know if your company needs help. At Oschmann Employee Screening Services, we are qualified to help you keep your workforce clean and productive. Feel free to visit our website or call us at (800) 224-8532 today for a look at our services.

How You Can Do Everything Right, or DER

Written by csdesign on January 13, 2017. Posted in Drug Free Workplace, Drug Testing.

Learning from mistakes is one thing, but when it comes to drug testing it’s important to be thorough. In this case, mistakes can lead to damages, personal injury, and even lost jobs. From the actual drug and alcohol testing and collection to educating your employee, it’s important to do everything right. Look ahead to see how you can do everything right, or DER.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

If you want to cultivate a drug-free environment for your workplace, you’ll need to conduct drug tests to ensure that everyone complies with this policy. You can test incoming applicants to make sure they are clean when they join the team, and you can use random testing to motivate employees to stay off drugs. It’s also important to test any employee who moves from one position within the company to a different position that is more safety sensitive.

Collection

You can’t analyze results without first collecting them, but you also need to make sure the collection site conducts the right tests. As the DER, it’s your responsibility to make it clear what types of tests you need so the collection site can get them to you. To make matters simple and clear, be sure to put everything in writing.

Employee Education

Your employees need to understand the regulations in order to comply with them, which is where employee education comes in. An employee education program will go over the dangers of using drugs and alcohol, how misuse can affect the workplace, and what could happen if you fail to comply with the company’s policies.

If you’re looking to do everything right, call the team at Oschmann Employee Screening Services at (800) 224-8532. We specialize in drug testing in Arizona and we are committed to creating safer workplaces for all. For more information about our services and our company, feel free to check out our website.

Who is Subject to DOT Compliance Checks?

Written by csdesign on December 23, 2016. Posted in Drug Testing.

Workplace safety is essential no matter where you work, but it takes on an extra level of importance if your job involves travel and transportation. If you are controlling a car, truck, airplane, or other vehicle, you are partially responsible for the safety of other drivers in traffic as well as passengers on-board your machine. Take a look ahead to find out who is subject to DOT compliance checks.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Individuals that work for different entities don’t all necessarily need to be tested at the same rate, but it’s the minimums that are important to understand. Commercial drivers for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, and Canadian and Mexican carriers with drivers in the United States must be randomly tested for drugs and alcohol. Minimums for yearly drug testing are set at 50 percent, while the alcohol testing rate is only 10 percent.

Federal Aviation Administration

There is very little room for error in the aviation industry, as many lives are constantly at stake. This is why it is mandated that every air traffic controller and operator conform to anti-drug program requirements. This involves a 25 percent minimum annual drug testing rate and, like the FMCSA, a 10 percent annual alcohol testing rate.

Federal Railroad Administration

Anyone who works for the Federal Railroad Administration is subject to DOT compliance checks while employed. In this case the numbers are the same as the Federal Aviation Administration: A 25 percent minimum annual drug testing rate and a 10 percent minimum annual alcohol testing rate.

At Oschmann Employee Screening Services, we are happy to offer drug testing in Arizona in addition to DOT compliance checks so you can keep your employees safe and competent. You can find out much more about our screening services by visiting our website or giving us a call at (800) 224-8532 today.

Who Might Seek a Paternity DNA Test?

Written by csdesign on December 9, 2016. Posted in DNA / Paternity Testing.

People who are adopted or otherwise separated from family members might have difficulty proving their relationship without hard evidence, and a DNA test can provide exactly that. This can be helpful when it comes to settling legal issues, reconnecting with missing family, or finding out if you’re an identical or fraternal twin. Continue on and see who might seek a paternity DNA test.

Individuals Dealing with Legal Issues

Child support payments can add up quickly, but what happens if you’re not sure that the child you’re paying to support is actually yours? A paternity DNA test will provide sufficient evidence that a child is or isn’t yours, which can be extremely helpful from a legal standpoint in addition to providing parents with peace of mind. A Paternity DNA test can also be used in cases involving visitation rights, custody, and inheritance issues.

Individuals Finding Missing Family Members

Not all people grow up knowing their family members. When someone is adopted or separated from family early on, they might develop an interest in seeking out their biological family later on in life. A paternity DNA test can help you determine whether or not you are someone’s biological offspring or parent, and this can even extend to grandparents.

Individuals Distinguishing Between Identical and Fraternal Twins

If you want to find out if you are an identical or a fraternal twin, paternity DNA testing can help you, as it is not always clear based on appearance alone. This will give you some insight as to exactly how close your genes are to your sibling’s.

If you or someone you know might be seeking a paternity DNA test, call Oschmann Employee Screening Services at (800) 224-8532. We also offer drug testing in Arizona so you can keep your business running at full capacity. You can call us today or visit our website to learn more about how we can help you.

A Look at Different Background Screenings

Written by csdesign on November 18, 2016. Posted in Background Screenings.

Background screening can provide valuable information about potential employees during the hiring process. Employers often make use of one or more screening options to ensure employees are not only honest and a good fit for their company, but also capable of performing important duties and maintaining a safe and positive workplace. Oschmann Employee Screening Services is pleased to offer assistance with employee background screening in Arizona to provide the information you need regarding candidates for any and all positions within your company.

Criminal Search

Criminal searches may be performed on the county, state, and federal level to determine whether an individual has ever been arrested or convicted of a crime. The type of search you select may be dependent upon your workplace or the type of information an individual may encounter in the desired position. County records typically contain information regarding misdemeanors and offenses, while federal records will include crimes such as embezzlement, weapons charges, and drug crimes.

Social Security Number Trace

Any time an applicant’s identity or honesty may be questioned, a Social Security number trace is a simple way to quickly confirm this information. This type of background check will reveal information such as past addresses, previous employers, and other names an individual may have used in the past.

Motor Vehicle Report

Employees that may use either their own vehicles or company vehicles for business purposes should be screened via a motor vehicle report. This report contains information on an individual’s driving record, which includes accident history and driver’s license information to confirm an up-to-date license and vehicle registration.

If you’d like to learn more about background screenings or drug and alcohol testing in Arizona, please contact Oschmann Employee Screening Services by phone today at (800) 224-8532. We are here to help you choose the best employees for your company and ensure your workplace remains productive, safe, and compliant with all state and federal regulations. You can also learn more about our drug and alcohol testing programs when you visit us on the web.