Importance of substance abuse testing and pulmonary function testing

Substance abuse testing

The case of the rising number of people taking a substance or drug abuse is one of the most challenging issues being faced by employers all across the world. The mistake of hiring a person who is a drug addict can be a very risky and costly issue for an employer.

Effect of substance abuse on company

·         Negative influence on the other employees

·         High absenteeism

·         Low productivity

·         Industrial accidents

The test can be carried out in various stages to prevent the drug abuse in an organization.

·         Pre-employment stage: Drug abuse test is carried out at this stage when the employee is to be hired. After the result of the test is favourable, only then the employee should be given the final employment letter.

·         Post employment stage:  After an individual is absorbed by the company, it is important for organizations to take a surprise Substance abuse testing time to time.

Pulmonary Function Testing

A pulmonary function test helps to assess how well a patient’s lung function.

The purpose of this test is

·         To determine the type and extent of lung disease.

·         To monitor existing lung disease.

·         To provide an accurate assessment of an individual’s respiratory status.

·         The air volume that can be inhaled and exhaled from the lungs

·         The stiffness of the lungs and the wall of the chest

Pulmonary function testing is done to screen the person for diseases that may be obstructive and restrictive in nature. There are several types of pulmonary function test.

·         Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

·         Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1, FEV2, FEV3)

·         Mid Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate (MMEF)

Comparison between FVC and FEV

Forced expiratory volume (FEV) is a more accurate determination of obstructive airway disease

Forced Vital Capacity measures how much air a person can exhale during a forced breath.