Urinalysis also known as routine and microscopy (R&M) is a test that scrutinizes a sample of urine. It involves examining the color, concentration, and content of the urine. It can be used to detect a wide range of disorders and illness. In the workplace, urinalysis is used to examine the drug content of an employee’s urine.

Most employers require that candidates applying for a job position take drug tests. They may be required to take any of the following type of drug test; blood drug testing, saliva drug testing, hair drug testing, urine drug testing, sweat drug testing, or breath drug testing.


Urine drug test (urinalysis) is frequently used during pre-employment testing.

In most companies, an employee may be required to go through workplace drug testing on multiples occasions without prior notice. In such cases, employees are familiar or expected to be familiar with the company’s policy.

Urinalysis Process:

First, an employer requests for a drug test from an employee. The employee in directed to the collection site to produce a sample of his urine. In some cases, the employee may be asked to bring a sample from home. If this is the case, the sample undergoes serious scrutiny to ensure it has not been tampered with.

Urine sample is collected in a secured cup afterwards it is sealed and made tamper-proof. Tagging of the sample is also done.

Next is the screening. The urine sample is sent to the lab and is screened for the drugs. Before screening, the sample is divided into two halves. The first halve is tested using an analyzer. If the test comes out positive, it is confirmed using gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry.

Results are conveyed to the employer who is left to decide on what action to take based on the result.

While a lot of employees who are involved in drugs constantly seek for ways to beat the test, it is advised to play safe by abstaining from drugs.