When a drug test comes back inconclusive, broaching the subject of retesting can be potentially uncomfortable or awkward. Taking a compassionate approach with an employee’s inconclusive drug test will yield the best results. So, here are some tips to encourage a more compassionate approach to dealing with an employee’s inconclusive drug test results.

Inconclusive Meaning: What is an Inconclusive Drug Test?

An inconclusive meaning to a drug test result is most commonly attributable to dilution or other outside sample contamination. This can be a red flag of potential tampering by an employee attempting to avoid detection. However, it’s not irrefutable evidence of direct interference. It could just as easily be caused by accidental high water intake, for example.

Whatever you can blame an inconclusive drug test result on, the same solution is warranted: retesting.

A compassionate approach to inconclusive results should begin with a frank and open conversation that avoids assigning blame. This explanation should include the need to retake the test and steps to try and avoid another inclusive result. Moreover, ensure they avoid high liquid intake before testing again and remind them multiple inconclusive results will affect their employment.

What If an Inconclusive Result Occurs After Starting Work?

Most employee drug tests, and thus most inconclusive drug test results, come pre-employment. This is to help shield employers from potential liability should an employee have an undiagnosed or unspoken addiction problem. Multiple inconclusive pre-employment tests will preclude hiring, but multiple inconclusive results after hiring may result in losing the position entirely.

What if someone needs to start but their test results are still pending? One potential compassionate solution is to inform the employee about this pending status ahead of time. Let them know, ideally in writing as well, that their hiring is conditional upon full completion of the drug screening. If the test results are not satisfactorily resolved, the offer can then be rescinded as necessary.

A Compassionate Approach

When explaining the issues related to drug testing, an inconclusive definition is just as problematic as inconclusive results. Furthermore, by conclusively explaining the definition, it should answer some of the most obvious questions your employee might have.

“Inconclusive” is defined, quite literally, as not being conclusive or leading to a conclusion. Either a positive or negative result, on the other hand, would be a conclusive result to the test. Retesting is thus necessary with inconclusive drug test results to try and determine with certainty if they’re negative (or not).

Approaching this compassionately would mean making sure that the difference is clearly understood and why it’s necessary to retest. That way, there is lessened anxiety or fear around the prospects of a retest.

Handling At-Work Intoxication

What if after testing or before results management begins to observe possible signs of intoxication at work? Some signs that may be spotted include slurred speech, strange behavior, or smelling of alcohol.

If management has reasonable evidence or suspicions like these, the first step should be a private conversation with the employee. As with any sensitive workplace conversation, at least two management or HR employees should be there. Don’t be too clinical or focus on medical information. Instead, focus on any potential policy violations and safety concerns.

If the employee admits to intoxication, this should be documented, sent home for the day, and disciplined accordingly. Depending on your company’s drug and alcohol use policy this could mean termination, a formal write-up, or a Last Chance Agreement. Whatever this policy is, it should be followed fairly and consistently to be most compassionate. Different consequences or different treatment for different employees might naturally be seen as signs of discrimination.

Choose Soteria for Compassionate Drug Testing.

Hopefully, you now better understand what an inconclusive drug test means and how to explain it compassionately. Navigating these sensitive personal issues in a way that properly shows a compassionate human connection can be very stressful. With a compassionate approach, you can avoid a confrontation or a potential HR headache.

If you need a partner in drug testing who knows the value of a compassionate approach, look to Soteria. Soteria has been providing personalized, effective, and compassionate drug testing for companies since 2001. We won’t just help with testing but with providing humane and compassionate treatment for you and your employees. Contact Soteria for more information or to start scheduling tests today.