On certain occasions, drug testing may catch an employee by surprise. This can result in something called shy bladder, where the individual is unable to complete a drug test. When shy bladder interferes with the success of drug screening, employees and business owners may need to utilize an alternative approach. 

Understanding shy bladder can help business owners and employees learn how to handle the situation if and when it does occur. If you’re curious about shy bladder and want to know how to navigate the situation, continue reading.

Protocol for a Shy Bladder Drug Test

Drug screening is an essential process in many industries and fields. However, for employees, the proceeding may come with various challenges. When a shy bladder drug test occurs, certain protocols exist depending on the industry. 

For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires individuals who perform a shy bladder drug test to complete protocol within five days. These employees must obtain a licensed physician evaluation explaining why they were unable to perform the test. In some cases, medical conditions can cause an inability to urinate. 

Depending on the provided medical information, instances like these will either be declared as canceled or as a refusal. Additionally, if a shy bladder test occurs during a pre-hiring process, the individual may lose the opportunity for the position. 

What Causes Shy Bladder? 

Shy bladder can occur for several different reasons. In fact, there are a few medical conditions that contribute to the issue. If you’re curious about what causes shy bladder, take a look at these two conditions.

• Paruresis: Paruresis causes an inability to urinate while people are nearby. Because the condition affects nearly 20 million people, the odds of it impacting workplace drug screenings are highly likely. 
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BHP): Benign prostatic hyperplasia occurs when the prostate gland becomes enlarged. This symptom restricts a man’s ability to urinate on command. The condition generally tends to affect men as they age.  

These conditions are highly common, and can help provide a better understanding of shy bladder during workplace drug screenings. 

Are Bladder Conditions Subject to Employment Protection? 

Also, if an employee or applicant cannot perform a drug test, they may need to provide proof of their shy bladder. In these instances, employees may need to contact their healthcare providers to provide medical documentation.

If the employee can prove that they do have a condition that limits urination, there are certain protections at play. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Americans with Disabilities Act protect employees in the case of shy bladder. 

Are Shy Bladder Conditions Considered a Disability? 

Although some businesses may not recognize shy bladder conditions as a limitation, they can be considered a disability. According to the EEOC & ADAAA, three criteria categorize specific conditions as a disability. These criteria are as follows:

1. An individual experiences a physical or mental condition that significantly limits one or more major life events.
2. An individual has a record of a physical or mental condition that significantly limited a major life event. 
3. When an entity takes action forbidden by the ADA because of an impairment that is not minor or insignificant. 

Employees that meet these criteria with conditions like paruresis or benign prostatic hyperplasia may receive employment protection. When undergoing shy bladder drug testing, this support can protect their employment status or hiring process. 

Create a Drug-Free Workplace With Soteria Drug Screening 

If you’re seeking better standards for your business, drug testing may help. Soteria Drug Screening offers a multi-facility, quality drug screening lab to ensure high-standard safety in the workplace. To better protect your business, contact Soteria Drug Screening today and discover how their services can support your workplace.