06/15/2021
Drug positivity rates at historically high levels
The first large-scale analysis of de-identified results of lab-based drug tests performed during the COVID-19 pandemic show that workforce drug testing positivity rates for ma*****na continue to increase in the general U.S. workforce, according to a new analysis by Quest Diagnostics. In the general U.S. workforce, positivity increased 3.8 percent (5.3% in 2019) versus (5.5% in 2020)and was 12.2 percent higher than in 2016. "Driven largely by surging rates of ma*****na general U.S. workforce positives and steady rates of amphetamines positives, the rate of drug positivity remained stubbornly high despite seismic shifts to the workplace caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Barry Sample, PH.D., senior director of science and technology, Quest Diagnostics. " However, as we see upticks in hiring and many employees returning to the workplace, it is important that employers consider workforce drug testing as a way to keep the workplace, their customers and the community safe." For a look at the detailed analysis visit
