Quest Diagnostics has identified a troubling trend regarding drug use in the workplace, based on an analysis of over 8 million drug tests conducted nationwide. While the overall rate of positive drug tests has slightly decreased, the incidence of fentanyl detection has surged among workers after they have passed pre-employment screenings.
The report reveals that workplace urine drug positivity fell from 4.6% to 4.4% last year. In contrast, the detection of fentanyl in random drug tests—conducted on employees who have already been hired—raises concerns. This indicates that more individuals may be using this highly addictive opioid after securing employment. Random drug testing involves unscheduled assessments of currently employed individuals, providing insights into their substance use after passing initial pre-employment evaluations.
Expert Insights on the Rising Trend
Experts in addiction have expressed their concerns about these findings. Dr. Rob Valuck, affiliated with the Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention at the CU School of Pharmacy, emphasized the troubling emergence of fentanyl in various environments. Steve Carleton from Porch Light Health noted that this trend aligns with broader observations about drug usage patterns.
“This isn’t surprising,” Carleton stated. “It reflects what we know about drug trends and the increasing use of substances.” Both experts highlighted a worrying connection between the rise in fentanyl use and the prevalence of counterfeit pills being sold on the street. Carleton explained, “When you’re buying substances on the street, they’re counterfeit pills. You think you’re buying OxyContin or Xanax, but what you’re really getting is fentanyl.”
Regulatory Changes and Public Health Responses
The increasing presence of fentanyl in the workforce has prompted significant regulatory shifts. As of this year, all laboratories conducting federal workplace testing are now required to include fentanyl in their drug testing panels. Efforts are also underway at the Department of Transportation to enforce similar changes.
Though fentanyl-related deaths have been a major concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a decline in fatalities, from 76,282 deaths in 2023 to 48,422 deaths in 2024. Carleton attributes part of this decrease to improved education and the increasing availability of naloxone, a medication capable of reversing opioid overdoses.
The findings from Quest Diagnostics highlight the urgent need for ongoing monitoring and intervention strategies to address the rising trend of fentanyl use among workers, ensuring that workplace safety remains a priority.
