Drug & Alcohol Screening Services
Drug Screening provides professional drug and alcohol screening services for workplaces and individuals throughout Canterbury — supporting workplace safety, policy compliance, and personal decision-making.
Screening Methods Available
Our collection procedures support consistent and defensible results
Urine Drug Screening
A widely used method suitable for workplace testing and personal screening, offering detection across a broad range of substances.
Oral Fluid (Saliva) Screening
Ideal for identifying recent drug use, particularly in safety-sensitive environments. Fast, non-invasive, and accurate.
Alcohol Screening
Breath alcohol testing conducted using calibrated devices. Suitable for pre-shift, random, and post-incident screening.
Not sure if testing is required?
We're happy to talk you through it.
Testing Applications
All collections are conducted professionally and respectfully, with clear chain-of-custody procedures where required.
Key Benefits
We work with employers to ensure testing is practical, compliant, and aligned with workplace policies.
- Qualified collection to AS/NZS 4760:2019 & 4308:2023
- Flexible testing options suited to your environment
- Clear, timely results with plain-language reporting
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes
- Professional, respectful sample collection
- Clear chain-of-custody procedures where required
Ready to set up a workplace testing programme or arrange a one-off screen?
Contact UsDrug & Alcohol Testing — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about workplace drug testing in Christchurch and Canterbury
Is workplace drug testing legal in New Zealand?
Yes, drug testing is legal in NZ workplaces provided it is conducted fairly, follows a written drug and alcohol policy, and complies with relevant employment law. Testing is most defensible when conducted under a properly drafted policy that employees have acknowledged.
What drugs are detected in a workplace drug test?
Standard workplace urine tests typically screen for cannabis (THC), amphetamines (including methamphetamine), opiates, cocaine, and benzodiazepines. The specific panel can vary depending on the testing standard and employer requirements.
What is the difference between urine and oral fluid drug testing?
Urine testing (AS/NZS 4308) detects a broader window of past drug use — typically days to weeks depending on the substance. Oral fluid (saliva) testing (AS/NZS 4760) detects more recent use — typically hours to a couple of days — making it well-suited for identifying recent impairment.
What is pre-employment drug testing in New Zealand?
Pre-employment drug screening allows employers to test job applicants before making a hiring decision, as part of a documented drug and alcohol policy. It is common in safety-sensitive industries such as construction, transport, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Can an employer require random drug testing in NZ?
Yes, random drug testing is lawful in New Zealand, particularly in safety-sensitive roles, provided employees have been clearly informed of the policy and testing is conducted consistently and without targeted discrimination.
How long do drugs stay detectable in urine?
Detection windows vary by substance: cannabis can be detectable for days to weeks in regular users; methamphetamine typically 2–4 days; cocaine 2–4 days; opiates 2–4 days. These are approximate and depend on individual metabolism, dosage, and frequency of use.
Have a specific question about your workplace situation? Get in touch — we're happy to help.
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