Pubdate: Sat, 11 Aug 2001
Source: The Express-Times (PA)
Copyright: 2001 The Express-Times
Contact:  http://www.pennlive.com/expresstimes/today/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1489
Author: Julia Bauer

NATIONAL DRUG SCREEN INC.

Belvidere Company Will Certify Job Seekers As Drug Free

Not too many years ago, the only people who faced drug tests were suspected 
addicts and athletes.

But the booming demand for drug clearance has helped launch a company in 
Belvidere - National Drug Screen Inc.

In 1993, Dr. John Bernard of Forks Township started the drug-testing 
company to fill a need, said Ed Moore, vice president.

"We test employees for drugs, then we certify whether they're drug free or 
not," Moore said.

New federal regulations in the late 1980s required drug tests for 8 million 
workers in transportation - for people like truck drivers and pilots.

Corporate America wasn't far behind.

"Corporations decided that because society was so litigious, they should 
protect themselves from employees that may be using drugs," Moore said. 
"Putting a drug screening program in place actually saves them money. 
There's less absenteeism, less insurance costs, fewer accidents."

Now, National Drug Screen employs 10 people at its headquarters at 526 
Water St. and it serves more than 100 corporations.

The company's latest business idea encourages job seekers to get their own 
drug test clearance, then post that fact on a Web-based resume. The service 
costs $29.99.

People who need a drug test go to the company's Web site or call to locate 
one of the 5,000 labs closest to them.

At the lab, the person gives a urine sample. Results are back in one to two 
days, Moore said.

The most common test checks for five drugs - cocaine, opiates, marijuana, 
phenylcyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines.

Moore said 65 percent of U.S. corporations require some type of drug 
testing for employees.

The company's Web site, nationaldrugscreen.com, has one site for corporate 
clients, and a second section for individuals.

Getting the company's stamp of approval could give a job applicant an edge 
in the hunt for work, Moore said.

"If you went in and passed the test, you'd get a confirmation that you 
passed," Moore said. "We'd also apply an icon to your resume and any 
corporation that saw that would know that you are tested and drug free."

u Business Spotlight is a weekly feature that focuses on unsung companies 
in the Lehigh Valley and western New Jersey. Readers may recommend 
companies for the feature by e-mailing  times.com.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart