| Abstract: | This article reviews the research evidence on reliability, validity, utility, legality, and applicant reactions regarding preemployment urinalysis drug testing. Key criticisms of such testing are discussed as well. Drug testing does appear to correlate with various job outcomes (e.g., turnover), but the effect size seems to be quite small. Moreover, the utility of such testing is questioned. Research concerning applicant reactions shows considerable variance as to its acceptability, depending among other considerations, on the nature of the job. While preemployment urinalysis testing is generally legal, growing state and Federal regulations affect the conditions under which such tests may be given. |
