The number of US workers in 2019 who tested positive for illicit drugs was at the highest rate in 16 years, and there are fears the number has risen further in 2020 as a symptom of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report.

Quest Diagnostics examined the results of more than 9 million samples taken last year from both the general US workforce and employees in safety-sensitive jobs who undergo federally mandated drug testing.

Positivity rates in the combined U.S. workforce increased in urine drug tests, climbing to the highest level since 2003 (4.5%) and more than 28% per cent higher than the thirty-year low of 3.5 per cent recorded between 2010 and 2012.

The researchers said their findings generally align with other research – drug deaths in the United States rose 5 per cent in 2019, driven largely by methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl, following a decline in 2018.

They also said that during the first few months of 2020, drug deaths have increased by about 13 per cent compared with last year, attributable partly to social isolation and other disruptions caused by COVID-19.

“There is no question that before COVID-19, rates of workplace drug positivity were trending in the wrong direction, based on our Quest Diagnostics data, The enormous strain caused by COVID-19 may prove to be an accelerant on this disturbing trend,” said Dr Barry Sample, senior director of science and technology of Quest Diagnostics.

“Organisations will need to consider the impact of COVID-19 not only on workplace safety but also as a health concern for their employees for some time to come.”

Over the last five years, methamphetamine positivity in the general US workforce testing increased nearly 12 per cent (0.17% in 2015 versus 0.19% in 2019).

“While the national debate on drug misuse in the workforce has focused primarily on marijuana, increasing positivity rates for cocaine and methamphetamine are also cause for concern,” said Dr Sample.

“Positivity by drug and region can be random and unpredictable. Our data is a reminder that it is important to remain vigilant about all drug misuse in the workforce.

Marijuana continues to top the list of the most commonly detected illicit substances across all workforce categories and specimen types (urine, oral fluid, and hair).

“Marijuana continues to be an enduring presence in the US workforce. Changing attitudes toward its use could pose heightened risks especially in safety-sensitive positions and those states exploring legalisation,” said Dr Sample.

Encouragingly, in the general US workforce, positivity for opiates in urine drug testing continues to decline across all opiate categories. Urine drug test positivity for opiates (primarily codeine and/or morphine) in the general US workforce declined more than 19 per cent and 49 per cent over five years.

For an interactive map with positivity rates and trend lines by three-digit zip code in the US, visit DTIDrugMap.com.

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