CVS Health Drug Test

Yes, CVS drug tests. CVS is a strictly alcohol-free and drug-free environment, and as such does check its employees for legal/illegal substances prior to employment and when being considered for a promotion, especially employees in pharmaceutical or managerial positions. It uses a urine test performed at an approved third-party lab.

Whether you will be asked to submit to a drug test for employment at CVS comes down to what position you're applying for. If you're applying to work as a cashier or to work in distribution, then you may not be drug tested. Pharmacy and management employees are asked to complete drug tests.

According to CVS's Code of Conduct, the unauthorized use, possession, sale, exchange, or purchase of drugs or illegal substances at any CVS location or when representing the company, is strictly prohibited, except when associated with an approved business meal or legitimate business event.

Although in recent years CVS has stopped selling cigarettes and vaping products, it does not test its employees for nicotine. While it prohibits the use of any nicotine product in or around the store, employees are allowed to smoke during their breaks.

Some locations will not drug test store associates and cashiers. Others will drug test all employees. Regardless of their policies, anyone working in the pharmacy must submit to a drug test before employment.

When Does CVS Drug Test?

There are a few reasons that CVS Health would drug test an employee:

1. They are a new hire. Any new hire working in the pharmacy will be required to take a drug test. Generally, those hired at management-level positions will also be expected to submit to a drug screening.

   Those being hired for store associate or cashier positions may or may not be expected to submit to a drug screening before they are officially hired.

2. There is suspicion of drug or alcohol use. If management suspects that you are working under the influence, they may require you to submit to a drug screening. Failure of this drug screening will likely result in termination.

3. There was a work accident. If you are involved in an accident during work hours or on-site, you will be expected to submit to a drug screening.

4. They are being promoted internally. If you are accepting an internal promotion, you may be asked to complete a drug test.

Drug Testing at CVS Health

If you are expected to submit to a drug test, you will do so off-site with a third-party clinic. CVS uses urine drug tests, also referred to as a urine drug screen (UDS). This type of drug test uses a urine sample provided in a medical clinic to detect drugs (or alcohol) in a person’s system.

This is the most commonly used drug screening method. The analysis can detect both prescription drugs and illegal drugs as well as alcohol use. If alcohol use is suspected, they are more likely to request a blood test or breath test, though.

Urine drug screens (UDS) can detect all of the following:

• Methamphetamines

• Amphetamines

• Benzodiazepines

• Cocaine

• Phencyclidine (PCP)

• Opioids

• Barbiturates

• MDMA (ecstasy)

• Marijuana

• Synthetic stimulants

• Alcohol

To complete this drug screening, you will need to choose a third-party clinic approved by your CVS store. You will provide the clinic with the paperwork provided by CVS. They will then supply you with a urine sample cup and escort you to a bathroom.

A minimum of 30 mL of urine is required to complete the testing properly. Results will typically take between 24 and 72 hours.