Why Employers Might Consider Fentanyl in Drug Testing

As the opioid crisis continues to escalate, fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has emerged as a significant public health challenge, prompting employers to reconsider their drug testing protocols. Traditionally, workplace drug tests have focused on substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, but the rising prevalence of fentanyl-related overdoses necessitates a broader approach to safeguarding employee health and safety. With its potency estimated to be fifty to one hundred times stronger than morphine, fentanyl poses unique risks, particularly in environments where safety-sensitive positions are paramount. Employers are increasingly recognizing the potential impact of fentanyl on workforce productivity, absenteeism, and overall workplace safety. Integrating fentanyl into drug testing programs not only addresses legal and compliance considerations but also enhances the well-being of employees. This shift reflects a growing understanding that drug abuse can have far-reaching consequences, including impaired judgment and decreased performance. As organizations strive to create a safe and productive work environment, evaluating the inclusion of fentanyl in drug testing becomes a critical consideration. This article explores the rationale behind this evolving trend, examining the implications for employers, employees, and the broader implications for workplace policies in the context of an ongoing national crisis.

The opioid epidemic in the United States has escalated dramatically, primarily driven by the surge of fentanyl—a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Despite public health officials raising the alarm, many employers are unaware of a crucial oversight in their drug testing protocols: fentanyl is often not included in standard drug testing panels, contrary to common belief.

As overdose fatalities continue to rise and regulatory bodies mobilize to combat this crisis, it is imperative for employers, particularly in safety-sensitive sectors, to reassess their drug testing policies. Below is an overview of fentanyl, the current federal regulations regarding testing, and the rationale for updating your drug screening practices.

Fentanyl: An Increasing Threat in the Workplace

The alarming rise of fentanyl is well-documented. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), synthetic opioids, predominantly fentanyl, account for the majority of overdose deaths across the nation. In 2022, the number of fentanyl-related fatalities exceeded 73,000—a staggering increase of over 20% from the previous year. Since 2015, the rate of overdose deaths associated with fentanyl has surged. Initially introduced for medical purposes, fentanyl is now frequently blended into other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and counterfeit medications, often without the user's knowledge, leading to a heightened risk of accidental overdoses. This scenario raises significant safety concerns in workplace settings where concentration, coordination, and precision are essential.

Moreover, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported unprecedented amounts of fentanyl being seized at the borders. In fiscal year 2023, agents confiscated over 27,000 pounds of fentanyl, a significant increase from the 14,000 pounds seized the year prior. The sheer volume of fentanyl entering the country emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue.

Many Employers Overlook Fentanyl Testing Necessities

Despite fentanyl’s widespread and dangerous presence, a significant number of employers mistakenly believe that their drug testing programs include it. This misconception is prevalent in workplace compliance discussions.

Standard drug testing panels—whether 5-panel or 10-panel—typically assess for substances such as THC, cocaine, and traditional opioids like codeine and morphine, but they do not automatically test for synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Unless employers specifically request the inclusion of fentanyl or opt for a specialized synthetic opioid panel, they are unlikely to be screening for this substance.

This oversight carries serious implications. Employers may inadvertently allow individuals impaired by fentanyl to operate in safety-sensitive positions, heightening the risk of accidents and increasing liability. This concern is particularly acute in industries such as transportation, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Anticipated Regulatory Changes

In response to the mounting threat posed by fentanyl, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are initiating changes to federal workplace drug testing protocols.

A new rule from HHS, set to take effect on July 7, 2025, will require laboratories to include fentanyl in their federal workplace drug testing panels. This rule mandates that labs test for both fentanyl and its metabolite, norfentanyl, using validated methods and FDA-approved processes, and that they hold National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) certification.

While this regulation primarily affects the laboratories, employers should remain aware of its broader implications. Changes at the laboratory level can influence industry standards, particularly if the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) follows suit, although a timeline for such action is yet to be announced.

This development highlights the growing recognition at the federal level of fentanyl as a serious threat to workplace safety, indicating that regulatory frameworks are likely to adapt in the near future.

The Imperative for Employers to Act Promptly

Delaying changes to your drug testing protocols until after regulatory mandates could jeopardize both employee safety and organizational integrity. Here are compelling reasons why forward-thinking employers are opting to include fentanyl in their panels:

Enhanced Workplace Safety: Impairment from fentanyl can result in severe drowsiness, confusion, and respiratory issues, creating significant hazards in roles that involve operating machinery, driving, or caring for patients.
Mitigated Liability: By incorporating fentanyl testing into your screening protocols, you demonstrate a commitment to employee safety, which can shield your organization from legal and financial consequences.
Public Health Responsibility: As fentanyl fuels the deadliest drug crisis in U.S. history, employers play a crucial role in identifying and supporting individuals who may require assistance.
Hidden Misuse Risks: Since fentanyl is often unknowingly ingested through counterfeit pills or mixed with other substances, individuals might not realize they have consumed it. Including it in drug tests could prove life-saving.
Data-Driven Approaches: The increasing body of evidence—from federal proposals to overdose statistics and drug seizures—indicates that fentanyl is among the most critical drug threats we face today.

The Context of Declining Death Rates

Some sources suggest that fentanyl-related deaths may be stabilizing or declining in certain areas; however, this should not be misconstrued as a reduction in risk. According to analysis, these slight declines are attributed to greater availability of naloxone (Narcan), improved public awareness, and expanded access to treatment—not a diminishment of fentanyl’s threat.

The prevalence of fentanyl on the streets remains alarmingly high, and new synthetic opioids are emerging, complicating the landscape further. The drug's potency and widespread availability render it a persistent and evolving danger that employers cannot afford to overlook.

READI COLLECT: Your Partner for Proactive and Comprehensive Drug Testing

As the threat of fentanyl continues to grow, protecting your workforce demands more than a standard drug testing panel. Failing to screen for synthetic opioids like fentanyl leaves safety-sensitive positions — and your company — exposed to preventable risks, legal liabilities, and tragic consequences.

Readi Collect makes it simple to adapt.
With our mobile app and patented technology, you can quickly expand your drug testing program to include fentanyl and other high-risk substances — all while accessing the fastest, most reliable onsite drug and alcohol test collections nationwide.

Empower your organization to safeguard your team, meet evolving compliance standards, and stay ahead of the opioid crisis with real-time reporting, rapid collection response times, and nationwide coverage.

Don’t wait for new regulations to catch up. Protect your workplace today.
📲 Learn how Readi Collect can help you update your testing program to detect fentanyl — before it becomes a crisis.

👉 Contact us now to strengthen your drug testing strategy.













































































































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