What Does Walmart Drug Test Test For? Unveiling the Details

Navigating the world of employment typically entails understanding numerous protocols, and one such space of curiosity for a lot of potential and present Walmart workers is, certainly, what does walmart drug take a look at take a look at for. This isn’t merely a formality; it is a vital component that shapes the hiring course of, office security, and the well-being of the workforce. From the second you apply to the day you probably retire, your understanding of those checks can considerably impression your profession trajectory.

It’s a journey that calls for readability, honesty, and a eager understanding of the processes concerned.

This exploration delves into the substances sometimes screened for, masking all the pieces from the same old suspects like marijuana and cocaine to the much less apparent, equivalent to opioids and amphetamines. We’ll discover the assorted strategies Walmart employs, from urine and hair checks to saliva evaluation, every with its distinctive traits and detection home windows. Furthermore, we’ll unpack the pre-employment versus post-incident testing eventualities, dissecting the nuances of every, and offering a step-by-step information on what to anticipate throughout a take a look at.

Past the technicalities, we’ll look at the authorized framework surrounding drug testing, worker rights, and the potential impression a optimistic take a look at end result can have in your profession. Lastly, we’ll contact on the accuracy and reliability of those checks, shedding mild on components which may result in surprising outcomes.

Table of Contents

Substances Examined For

Navigating the world of employment typically entails understanding firm insurance policies, and for a lot of, that features drug testing. Walmart, a retail large, is not any exception. Understanding what substances are screened for will help potential and present workers be told and ready. Let’s delve into the specifics of Walmart’s drug testing procedures.

Frequent Drug Lessons in Testing

Walmart’s drug checks sometimes goal a variety of gear to make sure a secure and productive work setting. The particular panel used can fluctuate barely, however usually consists of the next drug courses. Understanding these courses, their results, and detection home windows is essential.

Amphetamines: This class consists of each prescription stimulants, like Adderall, and illicit medication like methamphetamine (“meth”). Amphetamines could cause elevated alertness, power, and focus, but in addition result in nervousness, paranoia, and fast heartbeat. They’re sometimes detectable in urine for 1-3 days, and in hair for as much as 90 days.
Cocaine: Cocaine is a extremely addictive stimulant. It could trigger euphoria, elevated power, and a sense of invincibility. Nevertheless, it may additionally result in critical well being issues, together with coronary heart assault and stroke. Cocaine is normally detectable in urine for 2-3 days, however could be detected in hair for as much as 90 days.
Marijuana (THC): Marijuana is likely one of the mostly tested-for substances. Its results embrace rest, altered notion, and impaired coordination. The detection window for marijuana varies considerably based mostly on frequency of use. For infrequent customers, it may be detected in urine for as much as 30 days. For power customers, this window can lengthen to over 90 days.
Opiates: This class consists of each prescription ache medicines, equivalent to codeine and oxycodone, and illicit medication like heroin. Opiates are identified for his or her pain-relieving results, however also can trigger drowsiness, slowed respiration, and habit. Detection home windows in urine are usually 1-3 days, whereas hair checks can detect use for as much as 90 days.
Phencyclidine (PCP): PCP, also referred to as angel mud, is a hallucinogenic drug. It could trigger distorted perceptions, hallucinations, and violent conduct. PCP could be detected in urine for 1-14 days, and in hair for as much as 90 days.

Regional Variations in Drug Testing Panels

Whereas the core substances examined for stay constant throughout most Walmart areas, there may be refined variations. These variations are sometimes influenced by native and state legal guidelines. Some states, for example, have stricter rules concerning marijuana testing.

For instance, in states the place marijuana is authorized for leisure use, Walmart could regulate its testing insurance policies to adjust to native legal guidelines. This would possibly contain specializing in impairment at work fairly than merely the presence of THC metabolites in a pattern. Conversely, in areas the place opioid abuse is a big concern, the testing panel could also be extra in depth, together with a wider vary of prescription painkillers.

It’s all the time smart to verify with the precise retailer or hiring supervisor for particulars concerning testing insurance policies in a specific location.

Testing Strategies and Procedures

Navigating the world of employment drug testing can really feel a bit like studying a brand new language. Walmart, like many giant corporations, employs numerous strategies to make sure a drug-free office. Understanding these strategies and the procedures concerned can alleviate a few of the nervousness related to the method. Let’s delve into the specifics of how Walmart approaches drug testing.

Drug Testing Strategies

Walmart sometimes makes use of a number of totally different strategies for drug testing, every with its personal benefits and limitations. The selection of methodology typically depends upon the kind of testing (pre-employment, random, post-accident, or affordable suspicion) and the precise wants of the scenario.

Urine Testing: That is the commonest methodology. A urine pattern is collected and despatched to a laboratory for evaluation. Urine checks are comparatively cheap and might detect drug use over a interval of a number of days and even weeks, relying on the drug. They’re typically used for pre-employment screening and random testing. The gathering course of entails offering a pattern in a non-public setting beneath the supervision of a educated collector.

The pattern is then sealed and despatched to a licensed laboratory for evaluation.
Hair Follicle Testing: Hair follicle testing gives an extended detection window, probably figuring out drug use for as much as 90 days. A small pattern of hair is collected, sometimes from the pinnacle. This methodology is dearer than urine testing. It is typically used for pre-employment screening for administration or specialised roles. The hair pattern is analyzed to detect the presence of drug metabolites which were absorbed into the hair follicle.
Saliva Testing: Saliva testing, also referred to as oral fluid testing, is a much less invasive methodology. It is typically used for on-the-spot testing, equivalent to in post-accident conditions or when there’s affordable suspicion of drug use. Saliva checks have a shorter detection window (sometimes just a few days) in comparison with urine or hair testing. A swab is used to gather the pattern from the within of the cheek.

Walmart Drug Check Process

The drug testing process at Walmart is mostly standardized, guaranteeing equity and consistency throughout all areas. This is a typical step-by-step overview of what to anticipate.

Notification: You may sometimes be notified by a supervisor or HR consultant. The notification will embrace details about the rationale for the take a look at (e.g., pre-employment, random choice, post-accident), the placement, and the time.
Identification: You may be requested to offer identification, equivalent to a driver’s license or different government-issued ID, to confirm your id.
Pattern Assortment: That is the core of the method. Relying on the strategy, you may present a urine, hair, or saliva pattern. The gathering course of is usually noticed by a educated collector to make sure the integrity of the pattern. For urine checks, you may be given a container and directed to a non-public restroom. For hair checks, a small pattern will likely be taken.

For saliva checks, you may be instructed to offer a pattern utilizing a group gadget.
Pattern Submission and Chain of Custody: The collected pattern is sealed and labeled, following a strict chain of custody protocol. This ensures the pattern’s integrity and prevents tampering. The pattern is then despatched to a licensed laboratory for evaluation.
Laboratory Evaluation: The laboratory analyzes the pattern for the presence of varied medication. The particular medication examined for are sometimes listed in Walmart’s drug testing coverage.
Evaluate of Outcomes: The laboratory sends the outcomes to a Medical Evaluate Officer (MRO). The MRO is a licensed doctor who opinions the outcomes and will contact you to debate any optimistic outcomes, prescription medicines, or different related medical data.
Communication of Outcomes: Walmart will talk the outcomes to the suitable events, normally the HR division. The outcomes are saved confidential, and entry is restricted to approved personnel.
Penalties: The results of a optimistic drug take a look at will rely upon the precise scenario and Walmart’s insurance policies. These can vary from a warning to termination of employment.

Step-by-Step Information for a Walmart Drug Check, What does walmart drug take a look at take a look at for

That can assist you really feel extra ready, this is an in depth walkthrough of what to anticipate throughout a drug take a look at at Walmart.

Receiving Notification: You may obtain a notification out of your supervisor or HR consultant, both in individual, by way of cellphone, or e-mail. The notification will specify the date, time, and placement of the take a look at. Make sure you perceive the rationale for the take a look at.
Arrival and Examine-In: Arrive on the designated testing facility on time. Convey a sound photograph ID. You may seemingly be requested to register and supply some primary data.
Paperwork and Rationalization: You may be supplied with paperwork explaining the drug testing course of, together with the medication being examined for. Evaluate this data fastidiously.
Pattern Assortment: Comply with the directions of the gathering personnel. This may fluctuate relying on the testing methodology. For urine checks, you may be directed to a non-public restroom. For hair checks, a small pattern will likely be taken. For saliva checks, you may use a group gadget.
Pattern Sealing and Labeling: After offering the pattern, it is going to be sealed and labeled based on established protocols.
Completion and Departure: As soon as the pattern assortment is full, you are free to go away. It’s best to obtain a receipt or affirmation that the take a look at was performed.
Ready for Outcomes: The outcomes of the take a look at are sometimes out there inside just a few days. You’ll be notified of the outcomes by Walmart’s HR division.

Pre-Employment vs. Put up-Incident Testing

Navigating the world of drug testing at Walmart can really feel a bit like looking for your manner via a maze. Understanding the variations between pre-employment and post-incident testing is essential. These two kinds of checks have distinct functions, procedures, and penalties. They serve totally different roles in sustaining office security and upholding firm insurance policies.

Evaluating Testing Procedures, Penalties, and Causes

The next desk supplies a transparent comparability of the variations between pre-employment and post-incident drug testing at Walmart. It highlights key elements, together with the explanations for testing, the procedures concerned, and the potential penalties of a optimistic take a look at end result. This data is vital for understanding the corporate’s strategy to drug testing and the implications for workers and potential hires.

Class	Pre-Employment Testing	Put up-Incident Testing	Random Testing (See Under)	Motive
Causes for Testing	Figuring out suitability for rent; guaranteeing a drug-free office for brand spanking new workers.	Following office accidents or incidents the place substance use is suspected; sustaining a secure work setting after an occasion.	To assist preserve a drug-free office, and deter drug use.	To assist decide if the worker is in a secure situation to carry out their duties.
Testing Procedures	Sometimes a urine take a look at administered after a job provide is prolonged however earlier than the primary day of labor. May embrace a background verify.	Normally a urine take a look at, however could contain different checks (e.g., blood) relying on the incident. Carried out as quickly as potential after the incident.	Randomly chosen workers are notified and requested to submit a urine pattern.	The testing course of could be fairly fast, and is usually accomplished inside hours of the incident.
Penalties of a Optimistic Check	Job provide rescinded.	Disciplinary motion, as much as and together with termination of employment. Potential involvement of legislation enforcement if unlawful substances are concerned.	Disciplinary motion, as much as and together with termination of employment.	The results could be extreme and will embrace authorized ramifications relying on the character of the incident.

Circumstances for Random Drug Checks

Image this: you are working a daily shift, stocking cabinets, and then you definitely get the decision. Walmart, in its dedication to a drug-free office, could conduct random drug checks on present workers. These checks aren’t based mostly on suspicion; they’re part of the corporate’s ongoing effort to make sure security and compliance. The corporate could implement these checks for a number of causes.

Sustaining a Protected Surroundings: Random testing helps deter drug use and promotes a safer work setting for all workers and clients.
Compliance with Insurance policies: Walmart’s insurance policies, as detailed within the Affiliate Handbook, Artikel the corporate’s stance on substance use and the procedures for testing.
Authorized and Regulatory Necessities: In some cases, random testing could also be mandated by legislation or particular rules, particularly for roles involving safety-sensitive duties.

These random checks are normally unannounced, and the choice course of is usually managed via a third-party administrator to make sure equity and impartiality. Whereas the precise frequency of random testing can fluctuate, it is a fixed reminder of Walmart’s dedication to office security and adherence to its established insurance policies.

Legality and Insurance policies

Navigating the world of drug testing at Walmart requires a stable understanding of each the authorized panorama and the corporate’s inner insurance policies. This can be a complicated space, as rules fluctuate considerably relying on the state, and Walmart’s strategy should adjust to all relevant legal guidelines. Let’s delve into the specifics.Understanding the authorized and coverage framework is important for each potential and present Walmart workers, because it shapes their rights and obligations.

State-Particular Drug Testing Legal guidelines

The legality of drug testing within the office is primarily ruled by state legal guidelines, which might fluctuate significantly. Some states have few restrictions, permitting employers broad discretion in implementing drug testing applications. Others impose vital limitations, defending worker privateness and requiring particular procedures.* States with Fewer Restrictions: In lots of states, Walmart has the liberty to conduct drug checks with comparatively few limitations.

This may embrace pre-employment testing, random testing, and testing based mostly on affordable suspicion.* States with Extra Restrictions: A number of states have enacted legal guidelines that place higher constraints on drug testing. These could embrace:

Requiring employers to have a written drug testing coverage.

Limiting the circumstances beneath which drug checks could be administered.

Mandating using licensed laboratories.

Offering workers with the fitting to problem a optimistic take a look at end result.

Instance

California: California, for instance, has particular rules concerning drug testing. Employers should adhere to strict tips, together with offering workers with advance discover of the testing coverage and guaranteeing that testing is performed in a good and non-discriminatory method.

Instance

Nevada: Nevada has taken steps to guard workers from marijuana-related discrimination. Employers can not refuse to rent somebody based mostly on a optimistic marijuana take a look at end result, except it’s a safety-sensitive place.It’s important for workers to concentrate on the precise legal guidelines of their state, as these legal guidelines dictate the parameters of drug testing.

Walmart’s Drug Use Insurance policies

Walmart’s insurance policies on drug use are clearly outlined and enforced to keep up a secure and productive work setting. These insurance policies are communicated to workers via numerous channels, together with the worker handbook and firm coaching applications.* Prohibited Substances: Walmart sometimes prohibits the use, possession, sale, or being beneath the affect of unlawful medication, alcohol, and sure prescription medicines that might impair job efficiency.

Penalties of a Optimistic Check End result

The results of a optimistic drug take a look at end result can fluctuate relying on the circumstances and the precise coverage in place. These penalties could embrace:

Suspension

An worker could also be suspended pending additional investigation.

Termination

In lots of instances, a optimistic take a look at end result can result in rapid termination of employment.

Rehabilitation

In some conditions, significantly for first-time offenders, Walmart could provide or require participation in a drug rehabilitation program.

Disciplinary Motion

Relying on the severity of the violation, different disciplinary actions could also be taken, equivalent to a written warning.

Affordable Suspicion

Walmart can conduct drug checks based mostly on affordable suspicion, which implies the employer has a reliable foundation to consider an worker is beneath the affect of medication or alcohol. This may be based mostly on observable conduct, equivalent to slurred speech, unsteady gait, or uncommon conduct.

Confidentiality

Walmart is dedicated to sustaining the confidentiality of worker drug take a look at outcomes, solely sharing this data with approved personnel.Walmart’s insurance policies are designed to steadiness the necessity for a secure office with the rights of its workers.

Worker Rights Through the Drug Testing Course of

Workers have sure rights in the course of the drug testing course of, that are designed to guard their pursuits and guarantee equity. Understanding these rights is essential for any worker topic to drug testing.* Proper to Discover: Workers are usually entitled to obtain discover of the corporate’s drug testing coverage. This coverage ought to Artikel the circumstances beneath which testing could happen, the substances examined for, and the results of a optimistic take a look at end result.

Proper to Privateness

Workers have a proper to privateness in the course of the testing course of. This consists of the fitting to offer a pattern in a non-public setting and to have their take a look at outcomes saved confidential.

Proper to Problem a End result

If an worker receives a optimistic take a look at end result, they sometimes have the fitting to problem the end result. This will contain:

Requesting a Re-Check

An worker could request a re-test of the unique pattern at their very own expense.

Offering a Medical Rationalization

The worker can present a sound medical clarification for the optimistic end result, equivalent to a prescription remedy.

Looking for Authorized Counsel

The worker could search authorized counsel to grasp their rights and choices.

Entry to Check Outcomes

Workers have the fitting to entry their drug take a look at outcomes.

Proper to Non-Discrimination

Drug testing insurance policies should be utilized in a non-discriminatory method. Because of this all workers in comparable positions needs to be topic to the identical testing procedures.The worker’s rights are an important facet of the drug testing course of, guaranteeing equity and defending the worker’s pursuits.

Affect on Employment

Navigating the world of employment, particularly inside an enormous company like Walmart, requires a transparent understanding of the foundations of engagement. Drug testing, as we have established, is part of this panorama. The results of a optimistic take a look at, whether or not you are a contemporary applicant or a seasoned affiliate, can considerably impression your journey with the corporate. Let’s delve into what this implies in sensible phrases.

Penalties of a Optimistic Drug Check

A optimistic drug take a look at at Walmart can set off a cascade of occasions, every with its personal set of implications. The impression varies relying on whether or not you are making use of for a job or are already employed.

Job Candidates: For these searching for employment, a optimistic drug take a look at is often a deal-breaker. The job provide is rescinded, and the appliance course of ends. There’s normally a ready interval earlier than you possibly can reapply, if ever.
Present Workers: The repercussions are extra complicated for current workers. Walmart’s coverage, whereas not universally constant, usually entails disciplinary motion, which may vary from a verbal warning to termination.
Disciplinary Motion: The particular penalties rely upon components equivalent to the worker’s position, prior disciplinary historical past, and the severity of the violation. A primary offense would possibly result in a suspension, necessary rehabilitation, or a demotion.
Termination: In lots of instances, a second optimistic take a look at, or a primary offense involving egregious conduct (e.g., being beneath the affect at work resulting in a security incident), will lead to termination of employment.

Affect on Profession Development

Your profession trajectory at Walmart is not nearly displaying up; it is about constantly demonstrating reliability, duty, and adherence to firm insurance policies. A optimistic drug take a look at can derail your progress.

Promotion Stalled: Even in case you’re not instantly fired, a optimistic take a look at can put a halt to any promotion alternatives. You may seemingly be ineligible for development till you’ve got demonstrated a sustained interval of compliance, typically involving repeated unfavourable drug checks.
Lack of Belief: A optimistic end result damages the belief between the worker and the corporate. This may have an effect on your relationships with supervisors and colleagues, making it more durable to succeed.
Restricted Alternatives: Sure roles inside Walmart, particularly these with elevated duty or entry to delicate data (e.g., administration, loss prevention), could turn into off-limits after a optimistic take a look at.
Instance: Contemplate a Walmart affiliate, Sarah, who was on observe for a retailer administration place. She examined optimistic for marijuana throughout a routine screening. Her promotion was instantly placed on maintain. She was required to finish a rehabilitation program and endure follow-up testing. Whereas she finally returned to her position, her promotion was delayed by a number of years.

Walmart’s Strategy to Workers Who Check Optimistic

Walmart, like many giant companies, understands that habit is a posh situation. Their strategy typically balances disciplinary measures with alternatives for restoration.

Rehabilitation Packages: Walmart could provide or require workers who take a look at optimistic to take part in rehabilitation applications. These applications can embrace counseling, remedy, and assist teams.
Return-to-Work Agreements: After finishing a rehabilitation program, workers could also be required to signal a return-to-work settlement. This settlement sometimes consists of stipulations for continued drug testing and adherence to firm insurance policies.
Re-testing: Following a optimistic take a look at, workers are sometimes subjected to common, unannounced drug testing for a interval. That is designed to watch their compliance and guarantee they continue to be drug-free.
Help and Assets: Walmart could present workers with entry to assets equivalent to an Worker Help Program (EAP), which gives confidential counseling and assist companies.
Instance: John, a long-time Walmart worker, examined optimistic for cocaine. He was given the choice to enter a rehabilitation program, which he accomplished efficiently. He then entered a return-to-work settlement, together with random drug checks. After a 12 months of constantly passing these checks, he was in a position to regain the belief of his superiors and return to his earlier obligations.

Testing Frequency and Triggers

Walmart’s dedication to sustaining a secure and productive work setting extends past preliminary screening and incident-related testing. The corporate employs a multifaceted strategy to drug testing, recognizing that numerous circumstances could warrant extra scrutiny. Understanding these triggers is crucial for workers to navigate their employment journey efficiently.

Conditions That Set off Drug Checks

Past pre-employment and post-incident testing, a number of eventualities would possibly immediate a drug take a look at at Walmart. These triggers are sometimes based mostly on affordable suspicion, random choice, or particular departmental necessities.

Affordable Suspicion: This happens when a supervisor observes behaviors or circumstances that counsel an worker is beneath the affect of medication or alcohol. This might embrace modifications in conduct, slurred speech, unsteady gait, or another observable indicators of impairment.
Random Testing: Walmart could conduct random drug checks throughout numerous departments to discourage drug use and preserve a secure office. Workers are chosen at random, and the checks are unannounced.
Return-to-Obligation Testing: If an worker has beforehand examined optimistic for medication or alcohol and has undergone rehabilitation or a interval of depart, they could be required to move a drug take a look at earlier than returning to work.
Comply with-up Testing: Following a optimistic take a look at end result, an worker could also be topic to follow-up testing to make sure compliance with firm insurance policies and/or any remedy applications. The frequency and period of those checks fluctuate relying on the scenario.

Job Roles with Frequent or Particular Drug Testing

Sure positions inside Walmart could also be topic to extra frequent or particular drug testing as a result of nature of their obligations. These roles typically contain safety-sensitive duties, the operation of heavy equipment, or direct interplay with clients.

Transportation and Logistics: Drivers of Walmart’s fleet, these working forklifts, and workers concerned within the motion of products could also be topic to frequent testing.
Loss Prevention: Workers in loss prevention roles would possibly endure common testing to keep up integrity and stop potential conflicts of curiosity.
Pharmacy: Pharmacy workers, together with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, could also be topic to drug testing to make sure the protection and safety of managed substances.
Meat and Deli Departments: Though much less frequent than the above, departments like meat and deli, the place workers function tools like meat slicers, might also be topic to testing, particularly if an incident happens.

Dealing with Refusal to Take a Drug Check

Walmart’s insurance policies concerning refusal to take a drug take a look at are clearly outlined. Refusal is mostly handled as a optimistic take a look at end result, resulting in disciplinary motion, as much as and together with termination of employment.

Walmart’s Coverage on Refusal to Check:

An worker’s refusal to undergo a drug take a look at, as requested by Walmart, will likely be thought of a violation of firm coverage. This will lead to rapid disciplinary motion, as much as and together with termination of employment. There aren’t any exceptions to this coverage, whatever the worker’s cause for refusal. All workers are anticipated to cooperate absolutely with the corporate’s drug testing procedures.

Accuracy and Reliability: What Does Walmart Drug Check Check For

Walmart’s dedication to a secure and productive office hinges on the accuracy and reliability of its drug testing program. Guaranteeing the integrity of the testing course of is paramount, as inaccurate outcomes can have vital penalties for each workers and the corporate. Let’s delve into the specifics of how Walmart approaches accuracy and reliability in its drug testing protocols.

Accuracy Charges of Drug Testing Strategies

The strategies Walmart employs for drug testing are usually fairly correct, although no take a look at is ideal. The accuracy price relies upon closely on the precise methodology used. Urine drug checks, for example, are broadly used and boast excessive accuracy charges, sometimes starting from 95% to 99%. Nevertheless, these figures aren’t absolute and could be influenced by numerous components. Hair follicle checks, identified for his or her longer detection window, additionally provide excessive accuracy.

Components Resulting in False Optimistic Drug Check Outcomes

A number of components can probably result in a false optimistic drug take a look at end result. Understanding these components is essential to appreciating the complexities of drug testing.

Cross-Reactivity: Sure over-the-counter medicines, equivalent to some chilly and cough medicines containing codeine or poppy seeds, can generally set off a optimistic end result for opioids.
Contamination: Unintentional publicity to medication, for instance, via contact with a drug consumer or contaminated surfaces, also can trigger a false optimistic.
Metabolic Points: In uncommon instances, particular metabolic situations or dietary dietary supplements could intrude with the take a look at, though that is much less widespread.
Pattern Dealing with Errors: Though much less frequent on account of strict protocols, errors in pattern assortment, storage, or evaluation also can result in inaccurate outcomes.

Steps to Guarantee Integrity and Reliability

Walmart takes a number of steps to make sure the integrity and reliability of its drug testing procedures, safeguarding each the corporate and its workers.

Licensed Laboratories: Walmart makes use of SAMHSA-certified (Substance Abuse and Psychological Well being Companies Administration) laboratories for its drug testing. These labs adhere to stringent high quality management requirements and are recurrently inspected.
Chain of Custody: A strict chain of custody is maintained from the second the pattern is collected to its evaluation. This entails detailed documentation and monitoring to stop tampering or mix-ups.
Affirmation Testing: All preliminary optimistic take a look at outcomes are mechanically confirmed utilizing a extra refined and exact methodology, equivalent to gasoline chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This secondary testing considerably reduces the probabilities of a false optimistic.
Medical Evaluate Officer (MRO): A licensed doctor, the MRO, opinions all optimistic take a look at outcomes to find out if there’s a reliable medical clarification for the end result, equivalent to a prescribed remedy. The MRO acts as an important safeguard within the course of.
High quality Management Measures: Labs implement rigorous high quality management measures, together with using calibrators, controls, and proficiency testing to make sure accuracy and reliability.