Q: A potential employer has informed me that I must submit to a drug test before being hired. I’ve never taken a drug test and I would like to know more about what I can expect. Thank you.

Name Withheld

Kansas City, Kansas

A: The drug screening process is extremely simple in most cases. More than likely, your employer has opted for a urine analysis. This involves nothing more than you having to provide a urine sample for a collection site technician. In the event that your employer selected a hair follicle test, you will have to submit a hair sample. The technician generally removes around 100 hairs from your head. You will not be left with a bald spot, and the procedure should not be painful. Drug testing results are usually available in just a matter of days.