The European Workplace Drug Testing Society (EWDTS) is a professional, non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing quality, consistency, and best practice in workplace drug and alcohol testing across Europe.
Established in 1998, EWDTS was created in response to the growing need for harmonised standards and guidance in workplace drug testing. The Society brings together professionals from a wide range of disciplines, including toxicology, occupational health, laboratory science, medicine, academia, policy, and workplace safety. By fostering collaboration between experts across Europe and beyond, EWDTS supports the development of reliable, legally defensible, and ethically sound workplace testing programmes.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote high standards in workplace drug and alcohol testing through the development of evidence-based guidance, professional education, and international collaboration. We are committed to ensuring that testing is carried out with scientific integrity, respect for individual rights, and a focus on workplace health and safety.
What We Do
EWDTS provides an independent forum for the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and experience in all aspects of workplace drug and alcohol testing. The Society supports professionals working in laboratories, occupational health services, healthcare organisations, regulatory bodies, and industry by encouraging dialogue on emerging challenges and developments within the field.
Throughout the year, members meet both online and in person to discuss advances in analytical technology, new and emerging substances, changes in legislation and regulation, research findings, quality assurance, and developments in workplace testing practice. These discussions help ensure that guidance and recommendations remain relevant in an evolving scientific and regulatory landscape.
Setting Standards
One of the Society’s most important roles is the development and maintenance of professional guidelines for workplace drug testing. These guidelines provide practical recommendations to support consistent, accurate, and legally defensible testing procedures. These documents are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect scientific advances, technological developments, and changes in professional practice.
Bringing the Community Together
Collaboration is at the heart of the Society’s work. EWDTS provides opportunities for professionals to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another throughout the year.
Every two years, the Society hosts its international conference, bringing together experts, researchers, laboratories, service providers, employers, policymakers, and occupational health professionals from across Europe and beyond. The conference serves as a platform for presenting new research, discussing emerging trends, exploring technological innovations, and strengthening professional networks across the workplace testing community.
Looking Forward
As workplace environments, drug trends, and testing technologies continue to evolve, EWDTS remains committed to supporting high-quality, scientifically robust, and ethically responsible workplace drug and alcohol testing. Through guidance, education, collaboration, and professional leadership, the Society continues to contribute to safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces across Europe.
