Drug testing provides an insight into the health of your employees, while reducing work accidents and their serious consequences. With the current legalization of drugs like marijuana, drug screening has become a necessity to implement in business policies. 

In this article, we aim to identify the most time-efficiently, accurate, and economical method for drug testing. Understanding the benefits and limitations of each drug test method will help you determine the best option for your company.

Time 

Drug test kits gained popularity because of how convenient and quick they are in comparison to lab tests. It is possible to take an at-home drug test and get the results on an average of 5 to 10 minutes. Nevertheless, laboratory tests have improved in time-efficiency. Usually, lab results are delivered in 24 to 72 hours. For urgent cases, the results can be requested to be delivered in less than 24 hours.

Accuracy with Results

Whether you do it from the comfort of your home or take a day off to visit the labs, accuracy is the most important aspect of taking a drug test. Given that employers rely on drug test results to make serious decisions, it is necessary to consider how important it is to have an accurate result, rather than a quick one.

Laboratory testing is the most accurate method to identify the consumption of illegal substances. In contrast to home tests, laboratory screenings are less likely to give false positives. With laboratory tests, the accuracy of the results is never compromised by time or price. Plus, laboratory screenings allow to identify a greater variety of drugs than with home drug kits. 

Nationally certified laboratories provide the GC/MS test, which guarantees to precisely identify drug substances. Laboratories are run by professionals and are regulated by entities like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. All of the laboratory measurements ensure the safety and protection that companies want for their employees’ health.

Costs 

Considering that home drug tests are not entirely accurate, having to repeat the test might be more expensive than taking only one laboratory test. 

In certain states, employers can take advantage of reducing insurance costs with drug-free workplace credits. Companies can obtain this benefit by voluntarily complying with drug testing. 

The workers compensation insurance discounts vary in every state. The benefits go from 2% to 10% discounts. The states which provide insurance discounts are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Legal Issues

Home drug tests, counting with a 99% accuracy rate, are particularly convenient for non-work situations. The main reason to do drug laboratory screenings is for the employer to be certain about the behavior and physical state of its employees. 

The accuracy of a laboratory test is necessary for cases where an employer is forced to take legal action against an employee. It would be wrongful for an employer to act with uncertainty in drug test results. Plus, laboratory results will serve as evidence in the lawsuit against the employee. 

In a nutshell, both drug testing procedures are effective. Choosing between the methods depends on the needs of the individual. Home drug tests provide quick results for an economical price. Meanwhile, laboratory tests give quality and completely accurate results. For company drug tests, it is advisable to opt for laboratory screenings. 

Soteria Screening Laboratories help you with any drug test concerns. Contact us to receive further information about choosing a suitable drug testing method. We are here to help.