Employer or Employee: Who Covers the Cost of Drug Testing?

Drug testing can be a great tool for ensuring the safety, morale, and productivity of a workplace. In fact, employees that work in government, transportation, healthcare and construction are more

Drug testing can be a great tool for ensuring the safety, morale, and productivity of a workplace. In fact, employees that work in government, transportation, healthcare and construction are more likely to receive a pre-employment drug test.

In most cases, employers will hire outside agencies to conduct drug and alcohol testing programs. But who covers the costs?

This article will discuss the basics of drug testing and who is responsible for the financial costs. 

The Basics of Drug Testing

Whether it’s legal or illegal, a substance can inhibit a person’s ability to control and manage themselves physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally. So a drug test is used to measure the level of both legal and illegal substances in the body. 

Individuals that are struggling with substance abuse may have difficulties performing their duties in a timely and efficient manner. Drugs and alcohol can also cause unusual and unpredictable behavior, which can negatively impact co-workers.

It’s important to note that employee drug abuse can also impact an employer legally. For instance, a healthcare professional accidentally harming a patient may result in the hospital being legally responsible. 

In some industries like the department of transportation, drug testing policies are required by law. But employers in industries like retail can choose not to. Most safety-sensitive industries often choose to utilize drug testing to make sure all parties involved are not put at risk. 

If an employer is concerned with the behavior of an employee, they have the right to order a random drug test.

Employers are allowed to take disciplinary action against an employee with a positive test, which may include termination. Those that receive a positive drug test are allowed to appeal and ask for a re-test.

There are three common methods of drug testing.

Urine Tests

Urine testing is the most popular form of drug testing. They are easy to administer and considered relatively accurate. Generally, they are also more affordable.

The downside to urine tests is that they can be tampered with, sometimes leading to inconclusive results.

Blood Tests

While not as common, blood testing is viewed as more accurate than urine tests. Blood tests are also much less likely to be tampered with. However, they are more difficult to administer and tend to be more expensive.

They also require trained personnel to take blood and process their findings, which could take more time.

Saliva Tests

This form of testing is becoming increasingly popular. It’s quick, easy, and fairly accurate. Saliva testing is also viewed as more reliable than urine testing but not as accurate as blood testing.

While saliva tests are a simple and straightforward approach, they are only able to detect drugs in a person’s system if the substances were ingested within the last few hours. 

How Much Does a Drug Test Cost?

How much does a drug test cost? Expenses may vary depending on the type of testing.

At-home urine tests are available in many drug stores, which generally cost around $6. But many employers will insist on getting a lab analyzed drug test which may cost between $25 and $200.

Some states, like Florida, have created a mandate that requires employers to pay for the cost of drug testing. Most states do not have this kind of law, but employers generally pay for the drug test.

It’s important to ask an employer beforehand if they will pay for a drug test.

Contact Soteria Drug Screening Today

For more than two decades, Soteria Screening Laboratories has been helping businesses build and maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace environment. We know how important it is for businesses to uphold a culture of integrity. Drug testing will help to ensure a safe and productive workplace. 

Are you ready to set up a drug and alcohol testing program? Contact Soteria Screening Laboratories today!

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To speed up your testing process, kindly purchase your necessary drug test via before your facility visit.
To speed up your testing process, kindly purchase your necessary drug test via before your facility visit.