Inside the Rapid Drug Test: Methodology, Time Frame, and Reliability

Whether your company is onboarding new hires or following protocol after a jobsite incident- a rapid drug test is a quick and reliable way to enforce a strong safety culture

Whether your company is onboarding new hires or following protocol after a jobsite incident- a rapid drug test is a quick and reliable way to enforce a strong safety culture in the workplace. The credible and fully licensed facilities within our nationwide network are committed to delivering accurate results at optimal speed.

Efficient and timely drug screenings for your company, no matter the size- are a critical step in fostering a healthy company work culture and drug-free workplace program.

Who Is Rapid Testing For? 

For NON-Department of Transportation (NON-DOT) employers, having access to efficient and reliable testing on an as-needed basis provides valuable flexibility. Fast, dependable screening supports safer workplaces, protects your workforce, and reduces costly downtime. 

For employers regulated by DOT, drug and alcohol testing requirements are much more specific. It strictly prohibits the use of instant drug testing and employers are required to utilize pre-approved testing solutions.

How Fast Is Rapid?

Negative rapid test results are available in as little as minutes to an hour. For comparison, traditional laboratory tests produce a negative result typically between 24 hours to 3 business days after the sample is collected.

What Is The Method For Screening?

The most common form of rapid screening is through collection of a urine sample. With urine testing, it takes a few hours for a metabolized substance to be detectable in the system. Additionally, oral-fluid testing or saliva sample testing, although less common, is another readily available instant drug testing option. This specific form of testing can detect a drug in the system within minutes of consumption. 

Rapid tests typically screen for commonly abused substances such as, but not limited to:

  • Amphetamines
  • Cannabinoids (Marijuana)
  • Cocaine
  • Opioids
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)

Both urine and oral-fluid testing are reliable options. However, it’s important to note that the difference in drug detection time is especially important after a work-related incident that has caused injury, property damage, or may result in a workers compensation claim. 

What About A Non-Negative Result?

Collection center staff immediately seal, secure and label collected samples to prevent tampering. Furthermore, initial test results are anywhere from 90% to 99% accurate. If test results come back non-negative, it can extend the official result confirmation time by up to a week.

A Medical Review Officer (MRO) who is a licensed physician trained specifically for the role of analyzing drug screening results is assigned to the sample. 

The MRO will review and verify the findings, routinely reaching out to the person who provided the sample to check if there may be prescribed medications or conditions that would cause the non-negative test result. This step is confidential and an important step in ensuring the integrity of any thorough drug testing process. 

After the confirmation and verification process the MRO reports the official conclusion of the rapid drug screening.

Personalized, Effective, and Efficient Drug & Alcohol Testing

Soteria Screening Laboratories works with you from registration to results to create a seamless process for you and your employees. With access to professional consultations, secure record keeping and real-time screening updates we have your instant drug testing, DOT and non-DOT drug testing needs covered. 
Having Soteria Screening Laboratories on your side ensures support in your commitment to a comprehensive drug-free workplace.

Filling out our Company Account Information Form is the first step to a better understanding of how we can suit your unique business needs. With a company account, you have access to our network of 3,500+ certified testing facilities and laboratories that can provide options to best suit the customized needs of your workforce.

Marijuana State Laws

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.