For employers, the costs of drug testing are a significant concern. After all, you want to ensure your employees are drug-free and productive.
You also want to stay within budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for drug testing that fit into any budget.
In this article, we’ll break down all the costs associated with drug testing so you can decide what type of test works best for your business.
We’ll also provide some tips for keeping these expenses in check and maximizing the efficiency and accuracy of your tests.
Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!
Drug Testing that Employers Enforce
Drug testing is necessary for any employer’s safety and compliance program. It can help to ensure a safe and productive workplace and reduce the cost of accidents, decreased productivity, and time lost to illness.
Different types of drug tests are available to employers, each offering advantages and drawbacks.
The most common types of drug tests include urine, hair follicle, saliva, and blood tests.
1. Urine Test
Urine tests are the least expensive option for employers because they are quick to administer on-site and provide accurate results.
2. Hair Follicle Tests
Hair follicle tests provide more accurate results over a longer period but are more expensive than urine tests.
3. Saliva Tests
Saliva tests are relatively inexpensive compared to other drug test methods but offer shorter detection windows than urine or hair follicle tests.
4. Blood Tests
Blood tests provide the most accurate results but can be costly due to the need for laboratory processing.
Ultimately, employers must decide which type of drug test is most suitable for their needs based on budget and accuracy considerations.
Knowing the different types of drug testing available can help employers make informed decisions when creating or revising their drug testing protocol and controlling costs.
Determining the Best Testing Type for Your Needs
When it comes to drug testing, there are three main types that employers typically choose from, so it’s essential to consider which one works best for your business.
The three types are:
Pre-Employment Drug Tests
This type of drug test is conducted before hiring a potential employee. The cost is usually lower than other drug tests due to the limited number of tests needed.
It’s also wise to consider that many states have laws regulating pre-employment testing.
So, be sure to check the regulations in your area before implementing this type of drug test.
Random Drug Testing
Random drug testing is conducted on a non-routine basis and isn’t targeted at any one employee.
It helps employers detect potential issues with employees abusing drugs and has been proven effective in reducing workplace accidents.
This type of testing typically costs more than pre-employment drug tests since it may require more frequent tests.
Post-Accident Drug Tests
A post-accident drug test can help you determine if drugs contributed to an injury or accident in the workplace.
This type of test typically costs more than random or pre-employment tests due to the urgency of a sudden incident.
Short-Term & Long-Term Costs Involved in Drug Test?
What kind of costs are you thinking about when it comes to employee drug testing? Well, there are short-term and long-term costs associated with any drug testing program.
Short-term Drug Testing Costs for Employers
In the short term, employers need to consider the cost of hiring a drug testing service or lab to administer the tests and setting up a drug-free workplace program that adheres to government guidelines.
This includes training and educating employees on the consequences of the misuse of drugs in the workplace and proper protocol for reporting any suspicious activity.
Long-term Drug Testing Costs for Employers
In the long term, employers need to consider potential legal fees in cases involving an altercation or accident related to drug use in the workplace.
They also need to think about potential settlements if they are found liable for an employee’s actions while under the influence at work.
Finally, employers will want to plan for costs associated with running regular tests such as background checks and urine samples.
Cost Calculator For Drug Test
When it comes to drug testing in the workplace, employers need to consider several factors—including the cost.
But luckily, there’s an easy way to calculate drug testing costs with a THC calculator.
A THC calculator is a simple tool that helps you estimate how much a drug test will cost based on the size of your workforce.
All you have to do is input the number of employees you have, and it will give you an estimate for the cost of tests for each employee and the total cost for all employees.
It can also allow for additional factors such as geographical location and test type.
By using this THC calculator, employers can quickly know how much it will cost them to drug test their employees.
This makes it easier for businesses to budget and prepare for the costs associated with drug testing.
It also gives them more flexibility and peace of mind when making decisions about their employee policy.
How to Choose an Accredited Drug Testing Laboratory
You must be sure you are getting accurate results regarding drug testing. That means choosing an accredited drug testing laboratory.
Accreditation is a process that means the lab meets specific requirements for quality and confidence in results.
It’s essential to ensure that the laboratory you choose is certified—especially since this part of the drug testing process can take up a good portion of your overall cost.
Accreditation involves:
- Checking that the laboratory meets standards for accuracy, efficiency, and validity in their practices
- Ensuring technicians are adequately trained
- Making sure that proper equipment and technology are used
- Overseeing that results are reliable, valid, and legally sound
On average, employers pay between $20 – $40 per test when they use an accredited drug testing laboratory,
Also, while those costs can vary depending on region, product, and other factors, the cost of accreditation is worth the peace of mind of knowing you’re getting accurate results.
Understanding Regulatory Compliance Requirements
Do you know that drug testing comes with its own set of regulatory compliance requirements?
Whether you’re working in the public or private sector, it’s essential to understand the legalities behind drug testing.
These can include:
- Consent forms
- Provisions for privacy and confidentiality
- Employee education
- Record keeping related to the testing process
- Drug use data analysis
- Chain of custody verification
It’s critical to follow these regulations carefully. Not only do they keep your company compliant, but failure to comply can result in hefty fines or even jail time.
Ensuring your work environment is safe and secure for everyone involved is crucial.
So, ensure you’re up-to-date on all regulatory compliance requirements when drug testing your employees.
Connecting With the Right Vendors for Cost Savings
Drug testing is expensive, but investing in the right vendors can save money in the long run.
That’s why finding vendors offering competitive prices and quality services is essential.
For instance, if you have a large workforce and need to test many employees, working with a vendor who offers volume discounts or group rates can be beneficial.
You also want to ensure that any vendor you select is reputable and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
Moreover, some of the best vendors may offer ancillary services, such as setting up your business’s drug testing system and helping to manage your employee database for testing records.
Doing this alone could take up more time and resources, so taking advantage of these additional services can be a great way to keep costs low while still providing reliable results.
Bottom line, when it comes to drug testing, there are plenty of opportunities for cost savings if you know where to look or have the right partners in place.
Conclusion
All in all, drug testing for employers is a complex and expensive process. But it doesn’t have to be.
With the right strategies and a budget that considers employee training, changing policies and procedures, and the cost of drug testing, employers can ensure that their drug testing policies effectively create a safe and drug-free workplace.
Ultimately, the cost of drug testing should be weighed against the risk of decreased productivity, employee turnover, and other costs associated with an employee using drugs.
It’s a delicate balance that can be managed with the right resources. Employers should always research the most cost-effective drug testing options.
Also, they should use quality drug testing services that can provide the best value and protection for their business.
Without the right approach, the cost of drug testing can quickly increase and leave employers spending more than necessary without reaping any real benefits.
