Instant Drug Testing or Lab-Based Testing: Which is the Best Option?
Maintaining the well-being of both the workforce and the organization hinges on effective drug screening. Given the multitude of available drug screening programs and providers, many employers are confronted with the challenge of selecting an appropriate drug-testing process that aligns with the unique needs of their organization and workforce.
When it comes to drug testing, there are options to choose from:
- Doing in-house instant tests.
- Instant tests at a collection site. (If the applicant takes an instant test at a collection site and it’s negative you get the results within 24 hours. If it’s positive or borderline for a drug, the sample is sent to the lab for confirmation.)
- Doing lab based tests at a collection site.
Let’s dive in and examine which option suits your needs best.
Why Should I Use an Instant Drug Test?
Hiring new employees can take a lot of time, so it’s understandable to look for ways to expedite the process. Fortunately, when you choose an in-house instant drug test, you can find out if someone is qualified to work for your company within seconds. This makes the process easier for you and the person being tested. This is especially ideal in industries where there is a need for regular, on-going testing. Instant drug testing also removes the anxiety that can grow when it takes a few days to get results.
Why Should I Use Lab-Based Drug Testing?
Certain industries like the Department of Transportation, require lab-based drug testing. Additionally, using lab-based testing means that there will be no question about the results received.
Another reason to consider lab-based testing is that it adheres to a higher standard than an instant test. For example, lab-based testing can check for a wider number of drugs if needed.
Which Test Should I Choose?
In-house instant testing has been a game-changer for businesses. The price difference alone between an in-house instant test and a lab-based one makes instant testing the best choice in certain cases. If there are any doubts about the validity of the instant test you can always scale upward to do a retest.
Drug testing is only one part of a potential employee’s background check. For everything else, turn to the experts at Private Eyes. Our team can provide you with a top-notch background check for every employee!
Have questions? Speak to a Private Eyes expert for more information.