As a business owner or a manager, it falls to you to ensure that your staff members are not under the influence of drugs while their working. You might also need drug testing to ensure regulatory compliance. A drug-free workplace is essential for keeping customers and employees safe and healthy.
Did you know that there are different methods available for drug testing? There is lab-based drug testing and instant drug screening. You need a better understanding of lab-based drug testing vs instant drug screening, so you can choose the best option for your needs.
We want to clarify the differences between lab-based drug testing and instant drug screening (also known as rapid or POCT testing) to help you make an informed decision. This guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Instant Drug Screening (POCT)?
You will hear instant drug screening referred to as Point of Care Testing (POCT). The primary characteristic of an instant result drug test is that it can be performed on-site, and you get immediate results. These tests are ideal for initial screening purposes. However, POCT drug testing may not be as accurate as other testing methods. Most users report that while they provide fast results, there can be questions about their accuracy compared to lab tests. When you get a positive instant test result, you want confirmation from a lab of the results.
What Is Lab-Based Drug Testing?
With lab-based drug testing, you begin by collecting a specimen, such as urine, hair, or blood. The facility collects the specimen and sends it to a laboratory for analysis. Urine drug tests and other types of testing that go to a lab give clear, concrete results.
If you want a reliable and thorough method to detect substance use, lab-based testing is it. In fact, lab-based urine tests are the only method approved for federally mandated drug testing programs. This includes DOT drug testing and federal workplace drug testing.
They use SAMHSA-certified labs, which is important for certain types of testing to ensure quality and reliability. Federally mandated drug testing is important to ensure the safety of employees, employers, and everyone who encounters them.
Lab tests are considered best practice for employers and companies who care about workplace safety. When you are looking for accurate drug screening, you want to make sure that you are taking the most accurate and proactive steps available to you.
Key Differences and Comparison
There are some key differences in the lab drug test vs home drug test comparison.
- Speed of Results: Rapid drug tests can provide you with results in a few minutes. However, lab tests take longer since the results must go to the lab and be analyzed in a laboratory before accessing them.
- Accuracy & Reliability: Lab-based testing is always considered more accurate and reliable. This is due to the sophisticated equipment and processes used in a lab. If you opt for instant tests, you need to consider lab confirmation for positive test results.
- Regulatory Compliance: When you need to meet regulatory compliance, only lab-based urine tests are permitted.
- Detection Window: The remnants of drug use break down over time. Urine drug tests can only show drug use in the last few days, while hair can show drug use weeks or months later.
- Purpose/Use Cases: You can use an instant test for an initial check and send out positive results for lab testing. The lab tests provide official, legally defensible results and meet regulatory requirements.
Choosing the Right Method
In the end, there are numerous factors that help you choose the right method. You might opt for an instant drug test when you need rapid results. When you need accurate results, the lab-based drug test is the right route. The purpose of the test, such as pre-employment, random, or DOT, can also factor into your decision. The final consideration is your budget for testing. You always want to use reliable sources and accredited laboratories for accurate and legally sound results.
ARCpoint Labs Meets Your Drug Testing Needs
Time and accuracy are the two biggest differences when you are looking at a rapid drug test vs. a lab-based drug test. Unfortunately, you cannot have both. The “better” method depends on the specific needs and requirements of your business. ARCpoint Labs is ready to partner with you and provide a reliable drug test. Contact ARCpoint Labs today, to learn how we can help with your drug testing needs.