Last updated : December 16, 2024
Rapid result tests accurately detect all types of drugs and are becoming more sophisticated as time passes. However, some inexperienced test administrators have trouble distinguishing results—especially, when there is a faint line in the display window.
People purchase over-the-counter drug tests for any number of reasons. For instance, some employers, who don’t have a large number of employees choose to handle drug testing on-site following their protocol in-house rather than incurring the expense of contracting with a drug testing company. Moreover, parents buy these types of tests as well when they suspect their child is using drugs. Seeing a faint line in the Test Region causes worry that there may be minute levels of drugs remaining in their system.
Rapid result tests yield a result in a few minutes, but, sometimes, the line in the display window is very faint causing the test administrator to question whether or not the result is positive or negative.
Reading results is cut and dried
When reading the results of a rapid response, otherwise known as a point-of-collection test (POCT), it’s important to note that there are two distinct sections in the result area. They are marked “C” and “T.” The “C” marks the Control Region and is used to indicate whether or not the test is working correctly. The “T” stands for “Test” and it’s where you look to determine if the drug test is positive or negative.
These tests can be in the form of either a urine drug test or a mouth swab drug test. Both methods yield results in approximately five minutes. If there is a line visible in the Test Region—no matter how bold or faint—the drug test is negative. If there is no line visible at all, the test is positive for drugs. We should mention, too, that there should be a visible line in the Control Region as well. If there isn’t, the test is deemed defective and rescheduled for a retake.
In the event of a positive result, the test specimen should be sent for confirmation testing at a laboratory approved by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These laboratories undergo strict routine inspections and are regarded as the best of the best. Some states don’t recognize the POCT test as proof of drug use so backup testing provides the proper evidence should a disgruntled employee ever try and refute the test result.
On-site testing is more affordable
Rising costs have business owners looking for ways to cut costs and some have even gone so far as to discontinue their drug testing program altogether. We’d recommend against that because statistics show that the ongoing benefits of operating a drug-free workplace include the following:
- Production levels increase
- Absenteeism decreases
- Workplace accidents go down
Most employees don’t use drugs. Instead of discontinuing employee drug testing, perhaps switching to a POCT drug test is a more beneficial plan of action. The tests themselves are less costly than partnering with a drug testing company. Planning only to send positive results off for further testing covers your legal bases.
Oral fluid tests are easy to administer. The administrator simply places the test swab between the lower cheek and gum. Then, asks that the subject keep it in place as saliva collects. It normally takes no more than five minutes or so to complete. Moreover, the test subject is never out of the administrator’s sight making tampering with the specimen impossible.
Lining up to be drug-free
Drug testing technology continues to evolve. One day, it’s safe to assume that POCT tests will be completely accepted as a reliable employee testing method.
In the meantime, employers are realizing the value of using them because of their cost-effectiveness. And, because, especially in smaller companies, a positive drug test result is a rare occurrence, employers aren’t having to deal with the added expense of sending specimens out to a laboratory to be analyzed. Employees never leave the workplace so aren’t losing time traveling to and from a testing facility which is another perk for the boss.
A drug-free workplace lets your community know where you stand. Once word gets out, it’s more likely than not that people who abuse drugs won’t even bother applying for a job. That’s especially true if you randomly test employees throughout the year! Not having any time to “study up” for the test is not a place most would want to risk finding themselves in.
Moreover, your employers will feel safer and more secure knowing that you don’t tolerate drug use. That’s going to increase their satisfaction levels. Satisfied employees are happier overall and they work harder too. You may not have drug users lining up to apply to work for you. People who realize the value of a company going drug-free, however, may reach around the block!
