• Skip to main content

USA Mobile Drug Testing

  • Services
    • Drug Testing
    • Background Screening
    • Training and Support
    • Consumer Services
  • Customer Login
  • Blog
  • Drug Testing Locations
  • Contact

What Are On-Site and Off-Site Drug Testing?

Home / Drug Testing / What Are On-Site and Off-Site Drug Testing?

February 1, 2018 by David Bell

Last updated: January 30, 2023

In addition to pre-employment drug tests performed on new employees during recruitment, many companies also require employees agree to random drug testing exercises as and when required. This is necessary for building a drug-free workplace consequently ensuring workplace safety. For instance, a person operating machinery should not be high on drugs as he puts his co-workers at risk. The most efficient way to perform a drug test is through on-site testing.

What is on-site drug testing?

Whenever a workplace accident happens, an immediate on-site drug test is standard protocol. This helps to identify the cause of the accident as well as aid in post-accident trials to show who is liable. Many employers also perform random drug tests to discourage drug use, and these can also be conducted on-site.

The benefit of on-site drug testing is that it brings the laboratory right to the workplace, saving time for employers and increasing productivity.

Though the price for the on-site drug test itself might be slightly higher, the benefits far outweigh the cost difference. Your business is not interrupted due to employees (and in the case of post-accident or reasonable suspicion, supervisors) taking time off to go to a testing facility. Productivity is not interrupted. Costs that might have been incurred from their traveling to and from the lab are saved as well. On-site test results are delivered on the very day which is ultimately very convenient.

This type of drug testing has an advantage as it is unannounced and therefore more accurate. Employees on whom the employer has reasonable suspicion have little time to tamper with the results. On-site drug testing allows for multiple tests to be carried out on a single day, making the entire process fast, efficient, and pain-free for employers and employees alike.

There are two types of on-site drug testing:

  • A one-step employee kit that provides rapid results. A confirmation is needed from the lab in the event of a false read.
  • The other involves the collection of samples by a trained expert who is trained on Chain of Custody rules and procedures so that the on-site drug test results are admissible in a court of law.

The drugs that are tested for include opiates, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, marijuana, among others that are a major concern to employers.

Off-site drug testing

Employees have to leave the job site and travel to a designated drug test collection center. The specimen is then sent to a drug screening lab for analysis. It offers the employee more dignity and privacy. This type of drug testing, however, offers loopholes for manipulation of results. Productivity is interrupted as employees have to leave their jobs to go for the drug test.

Why is it important for employers to perform drug tests?

It is the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe working environment for the employees. Should accidents occur due to drug abuse or use, the employer could face legal liability. Through a drug test, employees who pose a risk to fellow colleagues can be identified and dealt with accordingly. Basically, companies that have a consistent drug testing regimen report fewer accident occurrences. A safe working environment enhances productivity, as absenteeism, tardiness, and behavior associated with drug use are reduced.

Performing drug tests can help employees dealing with drug-related problems and addictions, especially if the company has such a provision. Through this, the employees could even get into rehabilitation programs at the company’s expense. This is ideal where the individual possesses a specific skill, or where it would cost more to hire and train a new worker. There are, however, companies that fire an employee found to be using drugs.

Drug testing significantly reduces staff turnover. Research shows that employees who abuse drugs are prone to changing jobs every once in a while. This translates into higher costs as employers have to spend more on recruitment and training exercises.

Drug tests result in improved productivity, fewer accidents and consequently lower insurance claims and compensations, and lower absenteeism. More benefits are, however, bound to be realized through the use of on-site drug tests as costs are further lowered due to convenience. They also provide the highest accuracy with minimal chances of alteration.

Filed Under: Drug Testing

Ready to learn more or schedule a drug test?

Service area:

USA
Canada

Find a drug testing location

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • District of Columbia
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

About David Bell

After seeing the damage caused by drug use first-hand, David sold his previous company and worked his way up through the ranks in the drug testing industry to help employers keep drugs and alcohol out of the workplace.

© USA Mobile Drug Testing

800-851-2021

11016 N Dale Mabry Hwy #204
Tampa, FL 33618


  • Headquarters Website
  • Franchise Information
  • Become an Affiiliate

Drug Testing Methods

  • Urine Drug Test
  • Mouth Swab Drug Test
  • Hair Drug Test
  • Blood Drug Test

Drug Testing Panels

  • 5 Panel Drug Test
  • 9 Panel Drug Test
  • 10 Panel Drug Test
  • 12 Panel Drug Test

Drug Testing Conditions

  • Pre-Employment Drug Testing
  • Random Drug Testing
  • DOT Drug Testing
  • Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing
  • Post-Accident Drug Testing
  • Probation Drug Testing

Web design by Spartan Media

Do you need a drug test conducted at a certain date and time? Call us at and we will dispatch a mobile collection specialist to administer your drug tests at any location, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

x

Are you looking for more information about drug testing, a drug free workplace program, or compliance? Call us at and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and tailor a program to your specific needs.

x