Last updated : March 24, 2025
Drug testing applicants or current employees is something many businesses are doing these days. Small, family-owned businesses and large multinational corporations are all doing it for a variety of reasons. Employers conduct drug testing to increase productivity, improve safety, and reduce employee turnover.
Research shows that drug users are 10 times more likely to be absent, 4 times more likely to get hurt and 5 times as likely to file a compensation claim.
Driving to a remote lab and waiting for the test to be done is how many employers have their people drug tested, but now employers are starting to choose a more efficient alternative. Using a mobile lab to screen at the job offers more control, increases productivity and eliminates the aggravation of having to perform the task remotely.
Mobile vs. traditional drug testing
Traditional drug testing requires an employee to leave the workplace and drive to a lab. In some cases, as with post-accident testing, a supervisor may be required to accompany the employee. They must often then wait to be tested when they arrive at the lab, and then drive back to the workplace. During all of this time away from work, the employee (or employees) are on the clock being paid. Additionally, other employees must compensate for the reduced manpower during this time, which has a negative impact on productivity and morale.
Mobile drug testing, however doesn’t require any of this. You simply make a phone call, day or night, and we will send a certified collector directly to where ever your employee is working. Testing can be completed in about 15 minutes, allowing the employee to return to work immediately with no down time or loss in productivity.
Employer responsibilities
It’s important to have a formal drug testing policy in place that complies with state and federal employment law prior to any drug testing. A restroom will need to be secured and made available for the mobile lab techs and employees to conduct a urinalysis drug test, but if that isn’t available, a saliva or hair drug test can often be conducted instead. (According to federal law, DOT drug testing only allows urinalysis drug testing, though.)
Your USAMDT certified collector can assist with all the necessary compliance, planning, employee and supervisor education, and ensure the appropriate resources are on-hand.
Mobile drug testing benefits
There are a wide range of benefits to mobile drug testing. One of the biggest benefits is the reduced overall cost. While the initial price tag appears higher, it’s really much more cost-effective when all associated costs are factored in. Increased productivity is another huge benefit, since an employee only has to step away from work for about 15 minutes. Mobile drug testing is also significant;y more convenient, both for employers and employees.
