When implementing drug testing in the workplace, employers typically choose between two primary methods: instant drug testing and lab-based testing. It’s important to understand the key differences between these methods to determine which option best suits your organization’s needs.
At MedPhysicals Plus, we provide drug and alcohol testing services, offering both instant and laboratory screening for employers in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla.
What is Instant Drug Testing?
Instant drug testing provides on-site results, usually within a few minutes, using urine or saliva samples. This is also known as point-of-care testing (POCT) or rapid testing. POCT or instant drug testing, does not require a certified laboratory and is designed for ease of use with minimal training. However, an instant drug test cannot officially deliver a “positive” result. While the primary advantage of POCT is its rapid results, it often has lower sensitivity and specificity, which may lead to false-negative and false-positive results.
What is Lab-Based Drug Testing?
Lab-based drug testing involves sending samples—such as urine, saliva, hair, or blood—to a certified laboratory for thorough analysis. Results are typically available within 24–72 hours and provide highly accurate, detailed, and legally defensible outcomes. This process includes a chain of custody, which is the recordkeeping procedure that tracks who handles a drug testing sample and why, from the time the sample is collected to when it is discarded.
Source: Great Lake Labs
What Employers Need to Know?
While instant drug tests are generally reliable, they lack the precision of laboratory tests and have a higher risk of false positives and false negatives. An instant test may be the best option when quick results are needed, and accuracy is not a major concern. However, if accuracy is critical or testing for a broader range of drugs and their metabolites is required, a lab-based test is the better choice. Additionally, the two most commonly used urine test panels—the 5 panel drug test and 10 panel drug tests—can be conducted using either instant or lab-based testing methods.
Some employers choose to implement a hybrid approach, which involves implementing both methods. Some employers utilize the instant drug test results for their non-DOT employees, while they solely employ lab-based testing for employees whose positions are subject to DOT regulations.
Other methods: Employers may utilize the instant drug test results to immediately offer the position to new hires and commence their employment. Nevertheless, they also submit a sample for laboratory testing. In order for the employee to remain employed with the company, they have included a contingency in their policy that the lab-based testing must remain negative. This method is more costly. Nevertheless, this comprehensive approach satisfies the necessity of immediately hiring while also providing the assurance that all new recruits have undergone the most rigorous testing.
How MedPhysicals Plus Can Help
At MedPhysicals Plus, we recognize that in this competitive market, recruiting managers require immediate access to results in order to make hiring decisions. Instant test results are delivered within 24 hours of the screening. We employ technology to expedite the reporting process and prevent miscommunications.
Our employer services include:
✅ FMCSA Clearinghouse & TPA services
✅ Pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing
✅ Mobile and after-hours collections for added convenience
✅ Reliable, accurate, and compliant results
Whether you require instant testing for fast results or lab-based testing for a comprehensive analysis, MedPhysicals is your trusted partner!
Let us help you create a safer, drug-free workplace. Experience the MedPhysicals difference!