How Much Does a Drug Test Cost?

Drug tests work by analyzing a biological sample like hair or urine to detect illegal or legal substances. 

They’re commonly used for pre-employment screening to help employers maintain a safe work environment. 

Drug tests can be performed in many locations, such as labs, workplaces, hospitals, or treatment centers. 

The testing process works by collecting the appropriate amount of samples. Then, the samples are sealed and transported to a lab testing facility. The lab analyzes the samples for the presence of drugs using various methods such as immunoassay and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. 

The time it takes for results to appear will depend on the type of drug you’re testing for. Some results can appear as fast as 48 hours, while others may take up to 8 days. 

About 40% of US employees are subjected to drug tests within the hiring process, and 4.2% of the US workforce fails them. 

That said, there are many benefits to performing drug tests, such as: 

• Lower absenteeism: Substance abuse may lead to absenteeism, which can cause turnover. Regular testing will prevent substance abuse and can help to increase employee retention. 
• Greater productivity: Drugs impair the mental state. This can lead to harassment or simply affect a person’s ability to perform their job function. 
• Enhanced workplace safety: Drugs can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Testing enhances safety and reduces worker’s compensation claims and lawsuits against the company. 
• Legal compliance: Employers are mandated by federal law through the Drug-Free Workplace Act to prohibit the unlawful use of controlled substances in a work environment. 
• Improved company reputation: Drug testing demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety. Other employees can feel safe knowing their coworkers aren’t under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
• Reduced healthcare costs: These tests can help prevent workers from having a substance abuse problem, which would lead to more serious health issues. 
• Prevention and deterrence: The mere presence of randomized drug tests will deter potential drug use. Impairment in mental cognition can hinder performance and put others at risk. 

When a substance enters your body, the gastrointestinal tract absorbs and sends it to the rest of your body. The substance stays in your body within a certain time frame before it leaves through urine. A standard drug test typically detects whether a person has used the substance in the recent past. 

Here are the substances that a drug can detect, followed by their detection times: 

• Amphetamines: 1 to 3 days 
• Cannabinoids: Urine tests take up to 30 days, blood tests take 2 to 3 days, and saliva tests come in between 24 to 48 hours 
• Cocaine: 2 to 4 days 
• Opiates: Ranges between 48 hours to 3 days 
• Phencyclidine: About 8 days 
• Benzodiazepines: 3 days for short-acting and up to 4 to 6 weeks for long-acting
• Barbiturates: 1 day for short-acting and up to 3 weeks for long-acting
• Methadone: 7 to 10 days 
• Propoxyphene: 24 to 48 hours

Costs will vary on the type of test and how it’s administered. At-home urine tests for illegal drugs generally range between $10 and $50. However, saliva or urine tests performed at a lab will cost about $50 to $80. 

The most expensive are hair or blood tests done at the lab, which can cost between $100 to $650. Drug tests are worth the cost for employers since they help prevent harm to the entire organization.