Drug Testing Options for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMB)
In any workplace, a drug testing policy is vital for a conducive and productive work environment. Some SMB owners think that drug testing is only meant for large companies, but that is not true. Let’s take a look at how SMBs can benefit from drug testing, and then let’s dive into the drug testing options for SMB.
Drug abuse is one of the most critical issues a small to medium business (SMB) has to tackle in America. The USA is the world’s largest per capita consumer of prescription opioids. Drug-Free America Foundation published a report in Jan 2023, named National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Report, using the numbers provided by Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration (SAMHSA), according to that report 62.1 Million Americans (21.9% of the Population) took illicit drugs in 2021. The most commonly used illicit drug was marijuana, which was used by 52.5 million people. According to estimates, 70% of the estimated 62.1 million Americans who use illegal drugs are employed.
According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Drug abuse other than alcohol costs 130 billion US Dollars every year due to lost productivity alone. If we sum up all the costs of healthcare, crimes, low productivity, and accidents, the total cost exceeds 700 Billion Dollars per year.
Since small and medium size businesses have a limited budget for extra expenses, they often don’t implement a drug testing policy. As a result, they are most likely to end up with employees who have drug abuse problems. The cost of laboratory drug testing is high and time-consuming as well. So, with the evolution of rapid drug testing kits, which are affordable and highly accurate, small businesses can also implement a drug testing program to minimize the costs and losses due to drug abuse problems.
Drug testing in the workplace is an important aspect of maintaining a safe and productive environment for employees and employers alike. For small businesses, choosing the right drug test can be a daunting task, as there are many different options available. In this article, we will explore the different types of drug tests available, the factors to consider when choosing a drug test, and finally, some recommendations on selecting the right drug test for your small business.
When it comes to drug testing, there are a variety of methods available including, Urine drug tests, Saliva drug tests, Blood tests, Hair analysis, and Sweat Analysis are the available drug testing options for your SMB.
The urine drug test is the most widely used form of drug testing in the workplace. This test is typically performed by collecting a sample of the individual’s urine in a clean and secure environment, such as a restroom. The sample is then analyzed using urine drug test dips or urine test cups.
The advantages of the urine drug test include its wide availability, accuracy, low cost, and the wide range of drugs it can detect. 90% of all drug tests conducted in the US each year are done using urine. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as the possibility of adulteration or substitution of the sample.
The saliva drug test is another commonly used method for small businesses. A saliva drug test is efficient because samples can reveal drug usage between just a few minutes and up to 48 hours prior to collection. This test is typically performed by collecting a sample of the individual’s saliva using a swab. The sample is then analyzed using a saliva drug test kit.
The advantages of the saliva drug test include its non-invasive nature, rapid results, and the ability to detect recent drug use. According to a study, mouth swab drug tests have an average accuracy of 97.5% or more. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as the shorter detection window and the limited range of drugs it can detect.
Blood analysis is a widely used method for drug testing, as it can accurately detect the presence of drugs and their metabolites in an individual’s system. The sample collected from a blood test is analyzed in a laboratory, which uses various techniques such as immunochemistry and chromatography or mass spectrometry to identify the drugs.
The advantage of this method includes precise determination of drug use. Disadvantages to blood analysis for drug testing include its invasive nature, discomfort, and anxiety for the individual being tested, and there is also a small risk of infection or complications associated with the blood draw. Additionally, blood testing is more expensive than other drug testing methods, and it requires specialized laboratory equipment and personnel.
Hair analysis involves testing a sample of hair for drugs or their metabolites, which can remain in the hair for several months. Advantages of hair analysis include a longer window of detection, less invasiveness, and less potential for manipulation compared to other methods. However, hair analysis also has limitations such as less ability to detect recent drug use, the potential for contamination, higher cost, and specialized laboratory requirements.
Sweat analysis uses a patch or bracelet that collects sweat over a period of time, typically a week or two, to detect drug use. Sweat analysis, while less intrusive, can be unreliable in individuals with low sweat production or hot and humid environments. Sweat analysis is also a new technology with limited data on accuracy and reliability.
This drug abuse problem can be kept in check by implementing a regular drug testing program at the workplace. Here are some major pros of implementing a drug testing policy in the workplace.
When choosing a drug test for your small business, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you are selecting the best test for your needs.
The detection window refers to the length of time after drug use that the test can detect the presence of drugs in the body. While urine tests typically have a longer detection window, saliva tests are known for their ability to detect recent drug use with a shorter detection window. This makes saliva tests a superior option for small businesses looking to detect recent drug use among their employees.
The cost of the test can vary depending on the type of test, the number of drugs being tested for, and the laboratory performing the analysis. Urine and saliva tests are known to be cost-effective and budget-friendly, making them a superior choice for small businesses with limited resources. While Blood tests and hair analysis are more costly than saliva and urine tests.
The ease of administering and collecting the test can vary depending on the type of test. Saliva tests are known to be non-invasive and do not require a specific location to collect the sample. This makes them a superior choice for small businesses looking for a convenient and hassle-free drug testing option.
The accuracy of the test can vary depending on the type of test, the laboratory performing the analysis, and the individual being tested. Urine and Blood tests are known to be highly accurate and reliable, making them a superior choice for small businesses looking for accurate and reliable results.
To summarize, Factors to consider when choosing a drug test include the detection window, cost, convenience, and accuracy.
In conclusion, choosing the right drug testing options for your SMB can be a daunting task, but by considering the detection window, cost, convenience, and accuracy, small businesses can make an informed decision.
While all drug test types have their own advantages and disadvantages, urine and saliva tests are known to be superior options for small businesses due to their cost-effectiveness, convenience, and accuracy. Both Urine and Saliva drug test kits are affordable and convenient to use, making them the best choice for your business.
It is important to remember that the purpose of rapid drug testing is to screen out negative test results. Non-negative or presumed positive test results should be sent to a lab for LCMS or GCMS confirmation. It also is advisable to have a legal professional well versed in drug free workplace programs to assist you in putting your drug test program in place.
DrugTestKitUSA provides products and services for onsite drug testing for companies looking to establish a safe and drug-free work environment. We provide fast, accurate, and easy-to-use drug test kits at reasonable prices all across America. When it comes to drug testing options for your SMB, our expert staff can even create a customized drug test based on your unique needs.
DTKUSA offers a wide range of urine and saliva test kits as well as other services such as rapid COVID-19 antigen test kits and RSV antigen test kits.
Download infographic PDF Below: TOP 8 BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE DRUG TESTING Many businesses forego workplace drug screening due to perceived costs and legal steps related
Workplace substance use is a risky road to productivity loss, safety hazards, and compromised professionalism. Drug testing at work is vital.
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