Why Use Mobile Drug Testing

By Alyssa Riggs


With the economy the way it is, companies are trying to cut costs and prevent excessive downtime in the safest manner possible. Many industries require employees to submit to mandatory drug testing to prevent the use of illegal drugs, or the misuse of alcohol or legal prescription medication. Drug abuse often contributes to workplace accidents and frequent absenteeism by the users. With the use of mobile drug testing, problems can be identified and prevented before they take place or get out of hand.

Gone are the days when employees have to leave the worksite and travel to a drug testing facility. This often meant hours of waiting and travel time. New technology allows the testing site to come to your location, whenever and wherever you require it. You are in control of setting up the event.

With onsite testing no time is lost traveling as workers can simply keep working until test time and resume responsibilities as soon as the specimen has been collected. There is also less chance of any accidents happening on the way to the facility, thus absolving the employer from any pending liability for accidents on company time.

Since test administration companies are responsible for managing and coordinating all test procedures, staff time and money is saved. The transportation of all equipment, including any FDA approved reagents necessary to perform tests, as well as the staff to perform them is the responsibility of the testing company. Other services available may include help in interpreting the results, storing records, and the administration of drug programs and counseling to any employees who fail the test.

Mobile facilities are capable of performing many kinds of tests including urine, hair, oral fluid and breath alcohol. Most often the specimens that are collected from employees are urine. The procedure requires certain sterile conditions as well as preparation of the area before collection to prevent any tampering or contamination. Mobile facilities make the process easier for everyone. Cost will depend on your location and the availability of a collection site or the need for one to be provided. The number of employees, the number of shifts and days of work are also a factor.

Collectors are trained to ensure standard procedures are followed so that any adverse results are admissible should a court case arise. A third party involved keeps the chain of custody and ensures no tampering or errors by company employees. They are also responsible for all necessary paperwork and filling it out properly.

It is possible to request customized programs to suit specific industry requirements since standard procedures are closely followed. Select from screening for pre-employment, random tests, or reasonable suspicion to determine if an employee is ready to return to duty, as a follow-up to an incident, or post-accident if chance of exposure may have occurred.

A drug free workplace is a safer, more productive environment with fewer employee compensation claims and less absenteeism. Mobile drug testing is the viable option for many workplaces. Onsite screening may be done conveniently anywhere and at any time. It helps save money by creating limited downtime and helps reduce costly accidents. It is the perfect solution during mass hiring needs, and cost effective for remote locations. It also is beneficial for post accident needs.




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