Hot much does a Drug Test cost?
What are drug test screenings? Drug tests are used to detect the presence or absence of drugs. A typical 5-panel drug screening tests for the following common substances: marijuana or THC, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and phencyclidine or PCP. It is often referred to as the NIDA five because they are the five types of drugs recommended for screening of federal employees by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). In some cases, a person might need a 10-panel drug test which includes checking for additional substances such as benzos, barbiturates, methadone, MDMA and propoxyphene. The price of drug testing will vary on many different factors. Some can cost as little as $5 and as high as $500.
Drug testing is a method used to detect the presence of illegal substances or prescription medications in a person’s system. Drug tests are used to target specific drugs or drug classes. In drug testing, there is a predetermined cut-off level. The point of measurement at or above the cut-off level results in a positive or negative test. Above the cut-off level means positive results, while below the cut-off level means negative results.
Drug testing prices also depend on the type of test, who conducts the test and the number of substances being screened. A typical drug screening consists of a urine sample to easily identify and detect various types of controlled substances. Why are drug screenings important? Drug testing can serve many purposes. These include employee drug screening, pre-employment screening, workplace safety, medical diagnosis, legal compliance, accident investigation purposes and sometimes worker’s compensation cases. Employers can use drug screening tests under many different circumstances.
Typical Employment Drug Testing
- Pre-employment – Employers may want to screen candidates for drug use as part of a comprehensive background check before hiring.
- Random testing – Random drug testing at random times to maintain a drug-free workplace. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, random testing is effective in determining drug use among employees.
- Periodic testing – Employers can run periodic testing as part of an annual physical exam.
- Accident investigation testing – Testing for substances if a workplace accident has occurred to help determine if substance abuse may have contributed or played a role.
- Reasonable suspicion – If an employee appears to be impaired or intoxicated or have a documented pattern of unusual and unsafe behavior.
Another reason for the need for Drug Testing
- A medical assessment
- Prevention of prescription medication abuse
- Support for clinical goals of substance use disorder treatment
- Legal evidence as part of criminal or motor vehicle accident investigation as well as court-ordered
- Athletics to deter the use of performance enhancers
- Recovery residences also use drug screening to help maintain sobriety and keep accountability in those who are in sober living or outpatient treatment
How much does a Drug Test cost?
There are many varying factors that dictate the cost of drug testing. It can depend on the type of test, where the test is taken, if the person has insurance or the general volume of the test needed. When it comes to insurance coverage for drug testing, it can depend on whether or not your insurance provider deems the tests a medical necessity. In some cases, you may be required to undergo drug testing for employment. In that case, some insurance providers may not extend this type of cost coverage. On average, total costs of drug testing can fall within the range of $50-100.
Cost of testing based on Test Type
- Urine test – Urine tests are the most common type of drug test because they can give fairly accurate results in a short amount of time. It is widely used for employment testing. The costs can run anywhere between $30-110.
- Saliva test – Saliva tests are often used to detect recent drug use and are more difficult to tamper with. The costs can run anywhere between $50-120.
- Hair test – Testing hair follicle strands can start around $125 and go up to $300 for a lab-based test. With at-home test kits, it can run around $60-100. This type of drug test can detect drug use over a long period of time.
- Blood test – Blood testing can yield more accurate results for drug use. However, it is more invasive and can be more expensive with costs averaging from $200-400.
- Sweat test – Sweat tests are among the least commonly used tests and the cost can range between $50-150.
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Methods of Drug Testing
There are three main methods of drug testing: rapid drug screening, lab-based testing and at-home test kits. On average rapid drug test screening can cost around $30-80 per test panel. These types of tests yield results within minutes but can be slightly less accurate. Rapid drug test screenings can be done in the workplace or at clinics. Facilities such as pharmacy chains like CVS or Walgreens can produce testing anywhere from $30-60. They can produce results quicker than lab-based testing.
Lab best testing can cost anywhere from $50-110 per test because it is more detailed and more accurate. The results of this type of drug testing can take anywhere from 24-72 hours to see results. Major lab corporations such as LabCorp and Quest Lab can cost anywhere between $45-60 depending on the type of drug test. Specialty drug testing labs can cost a little more between $40-80. When it comes to drug testing at urgent care clinics and doctor’s offices, the cost can be between $60-125.
At-home test kits provide convenient and affordable options for personal drug testing. They are easily accessible from local pharmacies or online retail. At-home test kits can range between $110-50.
The benefits of Drug Testing for Substance Use Disorder treatment
- Urine tests can help screen and manage the progress of a person who is in substance use disorder treatment.
- Drug tests can help determine any adjustments in medication or treatment needed
- When it comes to federal programs such as Opioid Treatment Programs, the guidelines require drug testing which is often administered during patient intake.
- Drug testing can help clinicians understand the limits of urine screenings and never use it as a sole determinant when making important patient care decisions related to their substance use disorder treatment.
- Drug testing can be used as a tool for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of a substance addiction.
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Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Drug testing is a common tool used in many different situations for a variety of reasons. It is used to determine whether or not a person has illegal or prescription substances within their system. For the most part, drug testing is easy, convenient and accurate. However, there are some concerns with the possibility of sample tampering or contamination which can yield inaccurate or false results. One reason for drug testing is to help identify and create a treatment plan for a person who has a substance use disorder. Behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide rigorous and effective treatments including drug screenings to help with substance abuse treatment.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy to help clients understand the root causes of their addiction and treat co-occurring mental health conditions. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients overcome their addictions and live a happier life in sobriety.
References:
https://checkr.com/resources/articles/drug-test-costs
https://bettercare.com/costs/drug-test-cost
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459334/https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/drug-testing
https://www.priorityuc.com/drug-test-cost