Local Pre-Employment Drug Screening Benefits
The world is so fascinated with drug and alcohol testing, and for good measure. Substance abuse continues to be one of the leading issues in Chicago, Illinois and it’s important to implement effective strategies to prevent drug abuse in the workplace.
Laboratory drug and alcohol testing has become a very helpful tool for companies in need of fast and accurate test results for alcohol and drugs. Here are three advantages of using our laboratory testing services:
Better Time Management
The sample collection process is very fast and efficient, and results are available as early as 1-2 days after collection. This allows employers to conduct pre-employment drug testing on potential employees without having to wait too long to make an official job offer. Confidential results are available in our secure online portal as soon as they are ready.
Lower Costs
Conducting pre-employment and workplace drug testing saves money in the long run by preventing workplace accidents, injuries and even fatalities. Employees who use drugs are statistically much more likely to miss time for being sick or injured vs. employees who do not use drugs.
There are quite a few variables to consider when looking into implementing a drug testing program, including drug testing methods, drug panels tested, testing frequency, etc. but TestCountry representatives are here to help you find the right program for your organization’s individual needs.
Reduced Worry and Fear
Waiting for results of a drug or alcohol test can be stressful for anyone. With TestCountry’s local laboratory drug testing services, results are available in 1 to 2 days, effectively reducing the time for worry and fear.
As one of the foremost companies in the U.S. to offer laboratory drug and alcohol testing services, TestCountry aims to provide fast and reliable services in more than 5,000 testing centers all across the country.
The process of using our local lab testing service is simple:
- Select the amount of employees you need to test, as well as your desired test type, and pre-pay for your laboratory drug screens ahead of time
- One of our dedicated account representatives will assist you with setting up your own secure, confidential, online account
- When you’re ready to send an employee for drug testing, simply login to your account, find the most convenient local laboratory, and register your employee for testing
- Instruct the donor to take their form into the local lab for sample collection
- After 1-2 days results will be available for viewing in your account, 24/7
- Once you’ve used all of your pre-paid tests, simply reach out to your account representative and reload your account with more tests
You may be asking yourself, “Does TestCountry even offer laboratory drug testing near me?” Rest assured, with our network of over 5,000 laboratories, we span all areas of the United States, providing local drug testing services to thousands of satisfied corporate customers each year.
Did You Know?
Not just any laboratory can conduct federal workplace drug testing, including DOT drug testing. Laboratories must first receive federal accreditation or certification.
The following is a list of accrediting bodies that can certify both US and international laboratories to perform federal workplace drug testing according to US standards.
Department of Health and Human Services - The DHHS issues certification for Laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities — both domestic and foreign — that meet the standards of the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing. The accreditation program is handled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. DHHS accredited laboratories can perform drug testing for any federal agency, including the Department of Transportation (DOT).
College of American Pathologists - The CAP offers accreditation to laboratories performing confirmatory drug testing on urine, oral fluid, and hair for non-medical purposes (i.e., workplace drug testing). CAP accreditation is an internationally recognized program designed to go beyond regulatory compliance.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - SAMHSA is an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and is responsible for certifying drug testing laboratories that meet the standards for conducting urine drug testing authorized under federal regulations.
SAMHSA administers the laboratory certification program through a program called the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP), which includes comprehensive performance testing and laboratory inspection programs. To become certified, an applicant laboratory must successfully test 3 rounds of samples given to the lab by SAMHSA and used to judge the lab’s competency. The lab must also successfully complete a laboratory inspection that occurs at the time the third set of test samples are being tested and undergo an inspection 3 months after achieving certification. To maintain certification, a laboratory must participate in and satisfy the requirements for the ongoing performance testing program and inspections.
The SAMHSA laboratory certification program applies only to urine drug testing, and specifically to testing for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine only.
The SAMHSA NLCP program does not include evaluation or assessment of the laboratory’s capabilities in testing for expanded drug panels that include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, synthetic narcotics and opioids.
If you’re in need of a local drug testing lab in Chicago, Illinois, reach out to us today and we’ll get you set up and started in no time!