Drug screenings are a common practice across many industries and situations. Whether it’s for pre-employment, ongoing employment, sports, or legal reasons, drug tests detect illicit substances and some prescription medications.
The cost of these screenings can vary quite a bit. This article breaks down the factors that affect the overall drug screening cost, so you can understand your options and make informed decisions.
What factors influence the cost of a drug screen?
The cost of a drug screen can vary widely based on several factors.
Type of test
Rapid drug screens are generally less expensive than lab-based tests, but they can also be less accurate. You can get results quickly with a rapid test, but you may need to confirm the results with another test.
Lab-based tests, on the other hand, are more accurate. They often include a confirmation test to verify any initial positive results. With these tests, a sample is sent to a lab for analysis using sophisticated methods like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Sample type
Urine tests are the most common type of drug screen, and they’re often the least expensive. They’re easy to administer and can detect recent drug use.
Other sample types, like saliva, hair follicles, and blood, tend to be more expensive. Hair follicle tests can detect drug use over a longer period, but they’re generally more costly. Blood tests can identify recent drug use, but they’re more invasive and therefore more expensive.
Drug screening costs by method
The cost of drug screening varies quite a bit depending on the method used:
- Urine drug tests: The price depends on whether the test is rapid, lab-based, or an at-home kit. Rapid urine tests generally cost $30-$80, lab tests typically cost $50-$110, and at-home kits range from $15-$50.
- Saliva drug tests: These are usually more expensive than urine tests, ranging from $50-$120. However, they are less invasive than blood tests.
- Hair follicle drug tests: This is the most expensive option, costing $100-$300 or more, because it can detect drug use over a longer period.
- Blood drug tests: Blood tests are invasive and typically used in specific situations, leading to higher costs, around $200-$400.
- Sweat drug tests: Sweat tests are less common but can be used for extended detection periods, costing $50-$150.
Drug screening costs by panel and facility
The cost of a drug test can vary depending on how many substances are being screened for (the panel), and where you go to have the test done.
Drug test panels
- 5-panel tests: These screen for the five most common drugs. Cost: $30 to $80 (rapid test), $50 to $75 (lab test), $15 to $30 (at-home test).
- 10-panel tests: These screen for a wider range of substances. Cost: $50 to $80 (rapid test), $75 to $110 (lab test), $25 to $50 (at-home test).
- Single-drug tests: These are used to find a specific substance. Cost: $20 to $50 (rapid test), $40 to $60 (lab test), $10 to $25 (at-home test).
Testing facility
Many different businesses offer drug testing services, including pharmacy chains, specialized drug testing companies, big labs, occupational health clinics, urgent care centers, and doctor’s offices.
Prices will vary depending on the type of facility. Urgent care centers and doctor’s offices may charge more due to added facility fees. You may want to take location and convenience into account when deciding where to go for your drug screen.
Drug testing in Singapore
If you’re in Singapore and need drug testing services, there are several options available. These include urinalysis, a variety of drug screens, and even nicotine testing.
For example, ATA Medical lists the following prices:
- Urinalysis: $10.90
- Drug Screen DUX01: $134.07
- Drug Screen DUX02 (Urine): $111.18
You can typically expect to receive your report within three business days. Testing facilities are located throughout Singapore; check online for locations and contact information.
Will insurance or my employer pay for a drug test?
Insurance coverage for drug screenings is spotty. Most insurance plans don’t cover drug tests required for employment or those related to monitoring addiction treatment.
Usually, employers will cover the costs for pre-employment drug screenings and for tests when there’s reasonable suspicion of drug use.
However, employers have to follow legal guidelines and respect employee rights. Employees should ask for details about their employer’s policies to understand their rights regarding privacy, confidentiality, and potential discrimination.
Drug testing compliance and your rights
It’s important to understand the rules around drug testing. Employer drug testing policies have to follow state and federal laws, and they can’t violate your rights.
During drug testing, you have rights to privacy, confidentiality, and freedom from discrimination. If you have questions about your company’s drug testing policies, you should ask them.
Summary
The cost of a drug screening depends on a few key factors, including the type of test, the type of sample used, the panel of drugs being tested for, and the facility where the test is administered. Because these factors can cause the price of a drug screen to vary so much, it’s worth doing a little research to compare prices.
If your employer requires you to take a drug test, be sure you understand the company’s policies and your rights as an employee. If you have any questions or concerns about the drug screening process or the costs involved, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification from the testing facility or your employer.