Apr 26, 2013

Benefits Of Mobile Drug Testing

By Alyssa Riggs


In this day and age, time is money. Companies are looking for ways to save money and cut downtime without sacrificing safety. Drug and alcohol screening has become mandatory in many industries. Whether alcohol, illegal drugs or overuse of prescription medications, misuse can lead to serious accidents and excessive employee absences. Mobile drug testing is a cost effective way to prevent problems before they occur.

Employees no longer have to leave work to travel to a drug screening facility. This will save hours of travel time and waiting to be tested. It is now possible for the technology involved to come to the workplace, no matter where it is located, or when it is open. This flexibility allows the company to control the details of when and where, as well as save money.

Employees will be able to continue working right up until the time of their individual test, and return right after completion. There is no chance of the workplace being held responsible for any accidents that may have happened during travel to and from a remote testing site. This means less time is taken from the work day and less money lost.

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.

Most industries require urine collection for employee samples, however mobile facilities are usually capable of screening breath alcohol, hair and oral fluid as well. Urine collection for screening requires sterile conditions and preparation of the area before hand. Hiring mobile testers is easier on all involved since they are familiar with the protocols involved. The cost of these service depends on location and availability of proper site, or bringing one in, and the number of employees and the number of shifts they work and when.

To avoid contamination or tampering if there is a possibility that test results will be used in court, trained collectors keep the chain of custody so results are admissible. This way no employee errors will crop up. The collecting agency is also familiar with and responsible for all the paperwork necessary.

Programs may be customized to meet specific drug screening requirements depending on the industry your company is in. Options include pre-employment tests, random, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, follow-up, and emergency post-accident services. All are carried out by trained individuals with standard protocols in place.

No drugs in the workplace ensures a safer environment that is conducive to productivity. This means fewer worker compensation claims and fewer days of sick time taken. Bringing the testing service onsite is more convenient especially in remote areas. Mass hiring can be conducted quickly and all at once without waiting to schedule appointments. Mobile drug testing also helps alleviate stress and cost if any potential hazardous exposure occurs.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment