The cost associated with pre-employment substance screening can vary significantly depending on several factors. These factors include the type of test administered (urine, hair, saliva, or blood), the laboratory performing the analysis, and the number of substances being screened for. As an example, a basic urine drug screen, which is commonly utilized, generally has a lower price point than a more comprehensive hair follicle test that can detect substance use over a longer period.
Substance screening before hiring offers multiple advantages for employers. It can reduce workplace accidents and injuries, decrease absenteeism, and minimize potential liability issues. Historically, widespread implementation of these procedures has contributed to safer and more productive work environments in safety-sensitive industries, and increasingly, in other sectors as well. The investment in this process is often viewed as a proactive measure to protect both the employer and the workforce.