Lab Testing

Overview | Specimen Collection | Lab | MRO | TPA | The Cheapest Way |

Laboratory Testing
For DOT-regulated testing, the lab service is the service that comes closest to a “commodity”…meaning that the standards are well defined, government audits extensive, competition fierce, and pricing very competitive.  That being said, some labs are better than others; some labs are cheaper; some labs are neither.  Then (even when the “accuracy” of the test is a “level playing field”) there are the little quirks like “voluntary-mandatory specimen validity testing”; and the little matter of getting the specimen to the lab…promptly; and getting it tested…promptly; and getting it reported…promptly; and, for non-regulated testing…even ordering the “right” test.  Most employers are not sufficiently knowledgeable in this specialized field to contract for lab services without the advice of a competent TPA and C-SAPA.  That’s Drug Screens Plus! 

If your company is subject to collective bargaining, you should seek the advice of a competent TPA in selecting and contracting for lab services as well as in bargaining your policies and procedures (it all ties together).  We have reviewed numerous substance abuse policies resulting from the collective bargaining process, and (from the standpoint of someone with extensive knowledge and experience in employment related drug/alcohol testing issues) the union side typically gets the employer side to agree to some pretty bad language (i.e., bad for the employer and enabling bad employee behavior).  Consult with a competent TPA and C-SAPA.  That’s Drug Screens Plus! 

If your company is not subject to collective bargaining, it’s equally important to seek outside help.  A competent TPA like Drug Screens Plus will help you address issues that otherwise might get overlooked.  If you simply contact the nearest “clinic” and ask “Do you do drug testing?”…you run the risk of getting stuck with “the picture that came with the wallet”.  It may be a “good program”, but it is rare to find a hospital or clinic with the focus, testing volume, and depth of experience of a specialized service like Drug Screens Plus. 

Choosing a lab (while only one small part of your overall testing program) fits like a glove with MRO/TPA services…including model program policies and procedures.  No matter how well you implement bad policies & procedures, you’re going to get bad results.  More and more good hospitals and clinics recognize the importance of integrating and expanding Lab/MRO/TPA services to include employer policies, procedures, education and counseling in order to achieve optimal results in the company’s overall testing program…an integrated service that is “beyond the scope” of most hospitals and clinics.  That’s why more and more hospitals and clinics offer the Drug Screens Plus program to their clients. 

If you would like to have a fully-integrated substance abuse testing program,
Call Jim Carlyle @ 800-459-9012 xt 28.

See Links for connection to lab websites