Importance of Certified Laboratories in Ensuring Accurate Drug Test Results
The difference between a reliable drug test result and a questionable one can depend on the laboratory doing the work. SAMHSA-certified laboratories are the gold standard in drug testing. This blog article covers the importance of SAMHSA certifications, and the risks of choosing an unreliable drug test.
Need an all-in-one solution for your drug testing needs? Health Street offers a wide variety of drug tests through our thousands of certified labs throughout the US. Order now or call us at (888) 378-2499 to customize your testing solution.
How to choose the right company for drug testing
Selecting a competent drug testing provider involves many key considerations, some of which include:
Why choose certified labs for drug testing
SAMHSA is an agency within the HHS (Department of Health and Human Services). SAMHSA-certified laboratories must undergo a rigorous process to ensure their results and procedures are up to the highest standards and provide accurate drug tests. SAMHSA-certified laboratories are known for their reliability and quality. For businesses looking for high-quality tests with reliable drug test accuracy, ensure the lab is SAMHSA-certified.
Potential consequences of inaccurate drug testing
The stakes of drug test accuracy don't stop at just regulatory compliance. False positives can have profound implications on an individual's career and livelihood, and false negatives can put the company, staff, or clients at risk. Laboratories that have produced erroneous results have faced legal action and have even been taken to court.
Save yourself the headache, time, and money by choosing a SAMHSA-certified lab from the start.
Court-ordered drug tests
For legal cases like DUIs/DWIs or child custody disputes, it's also important to order accurate drug tests. Only certified laboratories are equipped to provide the level of lab drug test accuracy needed for court-ordered drug tests.
Why choose Health Street as your partner for drug and alcohol screening
Health Street has thousands of nationwide clinics providing non-DOT and DOT drug testing—all of which are SAMHSA-certified. The process of pre-employment and ongoing random drug and alcohol testing follows the strict protocols outlined in CFR 49 Part 40. Health Street's collectors also adhere to these standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a rapid drug test and a lab test?
Rapid drug tests (also called instant testing) produce negative test results almost immediately, often within a few minutes. Non-negative tests are still sent to the lab for confirmation testing.
Lab drug test results usually come back by the next business day unless confirmation testing is required for non-negative results. Lab tests also offer a broader range of substances that can be screened for depending on the panel selected.
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