How much does a drug test cost?
How much does a drug test cost?
$30 – $80 Rapid drug screening cost
$50 – $110 Lab-based drug test cost
$15 – $50 At-home drug screening kit cost
Average drug test cost
A drug test costs $30 to $80 for a rapid drug screening, usually done at a workplace or clinic. A more accurate lab-based drug test costs $50 to $110, depending on the test type. An at-home drug screening kit costs $10 to $50. Multi-panel urine testing is the most common and cost-effective.
| Test method | 5-panel urine test | 10-panel urine test | Single-drug urine test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid drug screening | $30 – $50 | $50 – $80 | $20 – $50 |
| Lab-based drug test | $50 – $75 | $75 – $110 | $40 – $60 |
| At-home screening kit | $15 – $30 | $25 – $50 | $10 – $25 |
Cost to drug test by type
Drug testing is a common practice used to detect the presence of illegal substances or prescription medications in a person's system. Employers, healthcare providers, and legal authorities use drug tests for various purposes, including pre-employment screening, workplace safety, medical diagnosis, and legal compliance.
There are three main methods of drug testing—rapid screening, lab-based testing, and at-home kits—each priced differently and offering different speeds and accuracy.
Rapid drug screening cost
Rapid drug screening costs $30 to $80 per test panel and gives results within minutes, usually right where the test is done. This method is used for on-the-spot testing at workplaces or clinics. However, rapid tests might be slightly less accurate and typically don't include follow-up testing to confirm results.
Lab-based drug testing cost
Lab-based drug testing costs $50 to $110 per test panel and is a more meticulous method preferred for situations that require more accurate or legally admissible results. The results take 24 to 72 hours. Lab tests often include confirmation testing for positive outcomes.
At-home drug screening kit cost
At-home drug screening kits cost $10 to $50, depending on the substances tested. These kits offer a private, convenient, and affordable option for personal drug screening and typically involve urinating in a collection cup and inserting a test strip. The strip changes color within minutes to indicate the presence of specific drugs.
At-home drug tests are easily accessible from pharmacies or online retailers but may have less accurate results and don't meet the stringent requirements for official or legal purposes. Court-admissible drug tests require specific legal procedures, including proper chain of custody, qualified personnel, and reliable test methods.
Drug screening cost by method
The test specimen also affects drug screening costs. Urine sample testing costs $30 to $110 and is most common for detecting recent drug use. Hair follicle tests, while better for detecting long-term drug use patterns, are more expensive at $100 to $300+ because they require specialized equipment and more complex analysis.
| Test type | Average cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | $30 – $110 |
|
| Saliva | $50 – $120 |
|
| Hair follicle | $100 – $300 |
|
| Blood | $200 – $400 |
|
| Sweat | $50 – $150 |
|
While blood tests are sometimes used for drug screening, they are more commonly employed for regular health checkups and monitoring. For information on the costs of routine blood work, refer to our comprehensive guide on blood test pricing.
Drug test cost by testing facility
Drug testing costs vary by facility and test type. Pharmacy chains and drug testing companies offer the most affordable options, with basic 5-panel urine tests costing $30 to $80. Doctor’s offices have the highest-priced drug screenings at $60 to $150, plus a separate office visit cost of $100 to $300 for patients without insurance.
| Testing facility | 5-panel urine test | 10-panel urine test |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy chain (Walgreens, CVS) |
$30 – $60 | $60 – $100 |
| Specialized drug testing company | $40 – $80 | $75 – $150 |
| Major lab (Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp) |
$45 – $60 | $60 – $120 |
| Occupational health clinic | $40 – $80 | $50 – $100 |
| Urgent care center | $75 – $125 | $85 – $150 |
| Doctor's office | $60 – $125, plus office visit |
$60 – $150, plus office visit |
The basic 5-panel drug test can detect:
Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)
Cocaine and its derivatives
Marijuana (cannabinoids)
Opiates / Opioids (e.g. heroin, morphine, codeine)
Phencyclidine (PCP)
A more comprehensive 10-panel drug test may also detect:
Benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium, Xanax, Ativan)
Barbiturates
Methadone
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Propoxyphene
Due to the ongoing opioid crisis, standard drug testing is expanding to include screening for synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and oxycodone, which are often at the center of prescription drug abuse and overdose cases.
Drug screening cost factors
Several factors can influence the cost of drug screening:
Result timeline: Faster lab results typically come at a premium. Standard processing times for lab testing are usually 2 to 3 business days, while rush results can significantly increase costs.
Additional services: Services like medical review officer (MRO) consultations or chain of custody documentation can add to the overall cost but may be necessary for legal or compliance reasons.
Tests and panels ordered: The more substances being tested for, the higher the cost. However, bulk ordering often results in discounts. Companies that conduct frequent testing for employees may negotiate lower per-test rates with providers.
Geographic location: Testing costs can vary by region due to differences in labor costs, competition among providers, and local regulations.
Confirmation testing: If an initial screening is positive, additional confirmation testing may be required, which can add to the overall cost in some cases.
Collection fees: Some providers charge separate fees for specimen collection, especially for off-site testing. Testing at a doctor’s office often includes a separate office visit fee.
Industry-specific requirements: Certain industries, like transportation or healthcare, may have specific testing protocols that affect costs.
Drug testing FAQs
Does insurance cover drug testing?
Health insurance typically doesn't cover drug tests for employment or addiction monitoring, which are usually paid out-of-pocket. However, insurance may cover medically necessary tests ordered by a physician for diagnosis or treatment. Coverage varies by plan, so it's best to check with your provider.
Who pays for an employee drug test?
The employer typically pays for any pre-employment drug tests as part of the hiring process. In cases of workplace accidents or reasonable suspicion of drug use, it is also standard practice for employers to cover the cost of employee drug testing.
How does a drug test work?
A drug test analyzes a biological sample (usually urine, blood, saliva, or hair) to detect specific drugs or their metabolites produced when the body processes drugs. Laboratory screening includes an initial screening test, which is usually followed by a more precise confirmation test if the screening is positive.
Where can I get a drug test?
Workplace requirements often dictate where employees can obtain drug tests, with options ranging from major pharmacy chains and urgent care clinics to specialized testing companies like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp, doctor's offices, or even at-home test kits.
What are the benefits of employee drug testing?
Employee drug testing offers several important benefits for employers:
Creates a safer workplace with reduced risk of accidents and injuries
Reduces absenteeism and employee turnover
Lowers healthcare and workers' compensation costs
Enables identification and support of employees with potential substance abuse issues.
Ensures compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements, especially in safety-sensitive sectors
Drug testing compliance
While employers have the right to maintain a drug-free workplace, they must also adhere to legal and ethical standards when implementing drug testing programs. Employees should be aware of their rights and protections regarding workplace drug testing. Both employers and employees should understand the following:
Consent: In most cases, employers must obtain your consent before conducting a drug test.
Privacy: Employees have the right to privacy during the sample collection process.
Confidentiality: Employee test results should be kept confidential and only shared with those who have a legitimate need to know.
Non-discrimination: Drug testing policies must be applied consistently and not discriminate against protected classes.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Employees taking prescription medication for a disability may be protected under the ADA.
State laws: Some states have specific laws regulating workplace drug testing. Check your state's regulations.
Union agreements: For union members, collective bargaining agreements may address drug testing procedures.
False positives: Employees have the right to explain a positive result, especially if it's due to legal prescription medication.
Challenging results: Most employers allow employees to request a retest if they believe the results are inaccurate.
Notice: Many states require employers to provide written notice of their drug testing policies.
Questions to ask your employer about drug testing
Employees may want to ask their employer these questions about workplace drug testing policies:
Does the company have a written drug testing policy? Can I review a copy?
What types of drug tests does the company conduct (e.g. pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident)?
What substances are included in the drug screening?
How is the drug test administered (urine, hair, blood, saliva)?
Where is the testing conducted? Is it done on-site or at a lab facility?
What are the consequences of a positive test result?
Is there an appeals process if I believe a test result is inaccurate?
How is employee privacy and confidentiality protected in the testing process?
Does the policy make any exceptions for medical marijuana use in states where it's legal?
How often are random tests conducted?
How much advance notice is given for random drug tests?
What constitutes "reasonable suspicion" for ordering a drug test?
Are there any safety-sensitive positions that are subject to more frequent testing?
Does the company offer any employee assistance programs for substance abuse issues?
How long are drug test records kept on file?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.