Instant & Lab-Based Drug Testing

NMS Screening & Compliance provides both instant and lab-based drug testing solutions and helps employers select the most appropriate option based on their compliance obligations and business objectives.

Instant Drug Testing Overview

Instant drug testing, also known as rapid testing, is typically conducted on-site and delivers preliminary results within minutes. These tests commonly use urine or oral fluid (saliva) specimens and are designed for quick screening in non-regulated environments. Important: Instant drug tests are not approved for DOT-regulated testing and may only be used for non-DOT workplace programs.

Instant Drug Testing: Key Characteristics

Advantages

• Immediate Results: Preliminary results are typically available within minutes, allowing for timely decision-making.
• On-Site Convenience: Testing can be conducted at the workplace, reducing downtime and travel requirements.
• Operational Flexibility: Useful in situations where rapid screening is needed, such as post-incident or reasonable suspicion scenarios in non-DOT programs.

Considerations

• Preliminary Results Only: Instant tests provide screening results and do not constitute confirmed results.
• Confirmation Required for Positives: Any non-negative result should be sent to a certified laboratory for confirmation to ensure accuracy and defensibility.
• Limited Regulatory Use: Not permitted for DOT-regulated drug testing programs.

Lab-Based Drug Testing Overview

Laboratory-based drug testing involves collecting a specimen and sending it to a certified laboratory for analysis. This method provides confirmed, legally defensible results and is required for all DOT-regulated testing programs.

Lab-based testing may use urine, oral fluid, or hair specimens, depending on the testing program and employer requirements.

Lab-Based Drug Testing: Key Characteristics

Advantages

• Confirmed Results: Laboratory analysis includes confirmatory testing and Medical Review Officer (MRO) review, producing defensible, reliable results.
• Regulatory Compliance: Required for DOT testing and commonly used for non-DOT programs where documentation and defensibility are critical.
• Expanded Detection Options: Certain specimen types, such as hair testing, may provide longer detection windows.

Considerations

• Longer Turnaround Time: Results are typically available within 24–72 hours, depending on the test type and laboratory processes.
• Higher Cost: Laboratory analysis generally costs more than instant screening tests due to confirmatory testing and MRO review.

Choosing the Right Testing Method

Selecting the appropriate drug testing method depends on your regulatory requirements and operational goals.

• Instant testing is commonly used for:
  • Non-DOT workplace screening.
  • Immediate post-incident or reasonable suspicion screening (non-regulated programs).
  • Preliminary employment screening when rapid results are needed.
• Lab-based testing is preferred or required for:
  • DOT-regulated testing programs.
  • Pre-employment testing where legal defensibility is critical.
  • Random testing programs.
  • Situations where confirmed results are required for employment actions.

NMS Screening & Compliance works with employers to ensure the selected testing method aligns with applicable regulations, internal policies, and risk tolerance.

NMS OnBoard™: Centralized Instant Testing Management

NMS Screening & Compliance supports instant drug testing programs through NMS OnBoard™, a secure, cloud-based, mobile-enabled platform that centralizes testing activities and result management. Through NMS OnBoard™, employers gain real-time visibility into instant test administration, result status, and documentation across locations and testing events. The platform supports consistent workflows, secure record retention, and integration with other screening and compliance services, helping organizations manage non-DOT testing programs efficiently while maintaining clear documentation and program oversight.

Why Choose NMS Screening & Compliance?

• Comprehensive Services: A full spectrum of drug and alcohol testing solutions for regulated and non-regulated employers.
• Expert Guidance: Experienced professionals providing support on compliance requirements, policy development, and program design.
• Flexible Options: Instant screening and lab-based testing solutions tailored to your organization’s needs.
• Nationwide Coverage: Reliable testing services available across multiple states and locations.
• Audit-Ready Support: Testing programs structured to support documentation and defensibility when required.