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Lab Drug Tests Vs. Home Drug Tests

When comparing home drug tests versus laboratory drug tests, there are two factors most people consider: speed and accuracy of results. Both types of tests have their advantages and disadvantages.

  1. Home Drug Tests

    • Home drug tests offer quick results for relatively little cost; however, they are not without their disadvantages. The level of sensitivity for the detection of substances can vary greatly from one home test to another, and while the test may read positive for a specific substance, it does not provide a specific numerical result, but rather a range.

    Laboratory Drug Tests

    • Most commonly, laboratories will use the same kind of drug screen as a home test kit, called an immunoassay test. However, a laboratory has the advantage of using carefully calibrated machines to detect substances in order to obtain a very accurate numerical result, highly trained professionals administering the tests and the ability to retest for even greater accuracy.

    Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

    • Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or GC/MS is a highly definitive method of drug testing that is available only in toxicology laboratories. GC/MS testing detects specific drugs, such as prescription medications, which can mimic other drugs in a standard immunoassay test. This is one great advantage laboratory testing has over home drug tests.

    Getting Timely Results

    • Possibly the greatest advantage that home test kits have over laboratory tests is rapid results. Most home test kits provide results in just a matter of minutes, where most laboratories provide results in two to three days.

    Using a Lab as Backup

    • Most FDA-approved home test kits will give the buyer the option of sending urine samples that have tested positive to a laboratory for further testing. This provides the buyer with the best of both worlds, as one can receive fast initial results as well as specific and accurate lab results if desired.

    Comparing Cost

    • Home drug test kits may be your most affordable option, as single substance kits begin as low as $4. The cost increases with each additional substance tested, up to $30. Single substance tests in a laboratory generally begin at about $30 and can be as high as $60 for rapid results and/or multi-panel tests. Additional costs may apply if retesting is requested.

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