Many workplaces now use drug tests, which offer several benefits for employers. These tests check if employees are using drugs or alcohol at work. Drug testing also helps prevent drug use and discourages people with drug dependencies from applying for jobs.
While there are many types of drug tests available, employers need ones that are both accurate and affordable.
Best Value Drug Testing Options
For employers watching their budget, we recommend rapid lateral flow urine drug testing panels. These tests are reliable, affordable, and detect common drugs. They’re among the least expensive options you can buy today.
These tests use a technology called immunoassays, which can spot one or more drugs at once and show results within minutes. You can use them to check for any illegal drugs in someone’s system.
If you’re looking for the cheapest option, rapid lateral flow urine drug testing panels start at just £1 per panel.
Multi-panel urine drug tests can check for several drugs at once. You’ll need a separate container to collect the urine sample since these panels don’t include a cup. These tests can spot up to 10 different drugs and show drug use from the past two weeks.
Why Many Employers Choose Cup Tests
Most UK employers prefer cup drug tests with built-in testing panels. These tests are clean, simple to use, and easy to throw away after testing. You don’t have to handle urine samples separately.
Cup tests give quick results – some work in just five minutes. You can also choose which drugs to test for, including cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, and opiates. This lets employers focus on drugs that pose risks in their specific workplace.
At Zoom Testing, UK employers most often buy our 7 panel drug test cup, 16 panel drug test cup, and 18 panel drug test cup.
Cup tests remain popular because they’re easy to use, affordable, and reliable. They work well for businesses of all sizes.
Best Practices For Workplace Testing
You’ll want to establish clear testing protocols before rolling out any drug screening programme. Most companies find success with random testing, where they select 10-15% of their workforce each quarter. This approach proves more effective than scheduled testing, since it’s harder for employees to anticipate and attempt to cheat the tests.
For safety-critical roles – think forklift operators or machine handlers – you might consider more frequent testing. We’ve found that combining pre-employment screening with random quarterly tests gives employers the best results. Just remember to outline your testing policy clearly in your employee handbook and get signed consent forms from all staff members.
Saliva Drug Tests
Saliva drug test kits work well for both workplaces and law enforcement. Employers use them to check if workers are under the influence, while police use them to gather evidence. You can use these tests anywhere and get results quickly.
Keep in mind that saliva tests usually cost more than urine tests.
When comparing saliva and urine drug testing, each has its strengths. Saliva testing offers several benefits – it’s better at finding recent drug use from the past few days. Urine tests work better for finding drug use from the past few weeks.
Our Recommended Product
Looking for a reliable way to test for the most common drugs? Our 7 Panel Drug Test Kit offers what you need. This CE-marked and FDA-cleared test gives you results in just three minutes. It checks for seven major drug types: amphetamines, benzos, cocaine, methadone, ecstasy, opiates, and cannabis.
What makes this test special? It’s easy to use – just dip the strips in urine and wait. You’ll get clear results that are over 99% accurate. Plus, it’s perfect for workplace testing, with cut-off levels that match SAMHSA standards.
Each kit comes with detailed instructions and can be stored for up to 24 months. Whether you’re an employer running a testing programme or need it for one-off screening, this kit delivers reliable results.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
This post was originally published in 2017. It was last updated in January 2025.
