What Kind of Drug Test Do You Need?

Choosing the Right Drug Test with Confidence at Test Smartly Labs Kansas City

One of the most common questions we receive is:
“What drug test do I need?”
Or:
“What does a 5-panel or 10-panel drug test cost?”

While those seem like simple questions, drug testing is not one-size-fits-all. Choosing the correct test depends on multiple factors: the purpose of testing, how recent the suspected use was, what drugs are being tested for, legal admissibility, and your budget.

At Test Smartly Labs Kansas City, our expert team helps guide you through this decision to ensure you get accurate, defensible, and reliable results.

The Panel Counts: 5-Panel vs. 10-Panel Tests

• A 5-panel test screens for 5 common drug classes.

• A 10-panel test adds additional substances for broader detection.

Both can be customized depending on the situation. But before selecting a panel, you need to answer a few important questions:

Questions We’ll Ask You to Find the Right Test

• Which drugs are you trying to detect?

• What is the purpose of testing?
  (Pre-employment, legal, random screening, suspected recent use, rehabilitation, etc.)

• How recent might drug use have occurred?
  (Hours, days, weeks, or months?)

• Where will the collection take place?
  (At our clinic, at your business, or in a third-party lab.)

• What is your budget?

• How quickly do you need the results?

• Will the test need to be legally admissible?

Your answers guide us to recommend the correct method.

Types of Drug Tests We Offer

Test Smartly Labs Kansas City offers multiple drug testing methods, each with unique detection windows and use cases:

Substances We Commonly Test For

We offer tests that can detect:

• Marijuana (THC, Cannabis)

• Cocaine

• Heroin & Opiates (Codeine, Morphine, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Hydromorphone, Hydrocodone)

• Methamphetamines & Amphetamines

• Ecstasy (MDMA)

• Fentanyl

• Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

• LSD

• Bath Salts (Synthetic Cathinones)

• Prescription Narcotics (Schedules II–IV)

• Xanax (Alprazolam)

• Alcohol & Nicotine

• And many more…

Why DIY Drug Testing Puts Employers at Legal Risk

Many employers attempt to save money using instant “dip stick” or DIY drug screens. This can lead to:

• Inaccurate or inconclusive results

• Increased risk of legal liability

• Wrongful termination lawsuits if actions are taken on unconfirmed tests

Only professionally administered, lab-based drug testing with Medical Review Officer (MRO) verification will stand up in court or regulatory investigations.

The True Cost of Not Drug Testing

• 77% of illicit drug users are employed (full or part-time).

• Roughly 9.4 million workers are actively abusing drugs.

• Drug-using employees contribute to:

  • Higher absenteeism

  • More workplace accidents & injuries

  • Lower productivity

  • Increased healthcare costs

  • Higher insurance premiums

  • Property damage & theft

  • Safety violations & liability lawsuits

Failing to implement a professional drug testing policy can cost a business far more than the price of the test itself.

Building an Effective Workplace Drug Testing Program

Companies should:

• Apply testing consistently across employees to avoid discrimination claims.

• Implement:

  • Company-wide Drug-Free Workplace Policies

  • Employee Education & Awareness Programs

  • Random Testing Programs

  • Employee Assistance & Rehabilitation Programs

• Work with a professional drug testing partner to ensure:

  • Legally admissible testing

  • Privacy compliance

  • Written policy development

  • Chain-of-custody documentation

  • MRO verification

Test Smartly Labs Kansas City can help you build and manage a compliant drug testing program.

Contact us today for employer solutions →

Teen Drug & Alcohol Testing: A Growing Concern

• NIDA reports significant drug use among teens.

• Synthetic drugs, bath salts, prescription abuse, and alcohol remain major risks.

• Teen testing helps families intervene early and prevent addiction before it starts.

Learn more about Teen Drug Testing →

Understanding the Differences Between Drug Testing Methods

Urine Testing

• The most common method (90% of all drug tests).

• Detects recent use across many substances.

• Only lab-based urine testing is federally accepted and court-admissible.

Saliva Testing

• Best for immediate post-incident or recent-use detection.

• Short detection window but hard to tamper with.

• Ideal for random, reasonable suspicion, and accident testing.

Hair Follicle Testing

• Best for identifying chronic long-term use.

• Cannot detect use within the last 15 days.

• Often used in legal, custody, or high-risk employment cases.

Nail Testing

• Extends long-term detection up to 6-8 months.

• Especially useful for legal and custody cases.

Blood Testing

• Most invasive but offers nearly real-time detection.

• Rarely used except in law enforcement, severe accidents, or legal proceedings.

Sweat Patch

• Continuous monitoring for people on probation or undergoing rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your hours?
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM.

Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome. However, please arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. Appointments are recommended for complex needs.

Do I need a doctor’s order?
No. We are a Direct-Access Testing Center.

What is the turnaround time?
2–5 business days depending on test complexity.

Do I need to list my medications?
No, but an MRO may follow up after lab results if needed.

Be Prepared for Your Drug Test

• Bring a government-issued ID.

• Bring any required paperwork or authorization.

• Complete intake forms and HIPAA disclosure.

• Payment is required at the time of service.

• Follow preparation instructions depending on test type (hydration, hair/nail care, etc.).

Kansas City’s Trusted Drug Testing Partner

With multiple locations across Kansas City, Overland Park, Independence, and Belton, Test Smartly Labs Kansas City provides walk-in and scheduled drug testing appointments for:

• Individuals

• Employers

• Legal & court-ordered cases

• Medical professionals

• Parents & teens

Schedule an Appointment or Walk In Today →