Choosing the right workplace drug testing program isn’t just about compliance—it’s also about balancing accuracy, turnaround time, and cost.
Many employers assume they need laboratory testing for every employee. In reality, that often isn’t necessary.
At Test Smartly Labs, we offer multiple drug testing options for employers throughout Overland Park, Kansas City Waldo, and Independence, including Screen Only, Laboratory-Based Testing, and our Flex Drug Testing Program.
Understanding the differences between these options can help you select the most efficient and cost-effective testing solution for your workplace.
Why Choosing the Right Drug Testing Program Matters
Whether you’re hiring new employees, maintaining a drug-free workplace, or meeting industry regulations, choosing the appropriate testing program can help you:
- Reduce unnecessary testing costs
- Receive results faster
- Improve hiring timelines
- Maintain workplace safety
- Stay compliant with company policies
- Avoid paying for laboratory confirmation when it’s not needed
For many employers, the Flex Drug Testing Program offers the best balance between speed, accuracy, and affordability.
What Is a Screen Only Drug Test?
A Screen Only drug test uses an initial screening method to determine whether drugs are present above established cutoff levels.
Benefits of Screen Only Testing
- Fast turnaround times
- Lower upfront cost
- Ideal for routine workplace screening
- Effective for many pre-employment situations
If the screening result is negative, no additional testing is performed.
However, if confirmation is required by company policy or regulatory requirements, another laboratory test may need to be ordered separately.
What Is Laboratory-Based Drug Testing?
Laboratory-based testing sends every specimen directly to a certified laboratory for analysis.
This typically includes:
- Initial laboratory testing
- Confirmation testing when needed
- Medical Review Officer (MRO) review when applicable
- Official laboratory reporting
Benefits
- Highly accurate testing
- Comprehensive laboratory analysis
- Appropriate for DOT and regulated testing
- Court-admissible documentation when required
Considerations
Since every sample goes directly to the laboratory, this option generally costs more than screening programs.
For employers with a high number of negative test results, paying for laboratory analysis of every specimen may not always be the most cost-effective approach.
What Is the Flex Drug Testing Program?
The Flex Drug Testing Program combines the speed of instant screening with the accuracy of laboratory confirmation.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Initial Drug Screen
Every employee begins with a rapid screening test.
Step 2: Negative Results
If the screening result is negative, testing is complete.
No laboratory confirmation is needed, allowing employers to receive results quickly while keeping costs lower.
Step 3: Non-Negative Results
If the initial screen is non-negative (sometimes referred to as presumptive positive), the specimen is automatically sent for:
- Certified laboratory confirmation
- Advanced analytical testing
- Medical Review Officer (MRO) review, when applicable
This ensures every non-negative result is carefully reviewed before being reported.
Why Many Employers Prefer the Flex Program
For many businesses, the Flex Program provides the best overall value.
Instead of paying for laboratory testing for every employee, laboratory services are used only when necessary.
Key Advantages
- Lower overall testing costs
- Faster hiring decisions for negative results
- Laboratory confirmation only when needed
- MRO review included for confirmed non-negative results
- Reduced administrative burden
- Maintains confidence in testing accuracy
Because most workplace drug tests produce negative results, many employers find the Flex Program significantly more cost-effective than sending every specimen directly to the laboratory.
Comparing Your Options
| Feature | Screen Only | Laboratory-Based Testing | Flex Drug Testing Program |
| Initial Screening | Yes | Laboratory Only | Yes |
| Lab Confirmation | Separate if needed | Included | Only for non-negative results |
| MRO Review | Not Included | Included | Included for confirmed non-negative results |
| Turnaround Time | Fast | Longer | Fast for negatives |
| Cost | Lowest upfront | Highest | Cost-effective overall |
| Best For | Basic screening | DOT, legal, regulated testing | Most employers |
Which Program Is Right for Your Business?
Choose Screen Only If:
- You need rapid screening
- You have a limited testing budget
- Laboratory confirmation is not typically required
Choose Laboratory-Based Testing If:
- DOT regulations require certified laboratory testing
- Court documentation is needed
- Every specimen must receive full laboratory analysis
- Your organization requires MRO review on every applicable test
Choose the Flex Drug Testing Program If:
The Flex Program is often the preferred choice for employers because it combines the advantages of both testing methods.
It is ideal if you want:
- Faster negative results
- Lower overall costs
- Laboratory confirmation only when necessary
- Professional MRO review for confirmed non-negative results
- A streamlined hiring process without sacrificing accuracy
For many employers, the Flex Program offers the best balance between efficiency, compliance, and cost savings.
Why Employers Choose Test Smartly Labs
Businesses throughout Overland Park, Kansas City Waldo, and Independence trust Test Smartly Labs because we provide:
- Flexible drug testing programs
- Certified laboratory partnerships
- Fast turnaround times
- Transparent pricing
- Professional collection services
- Employer-friendly testing solutions
- DOT and non-DOT testing
- Customized workplace drug testing programs
Our team works with businesses of all sizes to build testing programs that fit their hiring process, compliance requirements, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Screen Only and the Flex Program?
With Screen Only, testing ends after the initial screening unless additional testing is ordered separately. With the Flex Program, any non-negative result is automatically sent for laboratory confirmation and MRO review.
Why is the Flex Program often preferred?
Because most workplace drug tests are negative, employers avoid paying for laboratory testing on every specimen while still receiving confirmation when it’s actually needed.
Does the Flex Program include laboratory confirmation?
Yes. Any non-negative screening result is automatically forwarded for certified laboratory confirmation.
Is MRO review included?
Yes. Confirmed non-negative laboratory results include Medical Review Officer (MRO) review when applicable.
Is the Flex Program suitable for most employers?
Yes. For many non-DOT employers, the Flex Program provides an excellent combination of speed, accuracy, and cost efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Every workplace has different drug testing needs, but not every employer needs to pay for full laboratory testing on every specimen.
The Flex Drug Testing Program offers an efficient solution by starting with a rapid drug screen and only sending non-negative results for certified laboratory confirmation and Medical Review Officer review. This approach helps businesses save money, receive faster results for most applicants, and maintain confidence in the accuracy of their testing program.
If your business is looking for a reliable workplace drug testing solution in Overland Park, Kansas City Waldo, or Independence, the team at Test Smartly Labs can help you choose the program that best fits your hiring process, compliance requirements, and budget.
