The cost of fingerprint drug testing depends on a handful of things: the reader, the cartridges used for each test, how many non-negative results need laboratory confirmation, and training. Current prices are in our price list, so this guide explains what drives the cost rather than quoting figures that go out of date.
What Makes Up the Cost
Fingerprint drug testing is made up of a small number of parts. As the UK distributor for Intelligent Fingerprinting, Auctus Management Group (AMG) supplies all of them.
The Reader
The reader is a portable digital device that analyses each sample. It is the main one-off investment, and it can be used for as many tests as you need. Accessories such as a printer, label rolls and a carry case are optional extras, and the reader has replacement calibration cartridges.
Test Cartridges
Each test uses a disposable cartridge, which is the main ongoing cost. Cartridges are sold in boxes, and a four-panel cartridge screens for opiates, methamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis. Manufacturer guidance describes cartridge costs as comparable to oral fluid test kits.
Laboratory Confirmation
Only non-negative results need to be confirmed, so only a small share of tests incur this cost. Collection kits for laboratory analysis are available separately, and the kit price includes the laboratory confirmation analysis.
Breath Alcohol Testing
If you also want to test for alcohol, breath alcohol equipment, mouthpieces and calibration are priced separately.
Training
People who run the tests need to be trained. Training is available for users and for in-house trainers, delivered virtually or on site, so you can choose what suits your team.
Delivery
Orders are subject to delivery charges, which are shown on the price list.
What Changes Your Total Cost
Two organisations can spend very different amounts. The main differences are:
- How many tests you run. The reader is a one-off cost, so the more tests it is used for, the lower the cost per test. Regular testing also gives you more consumable volume to plan around.
- How many substances you need to screen. The range of drugs you need to cover affects which cartridges you use.
- How many non-negative results you get. This decides how much laboratory confirmation you need.
- How many people and sites need training. More testers, or more sites, means more training.
- Whether you add breath alcohol testing. Some organisations test for alcohol and drugs together.
On-Site Testing as a Service
If you would rather not buy equipment, we also offer an on-site testing service. We bring the equipment and cartridges to your site, and the service is usually paired with alcohol testing. Customers use it for spot testing on worksites and to support their welfare programmes.
The service is available across mainland UK only, and minimum numbers of tests apply. Speak to our Drug Testing Lead for full details: get in touch.
How the Cost Compares With Traditional Testing
Urine and saliva testing often need a dedicated collection area, privacy arrangements, clinical waste disposal and, in many cases, an external tester. These all add to the cost, and laboratory turnaround times can delay decisions.
Fingerprint drug testing removes the need for:
- A dedicated collection area
- Clinical waste management
- External specialists to run the test
Results are available on screen in around 10 minutes, so there is less downtime while people wait, and testing can take place on site.
Case Study: Inductions
Balfour Beatty VINCI moved from external urine testing to in-house fingerprint drug testing at its induction centre, and reported a significant reduction in its overall drug testing costs. Only people with a non-negative fingerprint result were escalated to laboratory testing.
Things to Consider
The Upfront Investment
The reader is a one-off purchase, which can be a hurdle for smaller organisations. Weigh it against the ongoing costs you avoid.
Training and Maintenance
Training and regular calibration keep results accurate and reliable, so build them into your plan.
Scaling Across Sites
If you plan to test across several sites, think about how many readers and trained testers you will need.
Is It Cost-Effective?
For many organisations, yes. The upfront cost of a reader is offset by lower ongoing costs, less logistics, and less downtime. How quickly it pays back depends on how often you test and how many of your results need laboratory confirmation.
Get Our Price List
The price list covers equipment, cartridges, training and supplies. For our on-site testing service, or to talk through your requirements, contact us.
Sources
- Intelligent Fingerprinting: The Real Cost of Workplace Drug Testing
- Intelligent Fingerprinting: Cost of Drug Testing, Beyond the Consumables
- Intelligent Fingerprinting: Comparing Drug Screening Methods, Fingerprint, Saliva and Urine
- Yahoo Finance: Fingerprint Drug Test Delivers Quantifiable Benefits for Customers as Adoption in Workplaces Accelerates
- Workplace Drug Testing