How To Start A Drug Testing Business

How To Start A Drug Testing Business - Background Info:

With a drug testing Service business, companies are able to check whether or not someone coming into a position with the company or maintaining that position is not under the influence of drugs.

This is becoming a necessity in businesses that require a large amount of responsibility and those where an employee is responsible for the lives of others. Drug testing services is a business that will be on the rise in the future.

Drug testing services are good start up businesses because there is very little overhead needed to run them.

By simply ordering your supplies and driving to businesses requesting your services, you are able to run a successful and profitable drug testing services business.

How To Start A Drug Testing Business - Tasks And Skills Needed:

Business Specific Tasks:

If you are planning to do all the business tasks or hiring or subcontracting tasks, here's a list of tasks that need to be attended to when it comes to the business side of running a drug testing business:

Bookkeeping

Accounting

Filing

General office

Phones

Advertising/marketing

Industry Specific Tasks:

Same as above if you plan to do everything yourself or get help, here are some of the tasks necessary to operate a drug testing business:

Take specimens for analysis

Report findings to physicians and/or companies

Transport specimens in proper temperature and non-tamper environments

Label and track specimens according to protocol

How To Start A Drug Testing Business - Approximate Daily Hours Needed:

General Hours of Operation: - When your business is open - Most drug testing services offer 9 am to 5 pm service, however they may extend their hours if they have a company who wants testing done on a second or third shift.

Hours Needed to Prepare - Before Opening and After Hours Activities - Clean facility, do scheduling, return calls, maintain a mobile unit, if any, and concentrate on promoting your business.

Number of Employees Needed To Run This Business:

Minimum Number of Employees -During the Start Up Phase: You can start this business yourself on a full-time basis.

Number of Employees - Once Your Business is Up and Running Successfully:

Website maintenance

Record/Bookkeeping

General office

Customer Service

phlebotomist

Intake

Sample shipping/courier servicing

Evaluators

Sample takers

Skill Requirements for This Business:

Good with people

Knowledge of medical procedures

Knowledge of drug interactions and specimen evaluations

Knowledge of the medical industry

Knowledge of drug screening procedures

Licenses:

You must contact your local state laboratory, so they can provide you with training and drug testing manuals for consultants. In some state you may also need additional drug and alcohol training (DOT).

Approximate Minimum Start up Cost:

Bare essential: - Starting a drug testing service is relatively inexpensive. As of January 2008, it is reported that you can start this type of business for as little as $300 to $500, which covers the cost of supplies and advertising.

Minimal exposure - Leave cards and brochures with companies, labs, and physician offices.

Necessary Equipment to Run this Business:

Necessary Start-Up Equipment & Supplies:

Computer

Printer

Cell phone

Website

In order to start a drug testing service, you will need a telephone so that companies can contact you and drug testing (urine specimen) supplies. You may also want to pay for advertising services of some kind, to get the word out about your business services.

Supplementary Equipment: - Equipment or helpful products that you can acquire to once your business is off and running:

When you have been in the drug testing services business for a while, you may want to invest in a computer program to make your reports look professional and buy forms to fill out and keep for your files. You may also want to order drug advice pamphlets to hand out to your clients.

Monthly Expenses To Consider:

Wages
Phone/cell phone
Internet access
Permits
Advertising/Marketing
Electricity
Water

Special Requirements and Considerations For This Business:

Find out all you can about the trends in the industry. Know your competition, in particular, their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you identify your competitive advantage. In other words, this will help you figure out what you can give your customers that they're not getting from the other businesses. And keep from emulating the competition's strategy. Instead, make the most of your own advantage points.

Pros And Cons of Opening A Drug Testing Business:

The Pros of Running a Drug Testing Business:

Many companies are requiring employees and future employees to be tested on a regular basis as most are now drug free environments and would prefer to have a drug testing service such as yours to come to their places of business.

The Cons of Running a Drug Testing Business:

The biggest problem with having a drug testing service is that in some states this service is illegal outside of a laboratory or must be conducted by a physician. So, this business may not be an option in your state. You can easily check with OHS Inc. to ensure that your state is eligible to have this type of business.

Type of Customers You Need to Attract:

Your clientele will consist of companies, for the most part, since corporations request drug screenings for employees according to their own rules and regulations for hiring and consistent employment.

Drug Testing Business Resources:

Industry-Specific Websites:

Drug Testing

Drug Testing Business Network

Quest Diagnosis

Drug Testing Courses:

DOT Training

Campus Corner

Equipment and Supplies:

Drug Testing Kits

Home Testing Drug Kit

Franchises:

Franchise Works

The Drug Test Consultant (DTC)

Associations:

DATIA

SAPAA

NTA

Books:

Amazon Books on Drug Testing

Software:

DrugPak

Judicator's Data Management (DM) System

Businesses To Related to a Drug Testing Business:

Medicine
Nursing assistance
Home care