Drug test pricing San Diego employer workplace testing cost breakdown

If you're a San Diego employer setting up a drug testing program — or just need to test a new hire — the first question is usually: what's this going to cost? The answer depends on what type of test you need, whether it's DOT-regulated, and whether you're using a mobile collector or sending employees to a clinic.

Here's an honest, complete breakdown of drug test costs in San Diego County in 2026, based on what On Point Drug Testing Services charges and how we compare to clinic-based options.

Quick Reference: Drug Test Pricing in San Diego

Test Type What It Tests Price Notes
Non-DOT 5-Panel Rapid Urine THC, Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamines, PCP $50 Mobile, we come to you. Same-day results in 5–10 min.
Non-DOT 10-Panel Rapid Urine 5-panel + Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Methadone, Propoxyphene, Methaqualone $65 Mobile. Results in 5–10 min. Most common for construction and manufacturing employers.
DOT Urine Specimen Collection FMCSA 5-panel (federal) + lab analysis Call for quote Requires certified collector + CCF + SAMHSA lab. Lab costs separate from collection fee.
DNA Specimen Collection Buccal swab for paternity, legal, or immigration use Call for quote Mobile collection. Chain of custody documentation included.

Pay Online — No Scheduling Required for Rapid Tests

For non-DOT 5-panel ($50) and 10-panel ($65) tests, you can pay securely online via Square and book at a time that works for you. We come to your location anywhere in San Diego County.

What's Included in the Mobile Testing Price?

When you book a rapid urine test through On Point Drug Testing Services, the price covers:

  • Collector comes to your job site, office, or facility
  • All collection supplies (cup, chain of custody bag, tamper-evident seal)
  • Rapid immunoassay testing — results in 5–10 minutes
  • Negative result documentation for your records
  • Professional, discreet service — employees don't leave the job

There is no additional travel fee within San Diego County. No contracts. No minimums. Pay per test.

DOT Drug Test Costs: Why It's Different

DOT urine collections under 49 CFR Part 40 are priced differently from non-DOT rapid tests for an important reason: the collection and the lab analysis are separate costs.

Here's what's included in a DOT collection fee:

  • Collector arrives at your location (mobile) or you visit a collection site
  • Federal Chain of Custody Form (CCF) — the official DOT paperwork
  • Specimen collection following strict 49 CFR Part 40 protocols
  • Split specimen preparation (Specimen A and Specimen B)
  • Secure packaging and shipping to a SAMHSA-certified laboratory

The laboratory analysis fee is separate and is typically invoiced directly by your TPA (Third-Party Administrator) or lab. San Diego-area lab analysis for DOT 5-panel urine tests generally runs $25–$55 depending on volume and lab.

For CDL trucking companies, pre-employment DOT testing is mandatory before a driver's first safety-sensitive function — budgeting for both collection and lab costs upfront is the correct approach.

Mobile Testing vs. Sending Employees to a Clinic: True Cost Comparison

Many San Diego employers assume a clinic drug test is cheaper because the listed price is sometimes lower. But when you factor in the full cost, mobile testing is often the same price or less.

Cost Factor Clinic Testing Mobile Testing (On Point)
Test price (5-panel) $35–$65 $50 flat
Employee travel time 30–90 min round trip per person None — we come to them
Lost billable hours $25–$100+ per employee (depending on wage) $0
Scheduling overhead Appointment booking, follow-up One call — we handle the rest
Post-accident response time Hours (driving, wait time) We come to you — time-critical compliance
True cost to test 5 employees $300–$600+ $250 flat

For employers with 3 or more people to test, mobile drug testing is almost always the more cost-effective option when you count the full cost of pulling employees off the job.

What Drives Drug Test Costs Up?

A few factors can increase your drug testing costs beyond the base price:

  • Observed collection: Some DOT situations require a directly observed collection — this typically adds a fee due to the additional time and documentation requirements
  • After-hours or emergency testing: Post-accident testing on weekends or evenings may have premium pricing at some providers — On Point operates 7 days a week, 7AM–7PM at standard rates
  • Confirmation testing (lab GC/MS): A non-negative rapid result requires a confirmation test at a SAMHSA lab — this is an additional lab cost, not a collection fee
  • MRO review: DOT positive results must be reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) — this is typically handled through your TPA and is a separate cost
  • Volume discounts: Employers testing 10+ employees per month may qualify for volume pricing — call 619-241-4415 to discuss

Frequently Asked Questions — Drug Test Costs in San Diego

Is a $50 drug test accurate? +
Yes. The $50 non-DOT 5-panel rapid test uses CLIA-waived immunoassay technology — the same methodology used by occupational health clinics. Rapid tests have a sensitivity and specificity rate above 99% for the substances they screen. The only limitation: they are not federally mandated chain-of-custody tests and are not valid for DOT/federal testing purposes. For non-regulated employment drug testing, rapid tests are the industry standard.
Do you charge a travel fee for mobile drug testing in San Diego? +
No. There is no travel fee for locations within San Diego County. The $50 (5-panel) or $65 (10-panel) price is the complete price — collection, rapid test, and results documentation. We serve all of San Diego County at the same flat rate.
Can I pay for multiple employees at once? +
Yes. You can pay for multiple tests through our online payment system, or call 619-241-4415 to set up employer account billing. For companies regularly testing 5+ employees, we can discuss monthly invoicing arrangements.
How does On Point Drug Testing compare to ARCpoint Labs or Concentra pricing? +
ARCpoint Labs and Concentra are clinic-based — employees must travel to their locations, which adds time and lost productivity to your true cost. On Point's $50 mobile test is competitive with or below clinic prices, and because we come to you, there's no employee downtime. For DOT collections specifically, we offer comparable certified collection services with the additional advantage of on-site mobile service.

Ready to Book? Pricing Is Straightforward.

No hidden fees. No contracts. We come to your location anywhere in San Diego County. Call, text, or book online.

📞 Call 619-241-4415 Pay Online — $50 / $65 More Drug Testing FAQ →