Colorado Drug Test Options: Onsite vs. Clinic — Which Saves More?

If you’re managing a Colorado-based workforce, drug testing isn’t just about compliance—it’s about keeping operations efficient and costs down. Whether you’re screening CDL drivers in Denver or onboarding new hires in Glenwood Springs, knowing the difference between onsite drug testing and clinic-based testing can have a direct impact on productivity, scheduling, and your bottom line.

Key Takeaways for Employers

• Onsite drug testing minimizes employee downtime and increases scheduling flexibility.
• Clinic testing may offer consistency for smaller teams or isolated incidents.
• The right choice depends on your location, workforce size, and testing frequency.
• Procom provides both onsite and clinic testing across Colorado—including Denver, Glenwood Springs, Pueblo, and Grand Junction.

What Is Onsite Drug Testing?

Onsite drug testing means the testing team comes to you. Whether it’s a warehouse, construction site, or transit depot, trained collectors arrive on-site and conduct screenings without your employees needing to leave work.

Benefits of Onsite Testing:

• Reduced downtime – No more hours lost driving to a clinic.
• Greater control – Testing happens on your schedule.
• Scalability – Ideal for random testing or onboarding multiple employees at once.
• Better compliance – Fewer missed appointments or policy deviations.

Learn more about how onsite testing works in our on-site testing overview.

What Is Clinic-Based Testing?

With clinic testing, employees travel to a certified facility to complete their drug or alcohol screening. This option may be better for small businesses, rural offices, or occasional testing needs.

Advantages of Clinic Testing:

• Structured process – Clinic workflows are consistent and standardized.
• Geographic convenience – Useful if your workforce is spread out across smaller towns.
• No setup required – No need to coordinate logistics or workspace setup.

Procom offers multiple clinic locations in Colorado, including Denver, Glenwood Springs, Pueblo, and Grand Junction.

Onsite vs. Clinic Testing: Which Saves More?

Let’s break it down:

Factor	Onsite Testing	Clinic Testing
Time Efficiency	High – reduces travel and wait times	Lower – employees leave work to test
Cost for Large Teams	More cost-effective per test	Can become expensive at scale
Customization	Flexible scheduling and batch testing	Standardized appointment times
Logistical Complexity	Requires setup and coordination	Minimal—handled by clinic
Best For	Larger employers, frequent/random testing	Small teams or one-off tests

In high-density areas like Denver, where traffic and employee downtime can cost you, onsite testing offers real savings. In smaller communities like Glenwood Springs or Pueblo, a clinic visit may be the simpler option.

Colorado-Specific Considerations

Drug testing in Colorado requires a clear understanding of how state laws interact with federal requirements—especially when your business involves DOT-regulated employees, federal contracts, or safety-sensitive roles.

Marijuana Use Is Legal—But Not Protected

Colorado has legalized both recreational and medical marijuana. However, that does not mean employees are protected if they test positive at work.

• Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under federal law, which overrides state protections in many workplace scenarios.
• Colorado courts (e.g., Coats v. Dish Network) have ruled that employers can terminate employees for marijuana use—even off duty—if it violates company policy.
• For DOT-regulated roles, marijuana use is strictly prohibited, regardless of state law.

Written Drug Testing Policies Are a Must

Colorado does not have a state law that mandates drug testing. However, to enforce testing and protect your business, you must:

1. Create a clear, written policy that explains your testing procedures.
2. Apply that policy consistently and fairly across your workforce.
3. Define when and how testing will occur—pre-employment, post-accident, random, return-to-duty, or reasonable suspicion.

Failing to follow a documented policy can impact your ability to deny unemployment claims or enforce discipline.

Understand DOT vs. Non-DOT Testing Obligations

For DOT-covered employees:

• You must follow 49 CFR Part 40 guidelines, which include strict chain-of-custody, observed testing requirements, and federal reporting.

For non-DOT roles (including probation-based or general workplace testing):

• You have more flexibility in test type—urine, saliva, or hair.
• You are still responsible for ensuring fairness, documentation, and procedural compliance.

Procom supports both types of programs and can help you distinguish between federal mandates and discretionary policies.

Post-Accident Testing & Workers’ Compensation

Colorado law allows employers to reduce an injured worker’s wage replacement benefits by up to 50% if:

• The employee fails or refuses a post-accident drug test.
• The test shows use of a controlled substance (including marijuana).
• There is no “clear and convincing evidence” that the substance didn’t contribute to the injury.

This reduction does not apply to medical benefits but can significantly impact your claims exposure.

Federal Contracts and the Drug-Free Workplace Act

If your company receives federal grants or holds federal contracts, you must comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. This includes:

• Maintaining a drug-free workplace policy.
  Providing employee education on substance use.
• Reporting criminal drug convictions in the workplace within five days.
• Conducting testing through certified laboratories when required.

Procom aligns with federal expectations and helps ensure your program meets both contract obligations and public safety standards.

For deeper guidance on compliant workplace policies, refer to:

• SAMHSA – Drug-Free Workplace Resources
• GSA – Federal Drug-Free Workplace Guidelines

These resources outline key practices for employers managing drug-free programs under both federal and state frameworks.

Procom’s Local Advantage

We offer Colorado employers direct, reliable access to comprehensive drug and alcohol testing services—whether onsite or at one of our certified clinics.

• Clinic testing across Colorado – Denver, Glenwood Springs, Pueblo, and Grand Junction
  
• Fully mobile onsite testing teams – Trained professionals dispatched directly to your location
• Flexible scheduling – Designed around your shift changes, onboarding waves, or DOT requirements

Full compliance support – Including policy documentation, training, and supervisor tools (Procom Services)