Lab Based Urine Drug Testing -
Is It Right For You?
Lab-based urine drug testing is the most commonly used form of drug testing by U.S. employers. This method is extremely accurate, reliable and cost-effective. These tests can accurately detect the recent use of prescription or illicit drugs in a subject’s system. Panel configurations can be designed to meet any employer’s needs, depending on the depth of detection desired. Detection windows may vary depending on the type of drug, amount of drug in the donors system, and the timing of the specimen being collected. The entire process can be designed, setup and implemented easily and cost-effectively with the right drug testing partner.
The first consideration is what drugs to test for? The charts listed below depict standard panel configurations, along with detection windows as supplied by the Department of Labor. Remember that detection windows may vary depending on the donor’s intensity and frequency of drug use.
STANDARD 5-PANEL
Used for standard Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant testing
|
Drug |
Detection Window |
Marijuana (THC) |
Casual use, 3-4 days; chronic use, several weeks |
Phencyclidine (PCP) |
1 week |
Amphetamines |
48 hours |
Opiates |
1-3 days |
Cocaine |
2-10 days |
7- PANEL
Also includes the Standard 5-Panel listed above
|
Drug |
Detection Window |
Methadone |
2-3 days |
Propoxyphene |
1-3 days |
9- PANEL
Also includes the Standard 5-Panel and 7-Panel listed above
|
Drug |
Detection Window |
| Benzodiazepines |
2-3 weeks |
Barbiturates |
2-10 days |
A panel or testing configuration depends on the needs of the individual employer, corporate policy, applicable laws like (DOT) regulations, or even current drug abuse trends within the organization and/or in society in general.
The use of methadone is becoming more widely prescribed by physicians to replace OxyContin (Pain killer) and is highly addictive. Propoxyphene is also a widely prescribed pain reliever and very accessible. Benzodiazepine and Barbiturates are widely prescribed to treat anxiety and other medical conditions. Testing for these additional drugs can be done at a low cost and just makes sense considering they are highly addictive and readily available to many individuals, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Extended testing panels can also be added to the 9-Panel test and include: Adulterant, Fentanyl, Extended Opiates, Ecstasy, and varied Medical Professional Panels. It is recommended that you test for these additional drugs when the applicant or employee holds a high risk or safety sensitive position, and/or works in an environment that has easy access to prescription medications (e.g. pharmaceutical, manufacturing, or healthcare). Click on this link Drugs Of Abuse for a complete list of potential abused drugs and additional information.
The process for lab-based urine testing is relatively straight forward and can be achieved in just a few short steps. The following is a brief overview of the process:
A chain of custody form is provided to the donor and can be a pre-printed or even electronic form. It includes an identification number that identifies pre-set procedures as it relates to the type of collection, required testing, requestor of the test, and how the specimen is collected, handled and analyzed during the process. It also relates back to specific donor, once used. On a pre-employment basis, the donor is advised to report to a designated collection site within 24-48 hours depending on company policy and requirements for testing. During a post-accident scenario, the donor should be escorted or driven to the site by a designated individual to ensure safety, compliance and accuracy of the test.
Specimen collection can be conducted at a Patient Service Center (PSC), local clinic or designated collection site. There are also options for mobile/on-site collection in mass-hiring situations or for collection at the scene of an accident. The most widely used collection process is through a clinic or approved collection site. The donor is sent to a collection site that has experienced staff and a secure collection environment to insure proper collection, secured chain of custody to reduce the risk of tampering and error. The donor will be escorted by an employee of the same sex and even view the collection directly, if required. The assistant will also ensure that the donor does not tamper with the specimen as part of the process. Once the specimen is collected, it is also measure for temperature to ensure the specimen is within body temperature limits and there was no tampering by the donor. The donor will then sign-off that the specimen is theirs and it is properly secured, labeled, and placed inside a designated package and shipped by a pre-approved carrier to a designated laboratory for further analysis.
Certain federal and state mandates require that test results be analyzed in an approved laboratory that adopts and adheres to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines. Testing laboratories must maintain certain testing processes; have a highly regulated chain of command for handling specimens; and implement periodic measurement and recalibration of testing equipment. Following these specific protocols ensures that specimens are properly handle and analyzed for accurate results.
The first step at the laboratory site is to split the urine into two aliquots or samples. One aliquot is first screened for drugs using an analyzer that performs immunoassay as the initial screen. If the urine screen is non-negative, another aliquot of the sample is used to confirm the findings by gas chromatography which basically separates and analyzes compounds that can be vaporized. Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is then used to determine the composition of the compound(s) in the sample. A report is then generated based on this analysis and sent to a Medical Review Officer (MRO) for final review.
The role of the (MRO) is to review and interpret lab results obtained from the laboratory analysis. The certified MRO is a licensed physician responsible for receiving laboratory results; possesses domain specific knowledge associated with drug testing and requires technical knowledge; professional judgment; and maintains strict confidentiality of medical information. The MRO is also responsible for conducting an interview with the donor to discuss any abnormalities with the results and then report the findings to the employer and third-party-administrator (TPA). Some states require that results be reviewed by the MRO, no matter if the results are non-negative or negative. As an internal best practice, EBI recommends that all results are reviewed by an MRO.
After a final report is completed by the MRO, results can be transmitted through a secured electronic portal and accessed by the original requestor and/or designated (TPA). The results are stored securely and confidentially and should only be access by individuals with the need to know.
Employers that have locations in multiple states have several considerations: the option of managing each location based on state regulations; or developing a policy that works across all states in-which the company conducts business. Finding a fit that works across multiple states may actually dilute the entire program and not provide the results desired within a multi-level comprehensive testing program. EBI specializes in helping firms manage multiple programs across several state lines to ensure compliance and consistency wherever possible.
EBI is dedicated to helping employers develop a lab-based drug testing program that provides accurate, fast and reliable solutions for a safe and compliant drug-free workplace. Whether on a global, national, regional or local level, EBI manages our clients’ entire drug testing program. Acting as your Third Party Administrator (TPA), EBI’s is your “Just One” solution for all of your drug screening needs including policy creation, program setup and administration. EBI’s approach to complete program management services relieves you from the burdens associated with administering your drug testing program.
Here are just a few ways EBI can streamline your entire drug testing program:
Design your entire testing program with convenience, cost-effectiveness and compliance in mind for any non-DOT or DOT regulated program
Provide pre-employment, random, post-accident or suspicion based urine testing
Provide advice and resources on the right panel selection to meet your needs
Develop a network of (PSC) and collection site locations that are convenient and cost-effective with over 15,000 to choose from across the country and the world
Manage your clinic network through our state-of-the-art software CNet-link™
Supply you with all of the forms and supplies necessary to administer your program
Use one of our SAMHSA certified labs for secured and compliant analysis
Have one of our experience MROs conduct a medical review on all specimens
Provide you access to one of the most advanced online drug testing request and retrieval platforms ever created
Provide you with one consolidated bill
Provide consolidated or location specific electronic management reporting
Let EBI manager your global substance testing program!
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All information contained herein is provided by Employment Background Investigations solely for the convenience of its clients. EBI is not providing legal advice or counsel and nothing provided on this document should be deemed as legal guidance or advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel to determine their legal responsibilities or if they have questions on any information provided by EBI.