Blood Drug Screen: FAQ | AMH Nationwide
Blood Drug Screen FAQ to Understand Testing and Results
Blood drug screen FAQ covers essential questions about blood testing for drug detection, including lab networks, detection windows, and medical review. AMH Nationwide routes collections through five major national labs. Call (877) 731-6362 for guidance on blood drug screen testing.
What is a blood drug screen and when is it used?
A blood drug screen detects the presence of drugs or their metabolites in the bloodstream. It is used to confirm recent drug use, monitor compliance with prescribed medications, or support clinical and employment decisions. Unlike urine or hair tests, blood tests provide a shorter detection window reflecting current impairment or recent ingestion.
Which labs process blood drug screen samples?
Blood drug screen samples collected through AMH Nationwide are routed to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. This ensures standardized, reliable testing with certified medical review officers overseeing non-negative results.
How is a blood drug screen collected and analyzed?
A blood sample is drawn by a trained phlebotomist at a designated collection site. The sample is then sent to the assigned national lab network for analysis using sensitive immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) if needed.
What drugs can a blood drug screen detect and what is the detection window?
Blood drug screens detect drugs including amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, and others depending on the test panel. The detection window is typically hours to a few days post-use, making it suitable for assessing recent drug use or impairment rather than long-term history.
Need a Blood Drug Screen?
Contact AMH Nationwide to arrange your blood drug screen through one of our five national lab networks. Call (877) 731-6362 to get started.
Is blood drug screening used for DOT-regulated testing?
No. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations require urine drug testing under the federally certified 49 CFR Part 40 protocol for safety-sensitive positions. Blood drug screens are not accepted for DOT compliance but may be used for non-DOT workplace testing or clinical purposes.
How do I arrange for a blood drug screen and receive results?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to a nearby collection site. There is no online ordering. Results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) for all non-negative findings before final reporting. For pricing and scheduling, call (877) 731-6362.
Common Questions
A blood drug screen detects drugs in the bloodstream, reflecting recent use or current impairment within hours to a few days. This is shorter than urine or hair tests, which detect longer-term use. Blood testing is preferred when timing of drug ingestion is critical.
Blood drug screens detect a range of drugs based on the selected panel, commonly including amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, cannabinoids, and benzodiazepines. However, detection depends on the specific test ordered and the drug’s presence in the bloodstream during collection.
Turnaround time varies by lab and test complexity but typically ranges from 1 to 3 business days after sample collection. Non-negative results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer, which may add additional processing time.
No. The DOT mandates urine drug testing compliant with 49 CFR Part 40 for safety-sensitive employees. Blood drug screens do not meet DOT requirements but may be used for other workplace or clinical purposes.
No. AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs requesters to authorized collection sites nationwide. Certified phlebotomists at these sites perform the blood draw before samples are routed to one of five national lab networks.
Pricing for blood drug screens varies depending on the test panel and detection window. To obtain an accurate quote tailored to your needs, call AMH Nationwide at (877) 731-6362.
Ready to get started?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and arranges collection nationwide. Every non-negative result reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362 or contact us.