--- title: "Blood Drug Screen: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide" description: "This blood drug screen guide covers test details, detection windows, and ordering steps. Learn how to get started. Call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["blood drug screen guide"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/blood-drug-screen-guide/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # Blood Drug Screen: Complete Guide | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 This blood drug screen guide covers test details, detection windows, and ordering steps. Learn how to get started. Call (877) 731-6362. --- The blood drug screen guide provides detailed information on what the test detects, who orders it, and the collection process. This test measures drug presence in blood samples, offering a detection window suited for recent use. Testing is routed through five national lab networks. Call (877) 731-6362 to begin. OVERVIEW ## What is a blood drug screen? A blood drug screen is a laboratory test that detects the presence of drugs or their metabolites in a blood sample. It is used to determine recent drug use, often within hours to a few days prior to collection. Blood testing provides direct measurement of substances circulating in the bloodstream, offering a more immediate [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) than [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) or hair tests. ORDERING ## Who orders a blood drug screen? Blood drug screens are ordered by employers, medical professionals, legal entities, and individuals requiring confirmation of recent drug use or abstinence. Employers may use this test for [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/) screening, post-accident analysis, or random testing when immediate detection is critical. Medical providers order blood tests for diagnostic or treatment monitoring purposes. DETECTION WINDOW ## What drugs can a blood drug screen detect and what is the detection window? Blood drug screens detect a range of substances including amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, and others depending on the test panel. The detection window is generally short, typically from a few hours up to 48 hours after drug intake, as drugs are metabolized and cleared from the bloodstream quickly. This makes blood testing ideal for identifying recent drug exposure. Amphetamines: detected within 12-48 hours Cocaine metabolites: detected within 12-48 hours Opioids: detected within 12-48 hours Benzodiazepines: detection varies by compound, generally 24-48 hours Cannabinoids: typically up to 24 hours in blood COLLECTION ## How is a blood drug screen collected? Blood drug screen collection involves a certified phlebotomist drawing a blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm using standard venipuncture techniques. The sample is then securely packaged and sent to one of five national lab networks: [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox for analysis. Collection performed by trained personnel Sample volume depends on the test panel Chain of custody procedures apply for legal or employment testing Specimens transported under controlled conditions to maintain integrity ## Ready to Schedule Your Blood Drug Screen? Call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative who will guide you through the process and connect you to a local collection site. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) PROCESSING ## How does the lab process a blood drug screen? Once the blood sample arrives at the laboratory, it undergoes initial screening using immunoassay or chromatography techniques to detect drug presence. Any non-negative results are reviewed and confirmed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. Final reports are then sent to the ordering party. GETTING STARTED ## How do I get started with a blood drug screen? To begin a blood drug screen, you must contact AMH Nationwide by phone at (877) 731-6362. AMH provides the lab order and directs you to a nearby collection site within the five national lab networks. There is no online ordering option. Pricing varies depending on the test panel and detection window, so call for a personalized quote. AMH Reviewed & Maintained By AMH Nationwide Customer Service AMH Nationwide is BBB A+ accredited and routes every order through Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, or ExperTox, all of which use multiple lab certification agencies and standards such as [SAMHSA](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing)-aligned laboratory protocols, the ANSI National Accreditation Board for forensic testing and calibration, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Every non-negative screen is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing before a result is released, and chain-of-custody documentation is maintained on every collection. This page does not constitute medical or legal advice. **Last updated:** July 2026 You May Also Need [Nail Drug TestingNo head or body hair available? A 5-panel fingernail test covers a similar look-back window.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-fingernail-drug-test/)[ChildGuard: Environmental ExposureConcerned about a child or loved one? ChildGuard screens for exposure to drugs in their environment.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/5-panel-hair-drug-test-environmental-exposure-childguard/)[Shorten the Detection WindowShortened options like 30 and 60 day hair panels are also available, useful when a urine test’s 1-3 day window is too short.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/30-day-hair-drug-test/)[Hair ETG Alcohol TestAlso need alcohol testing? The hair ETG test screens for alcohol use, and can be added to the same collection.Learn more →](https://amhnationwide.com/etg-and-peth/) Frequently Asked Questions ## Common Questions No. Blood drug screens detect drugs for a shorter period, typically hours to two days, whereas urine tests can detect some drugs for several days to weeks after use. No. DOT-regulated testing requires the federally certified urine protocol under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). Blood drug screens are used primarily for non-DOT or medical purposes. Standard panels often test for amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, and sometimes additional drugs depending on the requester’s needs. Results typically take 1 to 3 business days after the lab receives the sample, depending on the complexity of the testing panel. Fasting is generally not required for blood drug screens unless specified by the medical provider ordering the test. Any non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer who may contact the donor for verification before final confirmation and reporting. Sources • [SAMHSA – Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs](https://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/drug-testing) • [U.S. DOT – 49 CFR Part 40 – Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40) • [CDC – National Center for Health Statistics – Drug Use FastStats](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/drug-use.htm) • [Quest Diagnostics – Employer Solutions, Hair Testing Methodology](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/) • [LabCorp – Occupational Testing Services](https://www.labcorp.com/) ## 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. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) --- **Need a drug, alcohol, HIV or STD test?** AMH Nationwide is a national lab testing agency operating since 2004, with more than 20,000 collection sites across the United States. Hair, urine, fingernail and blood testing, panels from 5 through 19, for individuals and employers. - Call: (877) 731-6377 - Find a collection site: https://amhnationwide.com/locations/ - Full page: https://amhnationwide.com/blood-drug-screen-guide/