Drug screen test
Drug Screen Test Solutions for Accurate and Timely Results
A drug screen test detects the presence of substances in urine, hair, or other specimens using standardized lab processes. AMH Nationwide routes collections through five national lab networks for accuracy and compliance. Certified Medical Review Officers review all non-negative results. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your drug screen test.
What is a drug screen test?
A drug screen test is a laboratory analysis designed to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in a biological specimen. The most common specimens include urine, hair, saliva, or blood. AMH Nationwide facilitates drug screen tests by directing clients to one of five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox.
Drug screen tests are used by employers, courts, probation officers, and individuals to verify recent or past drug use. The testing process involves specimen collection at authorized sites, followed by laboratory analysis and review by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) for any non-negative results.
What is the difference between a drug screen test and a drug test?
The terms drug screen test and drug test are often used interchangeably but can differ in scope and methodology. A drug screen test typically refers to an initial immunoassay test that quickly identifies the presence of drug compounds or metabolites. A drug test may encompass the entire process, including confirmatory testing such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Drug screening often serves as a preliminary step to detect possible drug use, while a drug test may imply a more comprehensive analysis including confirmation and medical review.
How accurate is drug screening compared with drug testing?
Accurate drug screening depends on the specimen type, detection window, testing method, and laboratory standards. AMH Nationwide uses federally certified labs and follows strict protocols to ensure accuracy. All non-negative screens undergo confirmation and review by a certified Medical Review Officer, reducing false positives.
For example, urine drug screen tests have a detection window of hours to days for most drugs, while hair drug tests detect drug use over months. The choice between drug screening and full drug testing depends on the context and required reliability.
What is the process for a drug screen test at AMH Nationwide?
AMH Nationwide does not provide online ordering. Instead, clients call (877) 731-6362 to arrange a drug screen test. The lab order is issued, and the client is directed to a local collection site within AMH’s network of over 20,000 nationwide locations. Collection follows chain-of-custody procedures to maintain specimen integrity.
Specimens are sent to one of five national lab networks for analysis. Non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Testing for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions follows the federally certified urine protocol under 49 CFR Part 40, while hair testing is reserved for non-DOT roles.
Schedule Your Drug Screen Test Today
Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange a drug screen test through AMH Nationwide and access our network of certified labs and collection sites.
How does hair drug testing compare with urine drug screen tests?
Hair drug testing and urine drug screen tests differ mainly in detection windows, specimen collection, and regulatory use. Urine tests typically detect recent drug use within hours to several days. Hair tests reveal drug use over a longer period, usually up to 90 days, by analyzing drug metabolites deposited in hair shafts.
Hair testing is less invasive and harder to adulterate but is not approved for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive testing. Urine testing remains the standard for DOT compliance and most workplace drug screen tests.
| Feature | Hair Drug Test | Urine Drug Screen Test |
|---|---|---|
| Detection Window | Up to 90 days | Hours to days |
| Specimen Type | Hair | Urine |
| DOT Compliance | No | Yes |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Moderately invasive |
| Adulteration Risk | Lower | Higher |
Can I order a drug screen test online through AMH Nationwide?
AMH Nationwide does not offer online ordering for drug screen tests. To initiate testing, you must call (877) 731-6362 to place a lab order and be directed to a collection site. This protocol ensures proper chain-of-custody and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Pricing varies depending on the drug panel selected and the detection window required. Contact AMH for a quote and more information.
Common Questions
Drug screen tests typically detect substances such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. The specific panel depends on the test ordered.
Results usually take 1 to 3 business days after specimen collection, depending on the lab network and confirmatory testing requirements.
A certified Medical Review Officer reviews all non-negative drug screen results to verify medical explanations and ensure accuracy before releasing final reports.
Hair drug tests provide a longer detection window but are not suitable for all testing purposes. Urine tests remain the standard for recent use and DOT compliance.
Drug screen tests detect metabolites indicating actual drug ingestion. Passive exposure rarely results in a positive test due to metabolite thresholds.
First check drug tests are point-of-collection immunoassay screens, while lab drug tests involve laboratory analysis with certified procedures and Medical Review Officer oversight.
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.