Drug test sent to lab for further testing
Drug Test Sent to Lab for Further Testing Ensures Accurate Confirmation
A drug test sent to lab for further testing is a confirmatory drug test that verifies initial screening results using advanced laboratory methods. This process reduces false positives and ensures accurate outcomes for employers and individuals. All non-negative results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer. Call (877) 731-6362.
What does it mean when a drug test is sent to lab for further testing?
A drug test sent to lab for further testing means that an initial screening test produced a non-negative result and requires confirmation through more precise laboratory analysis. This confirmatory drug test uses scientifically validated methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to accurately identify specific substances.
The process helps distinguish true positives from false positives caused by cross-reactivity or other interferences in preliminary screening. AMH Nationwide routes specimens to one of five national lab networks, including Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox, ensuring high-quality confirmatory testing.
How is a confirmatory drug test performed after initial screening?
When a screening test indicates the possible presence of drugs, the specimen is sent to a certified laboratory for confirmatory testing. The lab uses highly sensitive and specific techniques to identify and quantify drug metabolites.
All confirmatory tests at AMH Nationwide are performed at SAMHSA-aligned, CAP, and CLIA accredited labs. Additionally, every non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) who evaluates medical explanations and ensures accurate interpretation.
What is the difference between screening and confirmatory drug tests?
Screening drug tests provide rapid, preliminary results but may produce false positives due to less specific detection methods. Confirmatory drug tests sent to the lab use precise analytical techniques to definitively identify drugs and their metabolites.
Employers and legal entities rely on confirmatory tests for final decision-making because they meet regulatory and scientific standards. Screening tests are useful for initial evaluation but do not provide conclusive evidence.
| Screening Test | Confirmatory Test |
|---|---|
| Rapid results, less specific | Longer turnaround, highly specific |
| Possible false positives | Accurate identification of substances |
| Typically immunoassay | GC-MS or LC-MS/MS methods |
| Used for initial detection | Used for definitive confirmation |
Which substances can a confirmatory drug test detect?
Confirmatory drug tests can detect a wide range of substances including but not limited to amphetamines, cannabinoids, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and methadone. The specific panel tested depends on the requester’s requirements and the detection window of the specimen type.
Hair testing is often used for longer detection windows, while urine testing is standard for DOT-regulated and many workplace tests. Because confirmatory testing uses sophisticated methods, it can distinguish between different drugs and their metabolites with high accuracy.
Need a Confirmatory Drug Test Sent to Lab?
Contact AMH Nationwide to arrange a drug test sent to lab for further testing. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule your collection or get more information.
Which labs does AMH Nationwide use for confirmatory drug testing?
AMH Nationwide routes all specimens requiring confirmatory drug testing through five national lab networks: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. These labs are accredited and follow strict protocols to ensure test accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
This multi-lab approach allows AMH to provide comprehensive coverage across the United States and deliver reliable results regardless of location.
What regulations apply to confirmatory drug testing?
Confirmatory drug testing for DOT-regulated safety-sensitive positions follows the federally certified urine protocol under 49 CFR Part 40. This protocol includes specimen collection, chain of custody, laboratory analysis, and MRO review.
Hair testing is used for non-DOT roles and has different regulatory considerations. All confirmatory tests performed through AMH Nationwide comply with SAMHSA, CAP, and CLIA standards to ensure legal defensibility and scientific validity.
How do I get a drug test sent to lab for further testing through AMH Nationwide?
AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to one of over 20,000 nationwide collection sites. There is no online ordering option. To initiate testing or request specific panels, call (877) 731-6362 to speak with a representative who will guide you through the process.
After collection, specimens requiring confirmatory testing are sent to the appropriate national lab network. Results, including MRO-reviewed reports, are then delivered to the requester.
Common Questions
Detection windows vary by specimen type and drug. Urine tests typically detect recent use within days, while hair tests can detect drug use over months. The exact window depends on the substance and test panel.
Confirmatory tests are designed to identify drug metabolites, which usually indicates active use rather than passive exposure. However, interpretation depends on concentrations and MRO review.
No. DOT-regulated drug testing requires the federally certified urine testing protocol under 49 CFR Part 40. Hair testing is used for non-DOT roles or other purposes.
Turnaround time varies but typically ranges from 2 to 5 business days after the lab receives the specimen. Complex panels or additional reviews may extend this timeframe.
All non-negative confirmatory results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) who assesses medical explanations and verifies the accuracy before releasing the final report.
No. AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs you to a collection site. There is no online ordering option. To begin testing, call (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.