--- title: "PHMSA Drug Testing: FAQ | AMH Nationwide" description: "PHMSA drug testing FAQ answers your compliance questions. Learn about protocols, labs, and procedures. Call (877) 731-6362 for assistance." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["phmsa drug testing faq"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/phmsa-drug-testing-faq/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # PHMSA Drug Testing: FAQ | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 PHMSA drug testing FAQ answers your compliance questions. Learn about protocols, labs, and procedures. Call (877) 731-6362 for assistance. --- PHMSA drug testing FAQ provides essential answers about testing requirements and processes for pipeline safety employees. This testing follows strict federal guidelines to ensure workplace safety. Samples are processed through five national labs with MRO review. Call (877) 731-6362 for detailed information and scheduling. OVERVIEW ## What is PHMSA drug testing? PHMSA drug testing is a federally mandated drug screening program for employees in pipeline safety-sensitive positions regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The goal is to prevent accidents and promote safety by detecting substance use that could impair job performance. This testing follows strict guidelines under 49 CFR Part 199 and uses [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) specimens collected under federal protocols. Regulated by PHMSA under 49 CFR Part 199 Targets pipeline safety-sensitive employees Urine testing with strict chain of custody Processed by nationally certified labs Reviewed by certified Medical Review Officers AMH Nationwide facilitates PHMSA drug testing by providing lab orders and directing employees to collection sites within five national lab networks. Call (877) 731-6362 to schedule testing. LAB NETWORKS ## Which labs process PHMSA drug testing samples? PHMSA drug testing samples are routed through five national laboratory networks to ensure accuracy and compliance. These labs include [Quest Diagnostics](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/), [LabCorp](https://www.labcorp.com/), Omega Labs, United States Drug Testing Labs, and ExperTox. Each lab follows federally certified urine collection protocols and testing procedures that meet PHMSA requirements. Quest Diagnostics LabCorp Omega Labs United States Drug Testing Labs ExperTox All non-negative test results undergo review by a certified Medical Review Officer as part of standard processing to confirm results before reporting. Contact AMH at (877) 731-6362 for lab coordination. TESTING PROTOCOLS ## What is the testing protocol for PHMSA drug testing? The PHMSA drug testing protocol requires urine specimen collection under the federally certified procedures outlined in [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40). This includes strict chain of custody, temperature checks, and specimen integrity measures. Hair testing is not acceptable for PHMSA safety-sensitive roles. The testing panel typically screens for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). WHO REQUIRES IT ## Who must undergo PHMSA drug testing? Employees in pipeline safety-sensitive positions regulated by PHMSA must undergo drug testing. This includes pipeline operators, maintenance workers, and any personnel whose duties affect pipeline safety. Testing applies to [pre-employment](https://amhnationwide.com/pre-employment-hair-testing/), random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, [return-to-duty](https://amhnationwide.com/dot-return-to-duty/), and follow-up scenarios to ensure ongoing compliance with federal safety standards. Pipeline operators Maintenance and repair personnel Safety-sensitive support staff Pre-employment and random testing Post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing Employers are responsible for directing employees to approved collection sites provided through AMH Nationwide. Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange testing. ## Need PHMSA Drug Testing Assistance? Call (877) 731-6362 to get your lab order and schedule testing at a certified collection site today. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) RESULTS & REVIEW ## How are PHMSA drug test results handled? All PHMSA drug test results undergo initial screening and confirmatory testing at the laboratory. Any non-negative or confirmed positive results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) who evaluates medical explanations or prescriptions before finalizing the report. Negative results are reported promptly. This process ensures accuracy and compliance with PHMSA standards. Initial immunoassay screening Confirmatory GC-MS or LC-MS/MS testing MRO review of non-negative results Confidential reporting to employers Compliance with federal regulations AMH Nationwide coordinates all test results and can assist with questions. Contact (877) 731-6362 for support. SCHEDULING ## How do I schedule PHMSA drug testing? PHMSA drug testing cannot be ordered online. AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester and employee to a collection site within one of the five national lab networks. Scheduling requires calling (877) 731-6362 to obtain the test order and locate a nearby collection facility. Pricing varies depending on the test panel and [detection window](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/). 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 The PHMSA drug testing panel typically includes marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). These substances are tested using federally certified urine collection and testing protocols to ensure compliance with safety regulations. No, hair testing is not acceptable for PHMSA safety-sensitive roles. PHMSA requires urine specimens collected under the federally certified protocol outlined in 49 CFR Part 40 for all drug testing related to pipeline safety. Non-negative test results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) who evaluates medical explanations such as prescriptions before confirming the result. This step ensures accuracy and protects employee rights before reporting to the employer. No, PHMSA drug testing cannot be ordered online. AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs the requester to approved collection sites. To schedule testing, call (877) 731-6362 for assistance. Employers or authorized requesters coordinate drug testing and direct employees to collection sites within the five national lab networks. AMH Nationwide facilitates this process and provides lab orders upon request. Turnaround times vary by lab and test panel but typically range from 24 to 72 hours after specimen collection. All results undergo thorough MRO review before final reporting to ensure compliance and accuracy. 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/phmsa-drug-testing-faq/