--- title: "PHMSA Drug Testing: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide" description: "PHMSA drug testing what it screens includes specific substances based on panel size. Learn the details of this federally regulated test. Call (877) 731-6362." author: "AMH Nationwide" date: "2026-08-27" tags: ["phmsa drug testing what it screens"] canonical: "https://amhnationwide.com/phmsa-drug-testing-what-it-screens/" last_updated: "2026-08-27" --- # PHMSA Drug Testing: What It Screens For | AMH Nationwide **By AMH Nationwide** | August 27, 2026 PHMSA drug testing what it screens includes specific substances based on panel size. Learn the details of this federally regulated test. Call (877) 731-6362. --- PHMSA drug testing what it screens focuses on substances regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for safety-sensitive employees. The test panel varies but always covers key drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and PCP. Panel size changes detection scope. Call (877) 731-6362. OVERVIEW ## What substances does PHMSA drug testing screen for? PHMSA drug testing what it screens includes federally mandated substances relevant to pipeline and hazardous material safety. The core panel screens five drug classes: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). These are the minimum substances required for [urine](https://amhnationwide.com/urine-drug-testing/) testing under PHMSA regulations. Amphetamines: includes methamphetamine and related stimulants Cocaine: cocaine metabolites indicating recent use Marijuana: THC metabolites indicating cannabis use Opiates: morphine, codeine, and heroin metabolites Phencyclidine (PCP): hallucinogenic drug detection PANEL SIZE ## How does the panel size affect what PHMSA drug testing screens? PHMSA drug testing what it screens can vary by panel size, which affects the range of substances detected. The mandatory DOT 5-panel urine test forms the basis. Some employers or programs may request expanded panels to include additional drugs, but the standard PHMSA test focuses on the five core substances. 5-panel: mandatory substances as per DOT and PHMSA regulations Expanded panels: may include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, oxycodone, and synthetic opioids Hair testing: used only for non-DOT regulated roles, can detect a wider range over a longer period TESTING PROCESS ## What is the testing process for PHMSA drug testing? PHMSA drug testing what it screens follows the federally certified urine collection protocol under [49 CFR Part 40](https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/part40), which applies to DOT-regulated safety-sensitive employees. Collection is conducted at an approved site and routed through 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. After initial screening, any non-negative result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) who confirms findings and evaluates legitimate medical explanations. WHO ORDERS ## Who orders PHMSA drug testing and why? PHMSA drug testing what it screens is ordered by employers of pipeline and hazardous materials employees who perform safety-sensitive functions. The testing ensures compliance with federal safety regulations aimed at preventing accidents caused by substance impairment. Employers request lab orders from AMH Nationwide. AMH directs the employee or individual to a nearby collection site. There is no option for online ordering of this test. ## Need PHMSA Drug Testing Services? Call (877) 731-6362 to arrange PHMSA drug testing. AMH Nationwide directs you to certified collection sites and national labs for federally compliant testing. [Call (877) 731-6362](tel:+18777316362)[Contact Us](https://amhnationwide.com/contact-us/) [DETECTION WINDOW](https://amhnationwide.com/hair-follicle-drug-test-detection-window/) ## What is the detection window for substances in PHMSA drug testing? PHMSA drug testing what it screens uses urine specimens which generally detect recent drug use within the past 1 to 4 days, depending on the substance and individual metabolism. Some drugs like marijuana may be detectable longer in chronic users. The five-panel urine test detects recent use but does not identify long-term drug history. Hair testing, which is not used for PHMSA DOT roles, can detect drug use over months. PRICING ## How much does PHMSA drug testing cost? PHMSA drug testing what it screens pricing varies depending on the panel size and detection window requested. Costs differ by lab network and specific substances included. For accurate pricing and test options, contact AMH Nationwide directly. Call (877) 731-6362. SUMMARY ## Why is understanding PHMSA drug testing what it screens important? Knowing exactly what substances PHMSA drug testing screens is crucial for compliance with federal pipeline and hazardous materials safety regulations. The test focuses on five core drug classes detected by urine testing under DOT protocols. Panel size determines if additional drugs beyond the mandatory five are screened. Employers and employees can ensure accurate testing by understanding the specific substances included. 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 mandatory PHMSA drug testing panel includes amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). These substances are required for safety-sensitive pipeline and hazardous materials employees. Yes, while the standard PHMSA panel covers five substances, employers may request expanded panels to test for additional drugs like benzodiazepines or synthetic opioids, but the core five remain mandatory. No, hair testing is not used for DOT-regulated PHMSA drug testing. Urine testing following 49 CFR Part 40 protocols is the required method for safety-sensitive roles. Any non-negative PHMSA urine drug test result is reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) who verifies results and considers legitimate medical explanations. Urine testing for PHMSA drug screening typically detects drugs used within 1 to 4 days, depending on the substance and usage patterns. AMH Nationwide provides the lab order and directs you to a collection site. There is no online ordering. Call (877) 731-6362 to start the process. 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-what-it-screens/