Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to drug test?

Prices for drug testing vary depending on volume, location, and type of services needed. Please complete the Information Request Form for a personalized quotation.

What is the drug testing process?

The basic drug testing process is outlined as follows.

1. Precision Screening and the client define service parameters and establish protocols and data requirements regarding the following items.

Sample analysis, sample type, drug panels
Collection type (onsite or clinic)
Result details (file type, access method, authorized contacts)
Ongoing interaction and account management

2. Once collection locations and services have been set, the client sends employees/applicants into a collection site or a specimen collector may be sent on-site to the company location. Test administration consists of the following elements:

Donor identification
Paperwork and authorization
Specimen collection
Shipment to laboratory

3. The initial screening process checks to see if drug metabolites are found in the donor's system above prescribed cut-off levels. Specimens which are positive on the initial screen are sent for a confirmatory test using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) at Precision Screening's nationally contracted SAMSHA certified laboratory. Laboratory results are then imported into the software used by Precision Screening.

4. Positive test results are reviewed by Precision Screening's Medical Review Officer (MRO). Medical review is a vital part of the testing process. Precision Screening-s in-house Medical Review Officers analyze positive test results and contacts donors to ensure that prescriptions or medical care have not caused the preliminary positive result. This step is required for all federal, DOT regulated and non-DOT testing.

5. Data is transmitted to clients. Transmitting data and results to clients in a quick and confidential way is vital in maintaining high testing standards. Precision Screening's automated process pushes results to clients through the quickest and most secure methods available.

Precision Screening provides certified results to clients via the following methods:

SSL secured web
Encrypted email
Secure fax
Phone

What drugs can be detected?

Precision Screening offers the following drug panels:

5 Panel - Amphetamines, Cocaine, Opiates, THC (Marijuana), PCP
7 Panel - Amphetamines, Cocaine, Opiates, THC (Marijuana), PCP, Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates
9 Panel - Amphetamines, Cocaine, Opiates, THC (Marijuana), PCP, Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Methadone, Propoxyphene
Testing for additional drugs is available upon request.

How long can drugs be detected?

Detection times will vary based on the user's weight, metabolism, frequency of drug use, and the type of specimen. Hair testing will detect all drug use within the previous several months.

The following chart is a guideline based on urinalysis testing.

Substance	Average Detection time
Amphetamines (except meth)	1 to 2 days
Barbiturates	2 to 3 days
Benzodiazepines	Single use: 3 days. Chronic use (over one year): 4 to 6 weeks
Cocaine	2 to 4 days
LSD	2 to 24 hours
Methadone	3 days
Methamphetamine	2 to 4 days
Opiates	2 days
PCP	14 days
THC	Single Use: 5 to 7 days. Prolonged Use: 3 to 4 weeks.

Will prescription medications cause a positive drug test?

The role of the Medical Review Officer in the drug testing process is to review non-negative drug test results to determine if the non-negative result is due to a valid prescription or medical reason.