When a sample arrives at our Laboratory, it goes through a two-stage testing process to ensure the final result is always correct.
The first stage is called the Screening stage, this is where a sample (urine, oral fluid or hair) is screened against a drug group (eg Opiates). If the sample is positive for that drug group, the sample then goes onto the second stage.
The second stage is called the Confirmation stage. Confirmation tests pin-point the exact drug that was initially detected during the first (Screening) stage.
As every drug has its own “fingerprint” (or its own unique molecular structure) this means that in the example of taking Opiates, the laboratory can detect if a donor has taken a prescribed drug, an illicit drug or both. This means that prescribed medications can be ruled out.
It is important to note that some companies with safety critical staff have their own list of allowed and banned medications so please always check with your HR department if you are taking prescribed medication.
For this reason is extremely important to declare any medication you may be taking when completing Chain of Custody paperwork.
The testing methods we use are Legally defensible and are used in legal proceedings on a weekly basis. This two-stage process of analysis gives our clients the reassurance they need that the final result is correct and most importantly, Legally Defensible.