Quest Diagnostics’ Protocol for Failed Drug Tests

Quest Diagnostics is a well-known company in the field of medical diagnostics and drug testing. They provide a wide range of services, including drug testing for both employers and individuals. If you have recently taken a drug test with Quest Diagnostics and are wondering if they will call you if you fail, this article aims to provide you with the information you need.

Quest Diagnostics follows a strict and standardized process when it comes to drug testing. Once your urine sample is collected, it is sent to their laboratory for analysis. The laboratory technicians will conduct various tests to detect the presence of drugs or their metabolites in your system. They use advanced technology and follow established protocols to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Once the analysis is complete, the results are sent to a Medical Review Officer (MRO) for review. The MRO is a licensed physician who specializes in interpreting drug test results. Their role is to verify any positive results and rule out any legitimate medical explanations or prescribed medications that could have caused the positive result.

If your drug test result is positive, the MRO will contact you directly to discuss the findings. They will ask if you have any medical conditions or prescriptions that could account for the positive result. It is important to be honest and provide any necessary documentation or information to support your explanation. The MRO will evaluate the information provided and make a determination.

In most cases, the employee will be notified of their test results before the employer. This allows the employee an opportunity to explain any legitimate reasons for the positive result. However, it is crucial to note that employers have the right to make their own decisions regarding the consequences of a positive drug test result.

If the MRO determines that the positive result is legitimate and not due to medications or medical conditions, the employer will be notified of the confirmed positive result. The employer may take disciplinary actions, including termination or rehabilitation programs, depending on their company policies and applicable laws.

It is worth mentioning that drug tests conducted by Quest Diagnostics adhere to strict chain of custody procedures to prevent tampering or adulteration of the samples. Attempts to cheat or manipulate the drug test are taken seriously and could have severe consequences.

If you have taken a drug test with Quest Diagnostics and your result is positive, the MRO will contact you to discuss the findings. It is essential to be honest and provide any necessary documentation or information to support your explanation. However, the final decision regarding the consequences of a positive drug test lies with your employer.

How Long Does It Take To Find Out If You Failed A Drug Test Quest?

A urine drug test is designed to detect the presence of illicit drugs or prescription medications in a person’s system. The test involves analyzing a urine sample for the presence of specific substances. The time it takes to find out the results of a drug test can vary depending on several factors.

1. Negative Screening Results: If the urine drug test results come back negative, meaning no drugs were detected, the results are usually available within 24 hours. This is because negative screens require less time and effort to process since there is no need for further analysis.

2. Non-Negative Screening Results: If the urine drug test results come back non-negative, indicating the presence of drugs, further analysis is required to confirm the initial findings. This additional analysis can take an additional 24 to 72 hours. The exact time can depend on various factors, such as the specific substances detected and the laboratory’s workload.

It’s important to note that non-negative results do not necessarily mean that the person being tested has used illicit drugs. There can be false positives or other legitimate reasons for the presence of certain substances in the urine. In such cases, additional confirmatory testing may be necessary to rule out false positives.

Now, addressing the second part of the question, it is possible for individuals to try to beat or adulterate a urine drug test. However, modern drug testing methods have become more sophisticated and can detect many common methods of tampering.

Here are some common techniques individuals may attempt to adulterate a urine drug test:

1. Dilution: Drinking excessive amounts of water or using diuretics to dilute the urine in an attempt to lower drug concentration. However, laboratories are aware of this method and often check for signs of dilution, such as abnormally clear urine or unusual creatinine levels.

2. Adulterants: Adding substances to the urine sample to mask or destroy the drugs present. Laboratories typically test for common adulterants and can detect their presence.

3. Substitution: Providing a urine sample that is not your own, often obtained from someone who is drug-free. Laboratories have measures in place, such as temperature checks, to detect substituted samples.

4. Synthetic urine: Using commercially available synthetic urine instead of providing a real urine sample. Laboratories have developed methods to detect synthetic urine by analyzing its chemical composition.

It’s important to note that attempting to beat or adulterate a drug test is considered unethical and can have serious consequences, including loss of employment or legal repercussions. It is always best to be honest and comply with drug testing protocols.

Quest Diagnostics Clinic 1695195651

Will I Be Notified If I Fail A Drug Test?

You will be notified if you fail a drug test. The process typically involves the Medical Review Officer (MRO) contacting you directly with the results. The MRO is responsible for reviewing and interpreting the drug test results.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what usually happens when you fail a drug test:

1. Laboratory Testing: After you submit a drug test sample (such as urine, blood, or hair), it is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will test for the presence of various drugs or their metabolites.

2. MRO Review: Once the lab completes the analysis, the results are sent to the MRO. The MRO is a licensed physician specially trained in drug testing procedures and regulations. They act as an intermediary between the lab and the employer.

3. Contact from the MRO: The MRO will contact you directly to inform you of the positive drug test result. They will typically ask if you have any medical explanations or prescriptions that could account for the positive result. This is an opportunity for you to disclose any legitimate reasons for the positive test, such as prescribed medications or medical conditions.

4. Verification Process: If you provide a medical explanation or prescription, the MRO will verify its validity. They may contact your healthcare provider or ask for additional documentation to confirm the explanation. If the explanation is verified, the MRO will report the result as negative to your employer.

5. Reporting to the Employer: If you fail to provide a satisfactory medical explanation or prescription, the MRO will report the positive result to your employer. The details of the positive drug test, including the drugs detected and the concentration levels, may also be provided to the employer.

It’s important to note that the exact notification process may vary depending on the company’s drug testing policy and local regulations. However, in most cases, you can expect to be notified directly by the MRO about a failed drug test before your employer is informed.

How Do You Know If You Passed A Drug Test?

To determine if you have passed a drug test, it is important to understand the detection windows for different drugs in your system. Here is a breakdown of the approximate time each drug can be detected:

1. Heroin: Heroin can typically be detected in urine for about 1 to 3 days after use.

2. Cocaine: Cocaine is generally detectable in urine for approximately 2 to 3 days.

3. Marijuana/THC: The detection window for marijuana or THC depends on various factors, including frequency of use. For occasional users, it can be detected in urine for about 1 to 7 days. However, for regular and heavy users, it can be detected for up to several weeks.

4. Methamphetamine (Meth): Methamphetamine can usually be detected in urine for about 2 to 3 days.

5. MDMA (Ecstasy): The detection window for MDMA is typically around 2 to 4 days in urine.

These timeframes are approximate and can vary based on factors such as individual metabolism, the amount and frequency of drug use, and the sensitivity of the drug test.

It is important to note that the only way to guarantee passing a drug test is to abstain from drug use. While there are various methods and products claiming to help pass drug tests, their effectiveness is not guaranteed and may even be illegal or unethical.

If you are concerned about passing a drug test, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a drug testing expert for accurate information and guidance.

What Happens If You Fail A Lab Drug Test?

If you fail a lab drug test, there are a number of potential consequences that you might face. It is important to note that the specific outcome can vary depending on factors such as the company’s policies, the industry you work in, and the laws of your state. Nevertheless, here are some possible scenarios:

1. Termination of Employment: If the test results are legitimate and confirmed through multiple retests, it is highly likely that you will lose your job. Employers often have strict policies against drug use, especially in safety-sensitive industries such as transportation or healthcare. Failing a drug test can be seen as a breach of trust and may result in immediate termination.

2. Rescinding a Job Offer: If the drug test was part of the screening process for a job application, the company may revoke their job offer upon discovering that you failed the test. Employers often use drug tests to ensure a safe and productive work environment, and a positive result can lead to the withdrawal of an employment offer.

3. Second Chance Opportunities: In some industries or states, employers may offer a second chance to employees who fail a drug test. This could involve entering a rehabilitation program or undergoing additional testing to monitor future drug use. However, these opportunities are not guaranteed and are more common in industries where drug use may be seen as a treatable condition rather than an immediate threat to safety.

Ultimately, the consequences of failing a lab drug test can have significant implications for your employment. It is important to be aware of your company’s policies and the legal framework surrounding drug testing in your industry and state.

Quest Diagnostics Clinic 1695195655

Conclusion

Quest Diagnostics is a leading provider of drug testing services that plays a crucial role in maintaining workplace safety and integrity. Their comprehensive drug testing programs offer reliable and accurate results, helping employers make informed decisions about their workforce. With a wide range of testing options and quick turnaround times for results, Quest Diagnostics ensures efficiency and convenience for both employers and employees.

Their advanced testing technologies and strict quality control measures ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results. By adhering to industry standards and guidelines, Quest Diagnostics maintains a high level of professionalism and integrity in their drug testing services.

Not only does Quest Diagnostics offer drug testing services, but they also provide assistance and support throughout the entire testing process. From collection to reporting, their knowledgeable and experienced team ensures a smooth and seamless experience for all parties involved.

Furthermore, with their extensive network of collection sites and laboratories, Quest Diagnostics offers nationwide coverage, making their services easily accessible to employers and employees across the country.

Quest Diagnostics is a trusted and reputable provider of drug testing services. Their commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction sets them apart in the industry. Employers can rely on Quest Diagnostics to provide reliable and timely drug test results, helping them maintain a safe and drug-free workplace.

Photo of author

William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.