Employers regulated by federal testing programs are required to use urine samples only for testing of drugs. Department of Transportation regulations require breath testing for alcohol. The only methodology for drug testing approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is urinalysis. Urinalysis involves screening urine for the presence of drug metabolites in a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure. No adverse personnel action should ever be taken before completing the two-step procedure.
Most employers look for a vendor to handle drug testing requirements.
The contract price should include these items as well as courier service. Separate financial arrangements may be needed if a urine collection vendor is required in addition to the laboratory services. If a separate collection vendor is used it should be a facility that specializes in specimen collection for the purpose of workplace drug testing. Containers should not contain preservatives that might alter the drugs or metabolites being sought. Containers should also include a built-in temperature strip that is capable of measuring the temperature of the urine sample.