Positive Drug Test Result
A drug test result indicating the confirmed presence of a controlled substance at or above the established cutoff concentration.
Key Facts
- Confirmed presence of substance at or above cutoff level
- MRO must interview donor before reporting to employer
- Valid prescription may result in downgrade to negative
- DOT positive = immediate removal from safety-sensitive duties
- Split specimen retest available at donor request
A positive drug test result means a specimen has tested positive on both the initial immunoassay screen and the confirmation test (GC-MS or LC-MS/MS) at or above SAMHSA-established cutoff concentrations. Before reporting a positive to the employer, the Medical Review Officer (MRO) must attempt to contact the donor for a verification interview to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation (such as a valid prescription). If no legitimate explanation exists, the MRO reports the result as positive to the employer. Under DOT regulations, a confirmed positive requires immediate removal from safety-sensitive functions and referral to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
Drug Test Results & Specimen Issues Compared
Understanding the different outcomes and specimen-related issues in drug testing.
| Type | Meaning | Reported By | Next Steps | MRO Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positive | Confirmed presence above cutoff | Laboratory → MRO | MRO interview, then report to employer | Verify with donor — medical explanation? |
| Negative | No substances detected above cutoff | Laboratory → MRO | Employee cleared | Review and release result |
| Dilute | Creatinine 2–20 mg/dL & SG 1.0001–1.0029 | Laboratory → MRO | Employer may request retest (one time) | Report as negative-dilute or positive-dilute |
| Shy Bladder / Shy Lung | Unable to provide sufficient specimen | Collector | Medical evaluation within 5 days | Evaluate medical explanation |
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