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Urine laboratory drug testing in London

Urine laboratory drug testing is a UK court approved method of analysis performed at a UKAS 17025 laboratory facility. A popular workplace drug test used for safety critical roles; urine laboratory drug testing is also used by private individuals for legal purposes. However, it is used widely in industry for pre-employment and periodic drug testing, particularly in the energy and construction sectors. Urine drug testing has an effective drug detection window of up to 5 days*

*Dependant on several factors including frequency of drug use.

Urine drug testing locations in London Urine drug testing locations in London

How does urine laboratory drug testing work?

When consumed, drugs produce specific chemical markers in the body called metabolites. The metabolites are excreted by the body through urine, and their presence can prove that the drug was taken by the individual.

Urine laboratory drug testing consists of two phases of analysis. First, the sample undergoes an immunoassay screen. If this is clear, a negative laboratory report will be issued. If the screening phase produces a non-negative result, the sample will go on for confirmatory testing using the chromatography method. Depending on the result of this, a positive or negative laboratory report will be issued.

About urine laboratory drug testing

When to use the urine laboratory drug test

Urine laboratory drug testing is the method of choice for organisations that operate in the safety critical industry. The confirmatory testing phase provides accurate laboratory results that can be used by employers to take disciplinary action where appropriate.

In addition, the urine laboratory drug test is accredited for use for Network Rail confirmatory drug testing.

Also, private individuals use the urine laboratory drug test when required to prove abstinence from drugs over a specific period. Unlike the hair drug test, with a shorter detection window, urine testing can provide ongoing monitoring over a number of weeks.

Network Rail drug testing Network Rail drug testing

Drugs we can test for in the urine laboratory drug test

There are many drugs that can be tested for in urine. It is important to understand that the more obscure drug groups may not fall under UKAS 17025 accreditation. Please speak to a Clinical Advisor if this may be the case. However, the most popular recreational and prescription drugs are covered by the accreditation, and these include:

Amphetamine and Methamphetamines which includes Ecstasy.
Benzodiazepines
Cannabis
Cocaine
Methadone
Opiates
Ketamine

Call and speak to a Clinical Advisor about the drugs you may need testing.

Urine laboratory drug testing sample collection

At the sample collection appointment, a certified collection officer will guide the donor through the test documentation, obtain and verify ID, and collect the urine sample. All of which is performed under strict chain of custody policies and procedures, to ensure sample integrity and an audit trail. This is critical to being able to use the laboratory results for legal and workplace disciplinary purposes.

Urine is collected using tamper evident and anti-adulteration methods in secure toilet facilities. In addition, two urine samples are obtained from the donor. The 'A' sample is tested, while the 'B' sample is retained by the testing laboratory if a result is challenged. The donor has the right to request the 'B' sample to be tested at an alternative UKAS accredited laboratory*.

A donor will be asked to sign consent to have their urine samples collected and analysed by the laboratory for the drugs chosen.

Finally, the sample is secured using tamper-proof measures, and transported securely for processing.

*Additional costs apply.

Important urine laboratory drug testing timeframes

The urine laboratory drug test can effectively detect the metabolites of drugs for an average period of up to 5 days. However, this can vary greatly, depending on the individual, drug type and frequency of use. For example, metabolites of THC (cannabis) can be detected in urine for a chronic user for up to 1 month after use.

From the point the urine sample reaches the laboratory, initial screen results are provided on the next working day. If confirmatory drug testing is required, this may take another 3 to 5 working days depending on the number and type of drugs to be analysed.

If you require a longer-term drug detection window, consider a hair drug test.

Hair drug testing in London Hair drug testing in London

The costs of urine laboratory drug testing in London

Urine laboratory drug testing costs depend on the number of donors to be tested at the same appointment. For example, the cost for an individual at a clinic location in London is £180. However, the price for urine laboratory testing at a workplace in London can be as little as £72 per person for multiple employees to be tested.

Prices inclusive of VAT

Request a urine laboratory drug test quotation Request a urine laboratory drug test quotation

How to book an appointment for a urine laboratory drug test in London

To book a urine laboratory drug test in London, please call 0800 988 7107. You will be put through to a Clinical Account Manager who will help you find your nearest sample collection location in London. In addition, they will guide you through the booking and urine testing process and answer any technical questions you may have.