Drug Testing

Comprehensive Drug Screening Programs

Research Services provides access to a complete range of drug testing options for employers — from standard pre-employment urine panels to hair and blood testing, and from DOT-regulated programs to custom non-DOT panels.

Our network spans more than 10,000 collection locations nationwide through partnerships with Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, making it easy for candidates to complete testing wherever they are located.

5, 7, 9, 10, and 13-panel urine testing
Hair follicle and blood testing available
DOT-compliant and non-DOT programs
10,000+ collection sites via Labcorp & Quest

Turnaround Time

Most drug test results are returned within 1–3 business days from the date of specimen collection.

Results showing no detection are typically reported faster. Any results requiring MRO (Medical Review Officer) review may take additional time.

1–3 Business Days

Available Drug Test Panels

5-Panel (Standard)

Amphetamines
Cocaine
Marijuana (THC)
Opiates
PCP (Phencyclidine)

9-Panel

Amphetamines
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Cocaine
Marijuana (THC)
Methadone
Opiates
PCP
Propoxyphene

10-Panel

All 9-panel substances
Methaqualone (Quaaludes)

DOT / Non-DOT Programs

DOT 5-panel (federally mandated)
Custom non-DOT configurations
Pre-employment, random, post-accident
Return-to-duty & follow-up testing

Connecticut Employers: Cannabis Legalization Changed the Rules

Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis in 2021, and the employment drug testing rules changed significantly as a result. Employers generally cannot take adverse action against an employee or applicant solely based on off-duty cannabis use — but there are important exceptions for safety-sensitive positions, DOT-regulated roles, and on-site impairment.

Before including THC in your testing panel for Connecticut hires, make sure you understand what the law allows. Read our full breakdown of Connecticut marijuana laws for employers →

Specimen Types

Urine: The most common method. Detects recent drug use across all standard panels. Fast collection and rapid results.

Hair Follicle: Detects a longer window of use (up to 90 days). Ideal for positions where extended history is important.

Blood: Provides the most precise detection of current impairment. Typically used in post-accident or for-cause situations.

What Happens When a Test Is Non-Negative — The MRO Process

A non-negative lab result does not go directly to the employer. Every non-negative result is first reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) — a licensed physician trained to interpret drug test results in a medical context.

The MRO contacts the donor directly to determine whether a legitimate medical explanation exists for the result. Common examples include a valid prescription for opioids, ADHD medication, or other controlled substances that may trigger a positive screen.

If a valid prescription explains the result, the MRO may report it as negative to the employer
If no valid explanation exists, the MRO reports it as positive
If the donor cannot be reached after multiple attempts, the MRO may report it as a non-contact positive

This process protects both employers and employees — ensuring that a reported positive reflects actual misuse rather than a legitimate prescription or medical condition.

Setting Up a Random Drug Testing Program

Random testing is one of the most effective deterrents for workplace drug use — and for DOT-regulated employers, it is a federal requirement. Research Services can help you establish and administer a compliant random testing program.

Selection pool: All employees subject to testing are placed in a pool. A scientifically validated random process draws selections throughout the year — unannounced and unpredictable.
Testing rates: Non-DOT programs commonly test 25–50% of the pool annually. DOT agencies mandate specific rates by industry (e.g., FMCSA requires 50% for drugs, 10% for alcohol).
Notification: Selected employees must report for testing promptly after notification. Delays or failures to appear are treated as refusals.
Documentation: All selections, notifications, and results are documented to demonstrate program compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Connecticut employers still test for marijuana?

Yes, but with significant restrictions. Connecticut's recreational cannabis law limits when employers can take adverse action based on a positive THC test. Employers generally cannot discipline or refuse to hire someone solely because of off-duty cannabis use. Safety-sensitive positions, DOT-regulated roles, and situations involving on-site impairment carry important exceptions. See our full breakdown of Connecticut marijuana laws for employers.

What happens when a drug test comes back positive?

A non-negative result goes to a Medical Review Officer (MRO) before it reaches the employer. The MRO contacts the donor directly to determine whether a valid prescription or medical explanation accounts for the result. If confirmed positive with no valid explanation, it is reported to you. If a prescription explains it, it may be reported as negative.

What is an MRO and what do they do?

An MRO (Medical Review Officer) is a licensed physician trained to review and interpret drug test results. When a lab returns a non-negative result, the MRO contacts the donor to gather any medical explanation before the result is finalized. This protects both parties — ensuring a positive report reflects actual drug use, not a legitimate prescription.

How does a random drug testing program work?

Employees subject to testing are placed in a selection pool. A validated random process draws selections throughout the year — unannounced. Employers set a testing rate (commonly 25–50% annually for non-DOT programs; DOT mandates specific rates by industry). Selected employees must report for testing promptly. Contact us to set up or audit your program.

How far back does a hair follicle drug test detect use?

Hair follicle testing detects drug use over approximately the past 90 days — one of the longest detection windows available. It is less effective for very recent use (within a few days) but provides a much longer history than urine testing, which detects use within the past few days to a few weeks depending on the substance.

Do you offer DOT-compliant drug testing programs?

Yes. We provide fully DOT-compliant programs for employers in federally regulated industries. DOT testing follows strict federal guidelines including a mandated 5-panel urine test, certified laboratory analysis, MRO review, and specific random testing rates set by the applicable DOT agency — FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, or USCG.