The Laboratory uses a range of carefully controlled chromatographic and immunoassay techniques for detecting and confirming the presence of drugs of abuse in urine specimens. The Laboratory aims to ensure a minimum of false 'negative' results, and that no false 'positive' results are reported. Confirmatory tests are always performed for the identification of specific amphetamine and opiate class drugs. However, in the cases of benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine and methadone, confirmatory tests are NOT routinely carried out, because these immunoassay are relatively specific and rarely produce false positives. Confirmatory test are, however, available for unexpected findings. The Laboratory is able to provide "absolute" confirmation of findings using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. The Laboratory participates regularly in external quality assurance schemes as part of an effort to achieve a consistently high standard of performance.

As part of your health exam and prior to issuance of a health or life insurance policy insurance companies usually require blood testing. These are also increasingly being used by employers as a pre-hiring screen. Law enforcement agencies use this type of test to determine the level of intoxication after an accident or arrest. Doctors and hospitals use this test to determine how various glands and organs in the body are doing their job, for cancer detection, and for other health checks.

A vial or two of blood is drawn by a nurse or lab technician and run through various procedures in the lab to determine the types of drugs being used and the level of toxicity in the body. This procedure generally takes longer to develop an answer than a saliva test or urinalysis.