DSI’s Toxicology Laboratory takes a leadership role in assisting clients by providing them with a comprehensive approach to urine drug and adulteration testing. With more than 12 years of experience in the urine drug analysis field, the Toxicology Laboratory provides state-of-the-art drug testing and is certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) and licensed by the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (Drug-Free Workplace). DSI participates in required performance testing and on-site inspections each year.

Toxicology Client Service Representatives are available to provide information and training in all aspects of drug testing: chain of custody, urine collection, shipping procedures and result reporting.

DSI provides three types of drugs of abuse testing services: Forensic employment drug testing for drugs in the workplace programs, medical testing for treatment/rehabilitation programs and other medical applications, and other forensic non-employment related alcohol and urine drug testing. For medical drugs of abuse screening services, please refer to the individual test or Drug Screens in the Alphabetical Test List section.

For employment-related testing, the Toxicology Laboratory employs legally defensible methods. Initial testing for drugs or drug metabolites is by enzyme immunoassay with confirmation by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS). Alcohol is screened by the alcohol dehydrogenase method and confirmed by headspace gas chromatography. In the forensic program, a strict quality assurance program is implemented in which no drug tests are identified as positive until both an initial test procedure and a confirmatory test are completed and validated by a certifying scientist unless specified otherwise by the client (non-regulated testing only). Specific procedures ensure optimum confidentiality, strict chain of custody and urine specimen security.

Urine specimens for employment drug testing are potential legal evidence. Thus, all handling is in accordance with recognized forensic procedures. DSI provides collection services for the client at various locations throughout the State. Our representatives will work with and train collection site staff in the proper procedures for collecting urine specimens for employment drug testing under chain of custody specifications. Ongoing consultation will be provided to all collecting sites regarding the methods adopted by our SAMHSA (“NIDA,” NLCP, DHHS) certified laboratory.

DSI will provide all supplies necessary for the collection, packaging and shipping of specimens for employment drug testing.

DSI publishes a client newsletter which provides updates on any new research or development relevant to our drug testing clients and collection site staff.

DSI maintains a strictly documented chain of custody for forensic specimens. This chain of custody originates with our specially designed test request forms used at collection sites and is continued for all specimen handling within our laboratory. Monitoring and feedback are provided to all collection sites regarding follow-through on chain of custody. Our Toxicology Client Service Representatives call collection sites directly each work day regarding rejected specimens and potential corrective action for recoverable deficiencies.

Transportation of all specimens for urine drug testing will be arranged through DSI’s statewide network of courier services, overnight carriers or through the US Postal Service. The specimen, properly collected, identified and sealed, is shipped in a sealed package. Specimens are received and opened at DSI by authorized personnel in the forensic Accessioning room. The condition of the package and specimen security seals are documented upon accessioning. The acceptability of the specimen for testing is evaluated.

Client satisfaction is enhanced by fast, accurate reporting, a dedicated client service staff, and bar coding technology. Average turnaround time is 24 hours for negative results and 48 hours for non-negative results. A variety of data transmission procedures is available, including; computer interface, on-line printer, facsimile (FAX) or mail depending on client need and size. Telephonic reporting is not allowed for employment-related testing by law. For assistance, call your DSI Account Representative at 239.561.8254.