Will Quest Diagnostics Call If I Fail a Drug Test Or Only Report It

When a job applicant or employee undergoes a drug test at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center, they often wonder, "Will Quest Diagnostics call if I fail a drug test?" A common question is whether the testing company will call them directly with the results, especially if the test is not negative. 

The process, however, is a carefully orchestrated sequence of events designed to protect confidentiality and ensure a fair, legally compliant outcome. In most cases, Quest Diagnostics does not contact the individual directly with the results. Instead, the communication follows a specific chain, with different parties playing distinct roles.

The Employer's Role

The entire process is initiated by the employer. They are the client who ordered the test and the party to whom the final results will be reported. When an employer sends a candidate for a drug test, whether it's for pre-employment, random screening, or post-accident reasons, they are the ones who receive the official report from Quest Diagnostics.

It's important to understand that the lab's role is to analyze the specimen and provide the raw data. They are a service provider for the employer. This is the first and most crucial point in understanding why an individual is unlikely to receive a direct call from Quest Diagnostics about a test result, negative or otherwise. The lab's contract is with the company, and their communication is with them or their designated representative.

What Happens at the Lab

Upon receiving a specimen, Quest Diagnostics' labs perform a series of tests. An initial screen is conducted to identify the presence of any illicit substances or other markers. If this initial screen is negative, the result is typically reported as "negative" to the employer within a short timeframe.

However, if the initial screen shows a "non-negative" result, the process changes. A non-negative result is not the same as a positive one. It simply means that the initial screen detected something that requires further investigation. At this point, the specimen undergoes a second, more specific and highly accurate confirmation test. This is a critical quality control step that helps eliminate the possibility of a false positive.

The Medical Review Officer

After a confirmed non-negative result, the report is not sent directly to the employer. Instead, it is forwarded to a Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO is a licensed physician who has specialized training in substance abuse and drug testing protocols. Their role is to act as a neutral intermediary, ensuring the integrity of the process and protecting the rights of the individual.

The MRO is the person who will actually make a phone call to the employee or job candidate. The purpose of this call is not to announce a failed test, but to conduct an interview. The MRO will ask about any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or other legitimate medical reasons that could explain the non-negative result. The individual is given the opportunity to provide documentation, such as a valid prescription from their doctor, to support their explanation.

This step is a vital safeguard against a false positive. For example, a person taking a common prescription painkiller might have a test that screens positive for opiates. Without the MRO's review, this could be incorrectly reported as a failed drug test, leading to unfair consequences. If the MRO determines that a legitimate medical explanation exists, they will then report the test as "negative" to the employer, effectively clearing the individual.

Reporting to the Employer

Only after the MRO has completed their review and verified the result will the final report be sent to the employer. If the MRO determines there is no legitimate medical explanation for the non-negative result, the test will be verified as "positive." The MRO will then communicate this finding to the employer. It is then the employer's responsibility to inform the individual of the final result and any employment-related consequences, as dictated by their company policy and relevant laws.

For individuals who order their own tests for personal reasons, the process is different. In these cases, Quest Diagnostics typically makes the results available to the individual through a secure online platform, such as the MyQuest portal. However, in an employment context, the lines of communication are designed to ensure that the employer, as the client, is the one receiving the verified, final report.

Take Control with Reliable Testing Options

When an employer orders a drug test through Quest Diagnostics, the individual generally won't receive a direct call about a failed test. Instead, the results are meticulously reviewed by a Medical Review Officer before being reported to the employer. 

If you're seeking to understand your own status or need reliable testing for personal peace of mind, consider Countrywide Testing. As a division of a SAMHSA-certified lab, we offer a range of accurate and confidential at-home testing kits and lab services, empowering you with clear results directly.