Frequently Asked Questions — Drug Testing, Background Checks & Compliance

This page answers the most common questions about drug testing, background screening, and compliance services at Test First Drug & Alcohol Testing in Houston. If your question isn't covered here, call us at 281-781-7674 or use the chat below.

Testing Types & Detection

What's the difference between DOT and Non-DOT drug testing?

DOT (Department of Transportation) drug and alcohol testing follows federal regulations under 49 CFR Part 40 and is required for safety-sensitive employees in regulated industries — commercial drivers, pilots, transit workers, pipeline operators, and mariners. DOT tests use a 5-panel screen (THC, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP), require federal chain-of-custody forms, and must be reviewed by a Medical Review Officer. Non-DOT testing follows employer policies and offers more flexibility — you can choose 5, 7, 9, 10, or more panels and customize for your industry.

What does the standard 10-Panel Urine test detect?

THC (marijuana), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, PCP, methadone, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, propoxyphene, and methaqualone. This is the most common workplace drug screen.

How long does each type of test detect drug use?

• Urine: 1–4 days for most drugs (longer for chronic THC use)

• Saliva (oral): 5–48 hours after last use

• Hair follicle: Up to 90 days

• Fingernail or toenail: 3–6 months

• EtG (alcohol metabolite): Up to 80 hours

What's an EtG test?

EtG (ethyl glucuronide) is a metabolite that proves alcohol consumption up to 80 hours after the last drink. It's commonly added to urine, hair, or nail testing when long-window alcohol monitoring is required — court-ordered abstinence, treatment programs, or DOT post-positive return-to-duty.

Scheduling & What to Bring

Can I book same-day?

Yes. You can book online up to 30 minutes before your appointment time. For urgent reasonable-suspicion or post-accident testing, call 281-781-7674 — we can typically dispatch a mobile unit within 2 hours.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes, but appointments take priority. Walk-ins may experience longer wait times depending on schedule. Booking online guarantees your slot.

What should I bring to my appointment?

• A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID)

• For employer-authorized tests: your employer's authorization form, scan, code, or QR

• For DOT testing: your DOT Custody and Control Form (CCF) if provided in advance

• A list of any prescription medications you're currently taking

How early should I arrive?

Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment to complete intake paperwork.

Can I cancel or reschedule?

Yes. Please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance through the booking confirmation email or by calling 281-781-7674.

Results & Turnaround

How long do results take?

• Instant urine tests: results in approximately 5–10 minutes (negative screens)

• Lab-confirmed urine: 2–3 business days

• Hair follicle: 3–5 business days

• Nail testing: 5–7 business days

• Breath alcohol: immediate

What happens if I test positive?

Non-negative results are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) who will contact you to verify any legitimate prescriptions. The MRO determines the final result reported to your employer.

Are results confidential?

Yes. Results are protected under HIPAA and federal privacy regulations. We share results only with the authorized employer, agency, or party listed on the testing form.

Payment & Billing

How do I pay?

We accept all major credit cards online and at our location. For employer accounts, we offer net-30 invoicing.

Do you bill insurance?

No. Drug and alcohol testing is generally not covered by health insurance. We accept direct payment from individuals, or we invoice the employer or agency.

Do you offer employer accounts?

Yes. Volume employer pricing, net-30 invoicing, and dedicated account management are available for businesses that test 10 or more employees per month. Call 281-781-7674 to set up an account.

Mobile & On-Site Services

Can you come to my workplace?

Yes. Mobile drug testing is available for groups of 10 or more (Mobile 10 Panel On-Site service). For reasonable-suspicion or post-accident testing, we offer rapid mobile dispatch typically within 2 hours, with no group minimum.

What areas do you serve?

We serve the greater Houston metropolitan area, including Harris County and surrounding counties. For service availability outside this area, call 281-781-7674.

Background Checks

What's included in your background check?

Criminal background (county, state, federal records), identity verification, motor vehicle reports (MVR for driving positions), and county/state/federal records as needed. We partner with Checkr for accredited screening.

How long does a background check take?

Most background checks complete within 1–3 business days. MVR results typically return within 24 hours.

Compliance & Certifications

Are you DOT-compliant?

Yes. Test First operates under DOT regulations 49 CFR Part 40 with certified collectors and Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs). All DOT specimens are sent to SAMHSA-certified laboratories.

Are you MBE/PDBE certified?

Yes. Test First is MBE/PDBE certified (Certification #23-11-13605, valid through August 31, 2026) and an active vendor with the City of Houston.

Who is your Medical Review Officer (MRO)?

We work with licensed third-party MROs who review all non-negative results before reporting to employers, ensuring federal compliance and accuracy.

Contact

Phone: 281-781-7674

Email: testfirstnorthhouston@gmail.com

Address: 1213 Hermann Drive, Suite 125, Houston, TX 77004 (1st floor)

Website: www.testfirsthouston.com

Note: This page reflects current policies and pricing for Test First Drug & Alcohol Testing Houston Clinic. Pricing and policies are subject to change. Last updated April 2026.