Frequently Asked Questions
This page is designed to help our clients quickly find answers to common questions about our drug testing, medical screenings, and injury management services.
General & Booking
How do I book a drug or alcohol test?
Appointments can be booked via our online portal or central booking line. We offer same-day appointments for urgent requests and post-incident requirements across Canada.
What identification is required for my appointment?
Please bring a valid government-issued photo ID. For employer-requested screenings, please ensure you also have any specific authorization forms or documentation required by your company.
Are your lab facilities NIDA-compliant?
Yes. All of our testing protocols and clinical facilities are NIDA-compliant, ensuring that every result is accurate, secure, and legally defensible for corporate and regulatory safety.
Do you provide on-site mask fitting services?
Our certified technicians perform both qualitative and quantitative mask fits either at our clinics or on-site at your facility to ensure optimal safety and compliance for your workforce.
Cutoff Levels
What is a 'cutoff' concentration?
A cutoff is a pre-determined analytical threshold used to determine if a result is reported as negative or non-negative, distinguishing incidental contact from intentional use.
Can I fail because of my prescription?
Some prescriptions will show up on tests. Our staff have no way of determining if a positive result is due to a prescription or from other sources. If the point of care test (POCT) result is positive, your company may request the sample to be sent to the lab for further testing.
What if I am close to passing?
Our employees cannot see the concentration of any given substance in a sample. The test is a simple non-negative or negative result that is signaled by a predetermined chemical reaction. Any information beyond a pass or fail is only achievable from further testing in a lab.
DOT Testing & Regulations
Do all my drivers need DOT drug tests?
Only drivers operating vehicles that meet specific criteria defined by the DOT—such as certain weight thresholds or passenger counts—are legally required to participate in a DOT testing program.
What substances are included in DOT testing?
DOT drug panels are standardized and typically include screening for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP) to ensure safety in sensitive roles.
How are positive results handled?
All positive tests are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO discusses the result with the individual to determine if a valid medical explanation exists before reporting to the employer.
Can I use the same program for all staff?
While procedures may look similar, DOT-regulated employees must be maintained in a separate random testing pool and follow distinct protocols compared to non-regulated staff.
What triggers a DOT-regulated test?
Common triggers include pre-employment, random selection, post-accident requirements, reasonable cause or suspicion, and return-to-duty followed by follow-up testing.
Who certifies the testing labs?
According to DOT regulations, all forensic specimens must be analyzed by laboratories certified by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS/SAMHSA).
Occupational Testing
Audiometric (Hearing) Testing
What does an audiometric test involve?
A painless screening where employees listen to tones through headphones in a quiet environment. It takes about 15-20 minutes and helps detect early signs of noise-induced hearing loss.
How often should hearing tests be performed?
For workers in high-noise environments, annual testing is standard to monitor auditory health and ensure the effectiveness of your hearing protection program.
Do I need to prepare for my hearing test?
Avoid exposure to loud noises (like power tools or loud music) for 14 hours before your test to ensure the most accurate baseline results.
Mask Fit Testing
Which masks require fit testing?
Any tight-fitting respirator, including N95, half-face, and full-face pieces, must be fit-tested annually or when a different mask model is issued.
How long does a mask fit test take?
A qualitative test typically takes 15-20 minutes. It involves several simple physical movements to ensure the seal remains intact during real-world work tasks.
Vision Screening
What is included in your vision screening?
We assess distance and near acuity, color perception, and depth perception to ensure employees meet the specific visual standards required for safety-sensitive roles.
Can I wear my glasses or contacts during the test?
Yes. If you require corrective lenses for work, please bring them to your appointment as we test vision with your standard workplace correction.
Lung Function (Spirometry) Testing
What is the purpose of spirometry testing?
It measures how much air you can breathe in and out and how fast you can exhale. This determines if a worker is physically fit to wear a respirator and monitors lung health.
Are there any restrictions before a lung function test?
Please avoid smoking, heavy exercise, or eating a very large meal for at least 2 hours before your test for the most reliable results.
Across Canada Booking
Do you offer testing outside of major cities?
Yes. We have an extensive network of affiliate clinics across Canada, ensuring your team has access to professional testing even in remote or rural locations.
Can I manage all my company's bookings in one place?
Absolutely. Our centralized online portal allows safety managers to schedule, track, and retrieve results for testing performed at any of our locations nationwide.
Training FAQs
Training Requirements
What are the prerequisites for APR?
Participants must be medically cleared for respirator use and should bring their specific mask for fit testing to ensure clinical accuracy and seal integrity.
How long is the supervisor session?
The Supervisor Awareness Training is a comprehensive 4-hour in-person session delivered by experienced safety professionals at our nationwide training centers.
Are certifications issued same-day?
Yes, upon successful completion of the training and practical assessments, official certification cards are issued immediately to participants.
Who leads the training sessions?
All classroom-based training is led by experienced medical and safety professionals focused on delivering clinical excellence and professional workplace standards.