Drug Testing
I'm having trouble getting my test done. What should I do?
You can email the medical director at [email protected] and/or call Mary Woodard at Recovery Trek. Her email is [email protected] or phone 757-943-9800.
Testing is supposed to be "random." Why have I been asked to submit samples several days in a row?
Because it is random, testing can vary substantially from month to month.
Will the frequency of testing remain the same for the entire duration of the monitoring contract?
No. Testing frequency decreases with ongoing compliance with the monitoring contract. But it could change without notice at the discretion of the Medical Director. For example, it may increase if there are concerns of a relapse.
What kind of samples may I be asked to submit?
Testing may utilize any body tissue or fluid, including urine, blood, saliva, breath, hair and nails.
Do my urine screens need to be observed?
Yes. Unobserved tests will be considered invalid and/or positive for substances. If you are not able to find a lab that can accommodate this, or are concerned that Chain of Custody (COC) requirements are not met, you must notify the Medical Director.
Why are drug screens coordinated by RecoveryTrek?
Most healthcare provider programs utilize Third Party Administrators (TPAs) like RecoveryTrek, to avoid potential conflict of interest or bias.
Could I be drug tested when I travel?
Yes, unless you are excused from testing. All participants are responsible to submit "vacation" requests through the RecoveryTrek website or by contacting our office.
How soon must I notify Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au of my travel dates?
As early as possible. All travel requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to your departure dates.
What if I forget to call in?
A missed call may be considered a positive result. If you miss a call-in, you must notify the Medical Director immediately.
What if I miss a lab test?
This may be considered a positive result.
What if my specimen is "dilute?"
A dilute specimen may be considered a positive result.
Do I have to call in every day?
Yes, except on weekends.
What if I take medications? What if my physician prescribes a medication that may not be allowed or may cause a false positive?
A good general guide for medications that should be avoided or considered "safe" can be found here:
Talbott Medication Guide
If you are prescribed a medication that is prohibited or could cause a false positive, you must notify the Medical Director BEFORE taking the medication (except for emergencies). In addition, you must produce a copy of the prescription(s) and a note by the prescribing physician. The note must describe the nature of the medical problem and the reason why the medication must be used.
What about over-the counter medications?
The same standards as prescribed medications apply to over-the-counter medications. You must advise the Medical Director.
You can email the medical director at [email protected] and/or call Mary Woodard at Recovery Trek. Her email is [email protected] or phone 757-943-9800.
Testing is supposed to be "random." Why have I been asked to submit samples several days in a row?
Because it is random, testing can vary substantially from month to month.
Will the frequency of testing remain the same for the entire duration of the monitoring contract?
No. Testing frequency decreases with ongoing compliance with the monitoring contract. But it could change without notice at the discretion of the Medical Director. For example, it may increase if there are concerns of a relapse.
What kind of samples may I be asked to submit?
Testing may utilize any body tissue or fluid, including urine, blood, saliva, breath, hair and nails.
Do my urine screens need to be observed?
Yes. Unobserved tests will be considered invalid and/or positive for substances. If you are not able to find a lab that can accommodate this, or are concerned that Chain of Custody (COC) requirements are not met, you must notify the Medical Director.
Why are drug screens coordinated by RecoveryTrek?
Most healthcare provider programs utilize Third Party Administrators (TPAs) like RecoveryTrek, to avoid potential conflict of interest or bias.
Could I be drug tested when I travel?
Yes, unless you are excused from testing. All participants are responsible to submit "vacation" requests through the RecoveryTrek website or by contacting our office.
How soon must I notify Pu‘ulu Lapa‘au of my travel dates?
As early as possible. All travel requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to your departure dates.
What if I forget to call in?
A missed call may be considered a positive result. If you miss a call-in, you must notify the Medical Director immediately.
What if I miss a lab test?
This may be considered a positive result.
What if my specimen is "dilute?"
A dilute specimen may be considered a positive result.
Do I have to call in every day?
Yes, except on weekends.
What if I take medications? What if my physician prescribes a medication that may not be allowed or may cause a false positive?
A good general guide for medications that should be avoided or considered "safe" can be found here:
Talbott Medication Guide
If you are prescribed a medication that is prohibited or could cause a false positive, you must notify the Medical Director BEFORE taking the medication (except for emergencies). In addition, you must produce a copy of the prescription(s) and a note by the prescribing physician. The note must describe the nature of the medical problem and the reason why the medication must be used.
What about over-the counter medications?
The same standards as prescribed medications apply to over-the-counter medications. You must advise the Medical Director.