Medical Review Officer Process

Our Medical Review Officer (MRO) plays an central, important role in the administration of any quality substance abuse testing program. The MRO follows a specific process to review test results, evaluate for validity, and report findings to the client. Part of the process includes confirming that the specimen ID is correct, that the process of collection, analysis, and confirmation is intact. In cases of positive results, the MRO contacts the donor to confirm results directly and seek any alternative, valid reasons for a positive test.

Summary MRO Results Validation Procedure

MRO contacts donor and identifies themselves as the physician and MRO, and explains their role in validating test results.

MRO confirm the individual’s identity, such as verifying social security number, lab test number, or other unique information.

After donor identity is confirmed, explains that test information may be shared with the employer.

MRO informs donor about the test results.

MRO offers donor an opportunity to discuss any reasons regarding the results. For instance, if the positive test could have resulted from a legally-obtained prescription, the MRO can verify by contacting the personal physician, pharmacist, etc.

MRO will also consider other actions including additional lab testing, requesting a medical exam of the donor, inquiring about any recent medical procedures undergone by the donor, etc.

MRO will consult with laboratory Certifying Scientist as needed.

If collected under SAMSHA (DOT test), MRO will request, as needed:

Quantitative results (Numerical Value, versus Pass/Fail)

Institute re-analysis of the specimen, per donors request

Institute Analysis of the split specimen (if collected)

MRO determination will ultimately be:

  • Negative
  • Verified Positive
  • Invalid
  • Test Cancelled
  • Sample Adulterated