Observed Drug Testing for Probation
Your probation office and court order determine your testing requirements. Confirm whether your collection must be observed before scheduling. An observed urine collection means an authorized observer directly watches you provide the sample under the applicable collection procedures.
Appointments and site availability
Lab Testing Solutions requires an appointment for observed collections and strongly recommends appointments for probation-related legal drug testing. Walk-ins are not recommended. Confirm observed-service availability directly with the collection site before your visit. Not every site offers observed collections.
Do not assume that an observation flag on your authorization has been communicated to the collection site. Confirm the requirement when booking and remind the collector before collection begins.
Before your collection
- Confirm the required test, observation, approved location, and deadline with your probation office.
- Contact the collection site. Clearly request an observed collection if required, and confirm the appointment, testing hours, and arrangements.
- Bring your own authorization or barcode and valid government-issued photo ID. Check the name and ordered test on your authorization. Do not use another person’s barcode. Follow your order instructions.
- Tell the collector before collection begins and show the relevant instructions.
If the arrangements do not match your requirements
If your order is unclear, the site cannot provide the required collection, or an appointment is unavailable before your deadline, contact Lab Testing Solutions and your probation office promptly. Do not assume a different test or collection method will satisfy your requirement. An appointment does not extend your testing deadline.
Common questions
Does every probation test require observation?
Not every program has the same observation requirement. Confirm your requirements with your probation office.
Does my barcode mean I have an appointment?
Your barcode is an authorization, not an appointment. Confirm your appointment and the required collection service with the site.
Direct observation and monitoring are different
Directly observed and monitored collections are different procedures. An open door alone does not confirm that a collection was directly observed. Ask the site to confirm the procedure your probation office requires.
Suggested DOT procedure references
DOT regulations apply to tests required by DOT agency regulations; they do not automatically govern probation testing. These references may help you discuss collection procedures with your probation office. Follow your program, court order, authorization, and collection site instructions.