The short answer

If you believe a pre-employment drug-test result is incorrect, contact the designated testing provider or medical review contact promptly. Ask what result was reported, which program applies, how to raise your concern and whether there is a response deadline. Do not assume a laboratory screening result, a verified test result and the employer’s hiring decision are the same thing.

Testing rules differ. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has specific procedures for covered transportation roles; they do not automatically apply to all employers. A drug-test question is also not necessarily the same as disputing an inaccurate background report.

First identify the process and the right contact

Read the notice or instructions and ask:

  • Is this a DOT-regulated test or another employer testing program?
  • Who is the medical review officer or other designated contact, and how do I reach that person securely?
  • Is the result preliminary, confirmed or verified, and what is the process for raising a concern?
  • What deadline, documentation or further testing options apply to this program?
  • Who should I contact about the hiring decision separately?

A medical review officer in the DOT program evaluates whether a legitimate medical explanation exists for certain laboratory-confirmed results. Do not assume the same process or terminology is used in every non-DOT program.

How should I discuss a possible error or medication?

Tell the authorized medical review contact what you believe is wrong and ask what information is needed. If medication or another medical issue may be relevant, discuss it with that professional or your clinician. A medication list is sensitive: verify the recipient and do not post it publicly or send it to an unrelated recruiter or website without knowing the proper route.

Do not assume a medication automatically explains a result, that a retest will produce a particular outcome, or that an employer has already made a decision. Keep a private record of the notice, contact, response date and confirmation.

What is different about DOT split-specimen testing?

For applicable DOT testing, 49 CFR § 40.153 requires the medical review officer to notify a person of split-specimen testing rights after a verified positive drug result or a refusal because of adulteration or substitution. The rule says the person has 72 hours from that notification to request the split-specimen test. If that situation applies, contact the medical review officer promptly using the instructions given. The rule addresses specific DOT results; do not apply its deadline to every test or assume it describes all possible rights.

Is this the same as a background-report dispute?

Not necessarily. A specimen test and a report prepared by a background reporting company can be separate processes, even if the same screening program coordinates them. If a consumer report contains inaccurate information, the FTC describes how to dispute it. For that distinct issue, see background-check errors. Ask the employer about its own notice or decision separately.

Your next step

Identify the program and verified medical review or testing contact, read the notice and act within any stated response period. Keep medical information private and seek qualified advice for your particular circumstances.