Question
Help me understand MRO reviewed results of a drug test.
Answer
Checkr’s partner eScreen works with a certified Medical Review Officer for the review of all testing. The Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a licensed physician with special certification to receive, review and evaluate drug-testing laboratory results.
The Medical Review Officer (MRO) process is when a non-negative result comes back from the lab. The MRO will:
- Review the result with the candidate to determine if they have any prescriptions which would account for the positive drug analyte.
- Verify the prescription with the pharmacy.
- If it aligns with the positive drug, the result will be released as a Negative.
- If it does not align with the positive drug, the result will be released as a Positive.
*Note: The MRO is NOT verifying the level of the drug compared to the prescription. Only if the drug positive matches the prescription. Results can be delayed if the candidate does not respond to the MRO in a timely fashion.
Use the following guide to interpret MRO results:
|
MRO Reviewed Result |
Result Meaning |
Next Steps |
|
Positive UTCD |
If the candidate has a positive analyte from the lab result, the MRO will contact the candidate before releasing the results to Checkr to see if they have a prescription for that substance. If they are unable to connect with the candidate, they will release the results to the report to “Positive UTCD” (Positive Unable To Contact Donor) due to the candidate still testing positive for a substance without a prescription verification confirmation. |
Take the drug test at face value or send another invitation to the candidate. If a new invitation is sent, the candidate must go to a clinic and provide another urine collection. |
|
Negative-dilute |
Urine from the donor has been diluted either by drinking excessive amounts of water or by adding water directly to the sample after voiding, in an effort to reduce the concentration of drug metabolites in it. |
Send another invitation to the candidate. Once sent, the candidate must go to a clinic and provide another urine collection. |
|
Substituted |
The candidate provided a sample that was either not urine or not their own urine at the time of collection. |
Send another invitation to the candidate. Once sent, the candidate must deposit another sample. |
|
Abnormal PH |
Urine samples always have their PH level tested. If the PH does not fall within the normal range, it will be reported invalid. |
Send another invitation to the candidate. Once sent, the candidate must go to a clinic and provide another urine collection. |
|
GC/MS (Immunoassay) Interference |
Interference with the initial stage of testing, preventing a result. result of medication that the donor has been taking, an attempt to adulterate, or neither. |
Send another invitation to the candidate. Once sent, the candidate must go to a clinic and provide another urine collection. |
|
Test Cancelled |
Results cannot be determined. Can be due to a myriad of reasons. Please look at the notes section for more details. |
Send another invitation to the candidate. Once sent, the candidate must go to a clinic and provide another urine collection. |
|
Positive |
Upon review of the positive lab result, the MRO will contact the candidate to review their prescriptions. If no prescription validates the positive drug, the result will be released to the employer as a positive. |
Take the result at face value. |
As a reminder, this does not constitute and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. Please consult your legal counsel regarding your compliance obligations and best practices.