Urine Alcohol Testing
What is urine alcohol testing and how is it performed?
Urine alcohol testing is typically performed to show recent alcohol use. The difference between breath alcohol testing and urine alcohol testing is in the detection times. For breath alcohol testing to show a donor as being positive, a donor must be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the test, while urine alcohol testing does not have this requirement. Depending on the amount of alcohol consumed and the frequency of consumption, urine alcohol testing can detect alcohol use up to 72 hours in the past.
Urine samples are typically collected in a closed bathroom or bathroom stall while the collector waits outside of the bathroom unless the test is to be observed. In observed testing, a trained observer of the same gender will accompany the donor into the bathroom or bathroom stall and will ensure that the donor does not tamper with or substitute their sample.
Who should choose urine alcohol testing?
Urine alcohol testing is usually performed when recent alcohol use is suspected. This type of testing is also very common in alcohol use monitoring programs in which a donor is required to test multiple times per week to ensure that no alcohol has been consumed. Alcohol use monitoring programs are typically implemented in cases where there is a history of the donor abusing alcohol and that donor wishes to have custody or visitation with their children. These types of monitoring programs are also useful to sober living facilities and housing.
Urine alcohol testing requires that the donor provide approximately 45 milliliters of urine (about 1½ ounces), so individuals who are undergoing certain medical treatments or problems may not be able to test if the treatments or problems affect their ability to provide a valid urine specimen.
Urine alcohol testing has been used successfully in legal proceedings and alcohol use monitoring programs implemented by individuals and the courts.
How we can help.
We can provide urine alcohol testing services that are confidential and court defensible. Urine alcohol testing services are available to concerned parents, attorneys, corporations and private individuals. Results can be released to multiple individuals if necessary.
In situations where donors are living in other states or even overseas, we can coordinate the collection of their samples where each donor resides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for a urine alcohol test?
It depends. Appointments are required for urine alcohol testing if the test is to be observed. If the test isn't observed, then no appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome.
How long will the collection take?
Urine alcohol collections where the donor is able to provide an immediate sample take approximately 10 minutes.
I take a lot of vitamins, will this affect my result?
No.
I'm supposed to take an observed collection, does that mean someone will be watching me while I provide my specimen?
Yes. Specific details about observed collections can be viewed here so you know what to expect. You can also ask the collector or observer at any time what the guidelines are.
Should I drink a lot of water before my test?
You should drink the same amount that you would normally drink.
How long before I get my results?
Results are typically available in 1 to 2 business days.
Can I test a urine sample I collected myself?
No.
Information for Donors
Prior to setting up your test
Make sure to have all necessary information before setting up your test.
In some cases, testing may already be set up. To check if testing has already been set up for you, call us at (636) 916-0050.
If testing hasn't been set up already, it will need to be set up before any appointments or specimen collections can be made. To make the set up process quick and accurate, make sure that you have all of the necessary information first.
To set up your test you will need:
- If the test is to be observed or not
- If you would prefer to schedule you appointment to avoid another donor who will be testing, you will need the name of the other donor or donors that you wish to avoid
- If any legal order of protections or restraining orders are in place between any other donors (if known)
- If a court has issued an order requiring the test
If you do not have all of the information, or are unsure about the information that you do have, please let us know this when setting up your test.
Setting up your test
Setting up your test is quick and can be done over the phone.
To set up your test, call us at (636) 916-0050. When you set up your test, you will be asked to provide some basic information about yourself and the donors.
Payment arrangements are also made at this time if another individual is responsible for payment. Payment arrangements must be completed before any collections can be scheduled or performed. For your convenience, we accept Visa or MasterCard over the phone.
Scheduling your collection
Appointments may be required for collections.
Call (636) 916-0050 to schedule your collection appointment time or to make changes to your existing appointment.
When calling to schedule your collection appointment, make sure you have all of the necessary information to make the process quick and accurate.
To schedule an appointment, you will need to provide:
- Your name
- Your telephone number
- If any legal order of protections or restraining orders are in place between you and any other donors
- If you are scheduling an appointment for a minor:
- Name of minor
- Age of minor
- If parent or guardian will not be at the facility at the time of the minor's test collection, prior written permission authorizing the collection must be in place.
- The date and time that you prefer
- If the collection is to be observed, we will need to know the gender of the donor
When choosing an appointment time, please keep in mind that the collection process takes about 10 minutes.
We will make every effort to schedule your appointment for the date and time you prefer, but in some cases the appointment time may not be available.
Providing your specimen
Appointments may be required for testing.
Payment is required at this time unless arrangements have already been made. Prior to arriving for your appointment, please be sure to bring with you:
- A valid (not expired) government issued photo ID
Acceptable IDs include (copies or faxes are not accepted):
- Driver's License
- Non-Driver License (state ID)
- Passport
- Military ID
- A copy of any court orders if the testing is ordered by a court
- A list of all names and their associated addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and email addresses you wish for us to release the results to
If you will be bringing a minor for a collection, you will also need to bring:
- A photo ID of the minor (if available)
- If you are a social worker for the state and you will be authorizing testing for the minor, you will need to bring proof of guardianship or the court order for testing that specifically lists you as having the authority to authorize testing for the minor
- Proof of guardianship if any of the following are true:
- Your name does not appear on the minor's birth certificate
- Your last name differs from the minor's last name and no birth certificate showing your name is presented
- You are a relative of the minor
- You are a family friend of the minor
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to check-in and complete the necessary paperwork.
The collection process will take about 10 minutes.
Obtaining your results
Test results are normally available 1 to 2 business days after collection.
Telephone and fax results are typically available 2 days after the specimen is collected. A mailed test result is provided and typically arrives in the mail 7 to 14 days after the specimen is collected. Donors can also request to hold results at our Saint Charles office for pickup. Results are typically available for pickup 2 days after the specimen is collected. If you would like to pick up your result instead of having it mailed, please tell your collector during your appointment.
For help interpreting your results after you receive them, please call (636) 916-0050 and one of our staff would be happy to discuss your result with you.
Have Questions?
Alcohol testing can be difficult. We understand.
Normally urine alcohol testing is performed by donors who have a documented history of alcohol abuse. Alcohol use monitoring programs are an inconvenience to the donor, can be embarrassing and in cases where the donor has succeeded in recovery, it can make them feel untrustworthy. In addition to the embarrassment that goes with taking an alcohol test and the potential feelings of untrustworthiness, you have the added anxiety of waiting for the test result to come back. Even if a donor knows the result should be negative, it can still be a major source of anxiety, especially if their ability to visit their children is at stake. We understand all of this. We also understand that you will have questions and concerns. We want you to know that we will be here each step of the way to help you, even after the test results are back. If you have any questions about the testing process, help interpreting your results or would like information on how to join Alcoholics Anonymous or where alcohol abuse treatment can be obtained, please give us a call, we are here to help.