HHS Updates List of Approved Federal Drug Testing Labs
Published Date: 2/13/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shares the latest list of labs and testing centers approved to do urine and oral fluid drug tests for federal agencies. This update helps keep drug testing accurate and trustworthy for workers across the country. Labs that lose certification get dropped from the list until they meet standards again, ensuring only top-quality testing facilities are used.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Certification Tests and Maintenance Requirements for Labs
To become certified, a laboratory or IITF must undergo three rounds of performance testing plus an on‑site inspection. To maintain certification, a laboratory or IITF must participate in quarterly performance testing and undergo periodic on‑site inspections.
No HHS‑Certified Oral Fluid Labs Now
HHS says that “at this time, there are no laboratories certified to conduct drug and specimen validity tests on oral fluid specimens.” The Mandatory Guidelines for Oral Fluid became effective October 10, 2023, but currently no labs appear on the HHS certified list for oral fluid testing.
IITFs Allowed Only for Urine; Single IITF Listed
HHS states Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities (IITFs) are certified to meet standards for urine testing only and HHS does not allow IITFs to conduct oral fluid testing. The notice lists a single HHS‑certified IITF (Dynacare, Edmonton) approved to conduct urine drug testing under the Mandatory Guidelines effective February 1, 2024.
List of HHS‑Certified Urine Labs (Some Restricted Use)
The notice lists multiple HHS‑certified laboratories approved to conduct urine drug and specimen validity tests under the Mandatory Guidelines effective February 1, 2024. Some listed labs are identified as testing for Veterans Affairs (VA) employees only or Department of Defense (DoD) employees only, and one laboratory (Laboratory Corporation of America, Portland, OR) voluntarily withdrew effective January 10, 2025.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20004, Current List of HHS-Certified Laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities Which Meet Minimum Standards To Engage in Urine and Oral Fluid Drug Testing for Federal Agencies
The Department of Health and Human Services just updated the list of labs and testing centers approved to do urine and oral fluid drug tests for federal agencies. If a lab loses its certification, it’s dropped from the list until it’s fixed. This monthly update helps keep drug testing reliable and fair for all federal workers.
2026-19079, Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is planning the 2027 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which asks people 12 and older about drug use and health. They’re keeping the survey mostly the same but won’t include U.S. territories yet, and they’ll keep paying participants $30 for completing it. SAMHSA wants your feedback on how to make the survey better and easier for people to complete.
2026-17852, Current List of HHS-Certified Laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities Which Meet Minimum Standards To Engage in Urine and Oral Fluid Drug Testing for Federal Agencies
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides notice of the laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities (IITFs) currently certified to meet the standards of the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (Mandatory Guidelines) using Urine and the laboratories currently certified to meet the standards of the Mandatory Guidelines using Oral Fluid.
2026-16190, Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
2026-15637, Current List of HHS-Certified Laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities Which Meet Minimum Standards To Engage in Urine and Oral Fluid Drug Testing for Federal Agencies
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides notice of the laboratories and Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities (IITFs) currently certified to meet the standards of the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (Mandatory Guidelines) using Urine and the laboratories currently certified to meet the standards of the Mandatory Guidelines using Oral Fluid.
2026-13621, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is updating the PATH program’s annual report rules, which affect states and territories that get grants to help people experiencing homelessness. These changes include new data standards from HUD that must be followed starting in 2026. The updates aim to keep reporting clear and on time, with no new costs for the grantees, and reports are due by January 31 each year.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02575, GoDaddy Inc.; Analysis of Proposed Consent Order To Aid Public Comment
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reviewing a proposed agreement with GoDaddy Inc. to stop unfair or deceptive business practices. GoDaddy must follow new rules to protect customers better, and the public can share their thoughts by March 17, 2025. This deal aims to keep online services honest without any immediate fines but with a promise to play fair going forward.
Next: 2025-02579, Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings from energy companies about power projects and rate changes. These updates could affect electricity prices and operations, with some changes kicking in as soon as mid-February. If you’re involved in energy or just curious, keep an eye on deadlines for comments by late February to have your say!