HHS Refreshes Federal Drug Testing Lab Directory
Published Date: 5/1/2026
Notice
Summary
HHS just dropped the latest list of labs and testing sites approved to do urine and oral fluid drug tests for federal workers. If a lab loses its certification, it’s taken off the list until it’s back in good standing. This update helps keep drug testing fair, reliable, and up-to-date for all federal agencies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
No Oral-Fluid Labs Certified Now
HHS says there are currently no laboratories certified to perform oral fluid drug and specimen validity tests for federal workplace drug testing as listed in the May 1, 2026 notice. That means federal agencies cannot use HHS-certified oral fluid testing right now.
IITFs Limited to Urine; DOT Restriction
The notice states HHS-certified Instrumented Initial Testing Facilities (IITFs) meet the Mandatory Guidelines for urine testing but HHS does not allow IITFs to conduct oral fluid testing, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) does not allow IITFs to test DOT-regulated specimens. These rules limit where and how certain federal drug tests can be performed.
Certified Urine-Testing Labs Listed
HHS published a list of laboratories currently certified to conduct urine drug and specimen validity testing for Federal programs (for example: Alere Toxicology Services; Clinical Reference Laboratory; LabCorp; Quest/LabOne; MedTox; ElSohly Laboratories; Dynacare). The notice also shows some labs only test for specific federal employers (e.g., Minneapolis VA Forensic Toxicology Laboratory for VA employees only; US Army Forensic Toxicology Drug Testing Laboratory for DoD employees only).
Omega Laboratories Suspended March 19, 2026
The notice states that Omega Laboratories, Inc. voluntarily suspended its HHS certification effective March 19, 2026, and will be omitted from future HHS-certified lists until certification is restored.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-07743 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
SAMHSA wants your thoughts on a new survey to check how well their Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion grants are working. This affects clinics improving mental health services and aims to make care better and easier to get. They’re asking for comments now to make sure the survey is clear, useful, and not too much work, with no big costs expected.
2026-07476 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
SAMHSA is asking for public feedback on their plan to collect information for evaluating the PATH program, which helps people transitioning out of homelessness. This evaluation happens every three years and affects states, territories, and local groups receiving PATH funds. The goal is to make sure the program works well without causing too much paperwork, with comments due soon and no new costs expected.
2026-06435 — 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 shared the latest list of labs and testing centers approved to do urine and oral fluid drug tests for federal workers. If a lab loses its certification, it’s taken off the list until it’s fixed. This update helps keep drug testing fair, accurate, and on schedule—so federal agencies know exactly who’s good to go.
2026-04128 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) wants your thoughts on updating how they collect info to fight underage drinking. This affects community groups, states, and anyone involved in prevention programs. They’re aiming to keep things clear, useful, and less of a hassle, with comments open now before finalizing changes that help track progress and improve efforts.
2026-04030 — 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
This notice lists all the labs and testing centers certified by HHS to do urine and oral fluid drug tests for federal agencies. If a lab loses its certification, it’s taken off the list until it’s fixed. This update helps federal workers and agencies know which places meet the rules, keeping drug testing fair and reliable.
2026-09287 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
SAMHSA wants to keep finding new experts to review grant applications that help people with mental health and substance use challenges. They’re asking for public feedback on their plan to bring back a simple application form for reviewers. This helps make sure the review process is fair and effective, with no extra cost or big time commitments for those applying.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08505 — New Postal Products
The Postal Service has asked for approval to add or change special deals for competitive mail services. This affects businesses and customers who use these services, possibly changing prices or options soon. The public can comment before the Postal Regulatory Commission makes a final decision.
Next: 2026-08508 — Carbazole Violet Pigment 23 From China and India; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. International Trade Commission is checking if duties (extra taxes) on a special purple pigment from China and India should continue. This review affects companies importing or making this pigment and could impact prices or trade rules. If you’re involved, you need to share your info by June 1, 2026, so your voice counts!