Health GUIDE
Drug screening
Drug screening checks a specimen for specified substances according to the test ordered. Employers, training programs, and other organizations may require particular panels and collection procedures.
General patient education. Your clinician’s individual instructions take priority. An online guide cannot determine eligibility or replace an examination.
Before your appointment
- Bring photo identification and the requesting organization’s paperwork. Ask about the required panel and chain-of-custody process. Do not assume that a general screening meets a specialized workplace requirement.
- Bring identification, insurance details, medicines, allergies, relevant records and any school, sports or employer forms.
- Confirm whether your particular test needs fasting or other preparation. Do not fast or stop medication unless instructed. For surgery clearance, bring your surgeon’s requirements.
What to expect
The clinic can confirm which tests are available, how samples are collected, when results are expected, and how results are delivered. Requirements vary, so confirm your organization’s instructions first.
After your visit
- Before leaving, confirm the next steps and how any results, forms or referrals will be communicated.
- Contact the clinic if the expected follow-up has not arrived. Do not assume that no message means every result is normal.
Follow-up & what to expect
Timing depends on the specimen, panel and whether confirmation or review is needed. Ask when to expect results, who receives them and whom to contact if there is a delay.
Your questions, answered
Which test should I book?
Bring the organization’s exact panel, specimen and collection instructions. A general screen may not meet regulated or workplace chain-of-custody requirements.
What is chain of custody?
It is documentation of specimen handling and identity. If your organization requires it, confirm the clinic can perform the specified collection before booking.
Can prescriptions affect the result?
Some medicines can affect interpretation. Provide medication information through the designated clinical or medical-review process; do not stop prescriptions to change a test result.
Does a positive screen prove misuse?
An initial screen may require confirmation and professional review. Results must be interpreted within the particular testing process.
How should I prepare?
Bring photo ID and instructions. Follow the collector’s directions and drink normally unless told otherwise; do not attempt to dilute or alter the sample.
Planning your visit
What will it cost?
Confirm visit fees and what is included before scheduling. Tests, medication, supplies or additional visits may be separate. Ask about insurance eligibility for medical care; coverage is not guaranteed. A consultation is not advertised as free.
How can I contact the clinic?
Call 510-777-1000 Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM or Saturday 9 AM–2 PM Pacific. If we are helping another patient, leave your name and callback number. General inquiries can use the contact form when live; do not include sensitive medical details. Hablamos español.
When to get help
For severe symptoms or an emergency, call 911 rather than using the website form.
For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, get medical care promptly. Call 911 for an emergency. The website form is not an urgent-care service.
Still have a question?
Our team can help you plan the next step. Hablamos español.
Information & references
Prepared October 28, 2026. Confirm availability and your individual instructions with the clinic.