Our Medical Review Officer (MRO) Services
At Health Street, we rely on certified Medical Review Officers to ensure every drug test result is reviewed with accuracy, fairness, and legal compliance. Whether you're conducting pre-employment screening or maintaining a drug-free workplace, our MRO drug testing services provide an extra layer of assurance for employers and employees alike.
A Medical Review Officer drug test review involves a licensed physician trained to evaluate lab results and determine if there's a legitimate medical explanation for a positive drug test. Our Medical Review Officers serve as impartial parties between the lab and employer, helping to eliminate false positives and confirm final outcomes.
What Does MRO Stand For and Why It Matters
A Medical Review Officer is a licensed physician who's specially trained to review and interpret drug test results. The MRO industry is essential for making sure the process is fair and accurate, especially when test results involve prescription drugs or anything unexpected.
When an employee's drug test result is available, the MRO drug test process begins. For non-negative results, the MRO will contact the donor to discuss any legitimate medical explanations. If a valid prescription is presented, the test result could be revised.
Understanding the MRO Drug Testing Process
The MRO drug screening workflow includes multiple steps designed to protect both employer interests and employee rights:
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Step 1
A specimen is collected from the donor.
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Step 2
The specimen is sent to a certified drug testing lab.
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Step 3
The lab tests the specimen for drugs.
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Step 4
If the result is non-negative, the lab notifies the Medical Review Officer.
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Step 5
The Medical Review Officer may contact the donor to discuss medications or other explanations.
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Step 6
A final determination is made, and the MRO sends the results to the employer.
Why Choose Health Street for MRO Services?
At Health Street, every lab-based drug test includes a Medical Review Officer review as a standard part of our process. They may contact the donor directly if there are questions about prescriptions or unexpected results, helping ensure the process is fair, accurate, and compliant.
Unlike many companies that skip MRO review for instant drug tests, our technology allows us to include it for non-negative rapid screens. This gives you extra legal protection in states with stricter testing requirements.
Need fast results?
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Negative urine drug test results for instant panels can often be reviewed and signed by an MRO in under an hour.
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If you prefer lab-based testing, negatives are typically returned within one business day.
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Non-negative results go through confirmation testing, which takes an additional 3–5 business days and includes a full MRO drug screening review. This thorough process helps rule out false positives and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.
And for regulated employers, every DOT drug test includes an MRO signature—no exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MRO mean I failed my drug test?
Not necessarily. A call from the Medical Review Officer doesn't automatically mean failure. It means your result was non-negative and is being reviewed.
Does the MRO call if you pass a drug test?
The answer is usually no. If the result is negative with no issues, the Medical Review Officer generally doesn't need to follow up.
Why would a Medical Review Officer call me?
Usually, a call means there's something on your test that needs to be reviewed.
What happens after MRO call?
The MRO will document the conversation and determine whether the test should be marked as positive, negative, or invalid. Employers are only informed of the final result, not your personal medical details.
How long does MRO review take?
Generally, the review is completed within 24 to 72 hours after the lab reports a non-negative result. However, timing may vary depending on how quickly the donor responds, among other factors.
Who does the MRO work for?
While contracted by testing providers like Health Street, MROs act as independent reviewers. They do not "work for" the employer in the traditional sense but rather uphold the integrity of the process.