Laboratory Threshold Guide
Urine Drug Test Cutoff Levels: What Screening and Confirmation Thresholds Mean
A cutoff concentration is a threshold used within a specific testing method or program. Programs, labs, specimens, substances, screening methods and confirmation methods may all use different thresholds.
Quick answer
What Is a Cutoff Level?
- A threshold used within a specific test method or program.
- Screening and confirmation may use different cutoffs.
- Labs, programs, specimens and substances can differ.
- A cutoff is not a legal definition of impairment or guilt.
What a cutoff does
What Does a Cutoff Do?
Flow from specimen concentration compared with threshold to final lab report.
Specimen concentration
Compared with program / lab threshold
Screening classification
Confirmation where required
Final lab report
Two thresholds
Why Screening and Confirmation Cutoffs Differ
Screens and confirmation tests measure differently, so they may use different thresholds. See False Positive Drug Tests.
Federal workplace testing standard
Federal Workplace Cutoffs Are Not Court Cutoffs
Federal workplace programs publish cutoff concentrations, for example under 49 CFR Part 40 and the HHS Mandatory Guidelines. Readers who need current federal values can see the HHS Authorized Testing Panels. These values do not automatically apply to courts, probation, diversion or private testing.
Interpretation
What a Result Below the Cutoff Means
A result below the cutoff is reported as negative for that test. It does not prove no use ever occurred.
Your program
Questions to Ask Your Program
- Which lab and method are used?
- What screening and confirmation cutoffs apply?
- How are dilute specimens handled?
Legal note
A cutoff is a laboratory threshold. Legal consequences depend on the order and facts; defense counsel handles them and the court decides.
What ETS can and cannot do
Where Executive Treatment Solutions Fits
ETS is not a laboratory. ETS coordinates testing and keeps authorized records organized.
Responsibilities
Who Does What?
Laboratory
Applies cutoffs and reports results.
Defense counsel
Addresses legal meaning.
Court
Decides legal consequences.
ETS
Coordinates testing and records.
Questions
Urine Cutoff Levels: Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Legal References
Federal workplace testing standard (reference only — not court rules)
Confidential consultation
Organized Testing Support
ETS can coordinate testing and authorized records.
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