National Drug Screening (NDS) provides convenient, professional, and affordable drug testing for individuals across Texas. Place orders by phone at 866‑843‑4545 or use the Online Ordering System.
Coverage: 1,000+ testing locations statewide
Support: Drug testing specialists available to assist
Introduction
Individuals seek drug testing in Texas for many reasons, including court orders, probation, child custody matters, licensing and certifications, school admissions, sobriety monitoring, participation in sports organizations, health reasons, and peace of mind.
National Drug Screening (NDS) is a third‑party administrator (TPA) for drug testing services. NDS focuses on immediate testing for individuals and helps people complete a drug test in their local area.
Why Would an Individual Need a Drug Test in Texas?
- Child custody cases
- Divorce disputes
- Court orders and probation requirements
- Licensing and certifications
- School admissions
- Sobriety monitoring
- Concerned family members
- Participation in sports organizations
- Health reasons
- Peace of mind
At National Drug Screening we don’t judge—if you need a drug test, we’ll get it set up for you. No account setup is required. Immediate drug testing is available: call 866‑843‑4545 or order online.
For court‑ordered or probation testing, follow the instructions carefully. Get the specifications in writing when possible. Know the specimen type required and the drug panel you must complete.
Testing for individuals is typically non‑DOT (non‑regulated). Owner‑operator truck drivers may need a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test and participation in random testing. DOT procedures are defined in 49 CFR Part 40[3] and govern collections, labs, MROs, and reporting for transportation workplaces.
How It Works to Get a Drug Test in Texas
- Place your order. Call 866‑843‑4545 or order online. Choose your specimen type (urine or hair) and panel (DOT, 5‑, 10‑, 12‑panel, etc.). You’ll receive a donor pass by email or text with your assigned collection site.
- Go to the collection site. Appointments are recommended to minimize wait times, although many locations accept walk‑ins. Bring your photo ID and donor pass.
- Provide your specimen. A trained collector will guide you through the process under a strict chain‑of‑custody protocol.
- Laboratory testing. Your specimen goes to the lab for initial screening. If needed, confirmation testing (e.g., GC‑MS/LC‑MS‑MS) and Medical Review Officer (MRO) review are performed.[5]
- Receive results. Results are confidential and can be shared as you permit.
What Types of Drug Tests Are Available?
Drug tests are often described by the panel (e.g., 5‑panel or 10‑panel). Common options include:
- DOT Urine Drug Test
- 5‑Panel Drug Test
- 10‑Panel Drug Test
- EtG Alcohol Test
- Instant/Rapid 5‑Panel Drug Test
- Instant/Rapid 10‑Panel Drug Test
Specimens are primarily urine or hair. Fingernail testing is available at select facilities. The DOT drug test uses urine only.
What’s in the panels?
5‑panel: Amphetamines (including methamphetamine, MDMA/ecstasy), cocaine, PCP, marijuana, and opiates (including heroin, codeine, morphine) with expanded opiates (hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, oxymorphone). The DOT urine test follows this configuration.[3]
10‑panel: Everything in the 5‑panel plus benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone.
These 5‑ and 10‑panel configurations are often referred to as DOT‑like because, like the DOT panel, they include the expanded opiates listed above. The first 5 drugs listed will always mirror the required DOT when a DOT like panel is used.
Where Can I Get Tested?
NDS works with over 1,000 drug test facilities across Texas. Arrangements must be made in advance; walk‑ins may be accommodated after you have your donor pass. Same‑day testing is often available—call early. You have to call 866‑843‑4545 or order online before walking in for testing.
Cities with many locations
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Dallas
- Lubbock
- Austin
- Fort Worth
- El Paso
- Laredo
- Arlington
- Corpus Christi
- Plano
- Midland
Always call for availability anywhere in Texas: 866‑843‑4545. Primary networks include Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp.
What Should I Expect at the Appointment?
After you place your order, a local facility will be assigned based on your ZIP code. A “donor pass” with a barcode will be sent to you by email (you can show it from your phone). Bring a government‑issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license). You’ll visit a collection site (not the lab); your specimen is sent to a certified laboratory.
- Avoid excessive fluids beforehand to prevent a dilute specimen.
- You may be asked to remove outer garments (hat, coat) and empty your pockets; personal belongings are stored securely.
- For urine: provide at least 45 mL. The collector checks volume, temperature, and color.
- All steps are documented on a Custody & Control Form (CCF), which you sign after the specimen is sealed.
Some sites also perform instant/rapid testing. If an instant test is non‑negative, the specimen is sent to a certified lab for confirmation testing. Collection typically takes about 10 minutes if you can void. If you cannot, you’ll be given water and may try again after ~20 minutes; this “shy bladder” process can take up to 3 hours.
What Is the Laboratory Process?
For lab‑based testing, strict procedures ensure accurate, reliable, and legally defensible results. Chain of custody is documented with the CCF. Proper collection procedures help prevent tampering, adulteration, or substitution.
The lab first performs an immunoassay screen. If negative, results are reported to the MRO. If not negative, a confirmation test (e.g., GC/MS or LC‑MS/MS) determines the specific drug metabolite. This adds time but provides an accurate, defensible result.[5]
What Happens With Instant or Rapid Drug Testing?
An instant or rapid test—also called a point‑of‑collection test—uses a device at the collection site (or, for example, a probation office). Negative results are reliable and typically available the same day. If results are non‑negative, request that the specimen be sent to a certified lab for confirmation testing by GC/MS or LC‑MS/MS. Confirmed positives should be reviewed by an MRO, especially when prescription medications may be involved.[5]
What Is a Medical Review Officer (MRO) and Why It Matters
An MRO is a licensed physician who reviews and verifies drug test results. When a lab reports a positive, the MRO checks for legitimate prescription medications that could explain the finding and may reverse that specific result accordingly. The MRO step improves accuracy, considers valid prescriptions, and reduces false‑positive reporting.
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
- Lab‑based urine/oral fluid (negative): Often reported the same day the lab receives the specimen (overnight shipping is typical).[6]
- Lab‑based (requires confirmation/MRO): Add 1–2+ days for confirmation testing and MRO review.[6]
- Instant/rapid tests: Negative results may be available within hours; non‑negative results are sent to the lab for confirmation.[5]
- Hair testing: Approximately 3–4 days, slightly longer than urine or oral fluid.[6]
Weekends/holidays, weather, shipping, and other logistics can delay results.
What Substances Are Tested?
Panels can include (among others):
- Amphetamines
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methadone
- Meperidine
- Propoxyphene
- Ketamine
- PCP
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
- Buprenorphine
- Tramadol
- Zolpidem
- Methcathinone
- Fentanyl
- Heroin, morphine
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
The specific substances included depend on the selected panel (e.g., 5‑ vs. 10‑panel). Specialty testing is available on request.
How Much Does a Drug Test Cost in Texas?
Pricing varies by substances tested, specimen type, and collection facility. Standard urine panels (5‑ or 10‑panel) with in‑network collection typically range from $59–$79. Oral fluid and hair panels may cost more.
You can browse a complete catalog of panels and order online or call 866‑843‑4545 to speak with a drug testing specialist for help with pricing.
Can I Get Tested Today?
Yes. Call 866‑843‑4545 or order online as early as possible. You’ll receive a donor pass for a nearby facility. Generally, if your order is placed by noon, you can complete testing the same day. Some facilities require appointments—please ask when ordering.
- Bring a government‑issued photo ID to the collection facility.
- Know your required specimen type and drug panel.
- Typical detection windows: urine ~5 days, oral fluid ~1–2 days, hair ~7–90 days.[4]
- Negative results report faster; confirmation testing and MRO review add time.[5][6]
- For legal matters, use a lab‑based test with chain of custody and MRO review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most about same-day drug testing in Texas.
Can I get a same-day drug test in Texas?
Yes. Most collections are available the same day when you order before the site’s final collection time. Many centers accept walk-ins, but scheduling ahead helps ensure availability.
What forms of ID do I need to bring?
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, passport). Minors without ID should arrive with a parent/guardian and supporting documentation.
Are results court-admissible?
Lab-based tests with documented chain-of-custody and MRO (Medical Review Officer) review are designed for legal use. Instant/POCT results are generally screening-only unless confirmed by a certified lab.
Do prescriptions affect my results?
Legally prescribed medications may screen positive. During MRO review, you can provide proof of a valid prescription; confirmed negatives are issued when appropriate.
What panel should I choose? Do you test for fentanyl?
Common options include 5‑, 10‑, and expanded panels. Fentanyl is not on many basic panels but can be added or included in expanded selections. If unsure, ask your requester or choose an expanded panel.
How long does a hair drug test go back?
Standard head-hair testing reflects roughly the past 90 days of use history.[4] Body hair may reflect a longer window but is used only when head hair isn’t available and policies allow it.
What are typical detection windows?
Urine: ~1–3 days for many substances (longer for some, like cannabis). Oral fluid: ~24–48 hours. Hair: ~90 days. Actual windows vary by substance, use patterns, and cutoffs.[4][5]
When will I get my results?
Negative lab-based urine results often post within 1–2 business days; positives requiring confirmation/MRO review take longer. Your results will come via e-mail. Instant screens can provide preliminary results on-site when available.[5][6]
How much does testing cost and how do I pay?
Pricing depends on specimen type and panel. You can pay at checkout using major credit or debit cards. We’ll send your donor pass immediately after ordering.
Can I use my results for probation, custody, or employment?
Yes—choose a lab-based, chain-of-custody test with MRO review. Always confirm the exact requirements with your probation officer, attorney, or employer before ordering.
References
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs. Federal Register, 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Urine Drug Testing: Current Recommendations and Best Practices, 2022.
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). 49 CFR Part 40 – Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs, 2023 update.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Drugs of Abuse: A DEA Resource Guide, 2023 Edition.
- Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Urine Drug Testing; Approved Guideline – C52-A, 2022.
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Drug Testing: Interpretation of Results, 2023.
