DOT lab-based urine specimens are sent to a SAMHSA certified laboratory and must be the extended 5 panel test that is required by the Department of Transportation for employees working in a safety-sensitive position. Company authority testing can also be accomplished with a lab based urine test. Because this type test is not federally regulated, there are a variety of panels to choose from such 5 panel, 9 panel, 10 panel, etc.

There are some situations where instant urine drug screening is necessary. Instant urine drug screening results are available in minutes and may speed up the hiring process. Instant drug screening is not approved for DOT testing.