Toxicology Testing in Houston, TX
Renew Lab Group offers toxicology testing in Houston, Texas. Toxicology testing detects and measures drugs, medications and their metabolites in a specimen. Our licensed lab at 6001 Central Crest, Houston, TX 77092 runs HPLC and LC-MS, the chromatography and mass-spectrometry techniques behind specific, defensible results. To discuss an order, call 936-379-5515.
What is toxicology testing?
Toxicology testing looks for drugs and other substances, along with the compounds the body turns them into (metabolites), in a biological specimen. Clinicians use it to check medication adherence, investigate suspected exposure or overdose, and monitor therapy (NCBI StatPearls: Toxicology Screening). Because results can affect care, employment or legal matters, the method matters. That is why confirmation by mass spectrometry is the accepted standard.
Screening vs confirmation testing
| Screening (presumptive) | Confirmation (definitive) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical method | Immunoassay | LC-MS/MS (or GC-MS) |
| What it tells you | Whether a drug class may be present above a cutoff | Which specific drug or metabolite is present, and how much |
| Specificity | Can cross-react with similar compounds (false positives possible) | Highly specific: retention time plus mass transitions |
| When it’s used | First-pass testing | Confirming a positive screen, or when specificity is required from the start |
LC-MS/MS confirmation matches each drug’s retention time and specific fragment ions against calibrators, which is why it is the workhorse of modern clinical and forensic toxicology (Maurer, PubMed). Learn more on our LC-MS testing services page.
Who we work with
We work with businesses and individual clients. Ordering requirements depend on the test and on who is ordering, so contact us first and we’ll explain what applies to you and which analytes we can cover.
How toxicology testing works
- Order. Call 936-379-5515, email info@renewlabgroup.com or contact us to set up an account or place an order. We’ll send collection and delivery instructions, the price and the expected turnaround.
- Deliver the specimen. We do not provide specimen courier or pickup service. Specimens come to our lab at 6001 Central Crest, Houston, TX 77092, following the instructions we send.
- Testing. Specimens are tested per the order.
- Results. Reports go to the person or organization authorized on the order.
Understanding a toxicology report
- Cutoff: the concentration a result must reach to be reported as positive. Below the cutoff, a result is reported as negative even if a trace is present.
- Parent drug vs metabolite: many drugs are detected through the compounds the body converts them into, so a report may list a metabolite rather than the drug you expected.
- Presumptive vs confirmed: a screening result is presumptive. A mass-spectrometry result is confirmed.
- Quantitative vs qualitative: some reports give a measured concentration, others only positive or negative. Ask which your order includes.
- Interpretation: results should be interpreted by the ordering provider together with the person’s medications and history.
What we don’t offer
To save you time: Renew Lab Group does not provide urinalysis or specimen courier or pickup service. For product testing (checking a medication or product rather than a specimen), see HPLC testing and testing for individuals.
Visit or contact the lab
- Lab: 6001 Central Crest, Houston, TX 77092
- Corporate office: 5847 San Felipe #2375, Houston, TX 77057
- Phone: 936-379-5515
- Email: info@renewlabgroup.com
Frequently asked questions
What does a toxicology test check for?
A toxicology test looks for drugs, medications and their metabolites in a specimen. Screening tests show whether a drug class may be present, and confirmation tests such as LC-MS/MS identify the specific substance and how much is present.
How long does a toxicology test take?
It depends on the test. Confirmation testing usually takes longer than a screen. We confirm turnaround when you order; for current timing, call 936-379-5515 or email info@renewlabgroup.com.
What is the difference between a screening and a confirmation test?
Screening (usually immunoassay) is fast and inexpensive but can cross-react with similar compounds. Confirmation by mass spectrometry, such as LC-MS/MS, identifies the exact drug and amount, so it is used to verify positive screens.
Can I order a toxicology test myself?
Ordering requirements depend on the test and who is ordering. Call 936-379-5515 or email info@renewlabgroup.com and we’ll explain the options.
Do you offer urinalysis or specimen pickup?
No. We do not offer urinalysis or specimen courier and pickup service. Specimens are delivered to our lab at 6001 Central Crest, Houston, TX 77092; call 936-379-5515 or email info@renewlabgroup.com to ask which specimen types apply to your order.
How much does toxicology testing cost?
Price depends on the analytes and whether confirmation is needed. For current pricing and a quote, call 936-379-5515 or email info@renewlabgroup.com.
Talk to the lab about toxicology testing
Tell us what you need tested and we’ll recommend a method and send a quote. Contact us at 936-379-5515 or info@renewlabgroup.com for current pricing, turnaround and sample requirements. Samples can be dropped off at our lab at 6001 Central Crest, Houston, TX 77092.