We build profitable urine drug testing laboratories. You focus on patient care.
Medical Source integrates the most advanced screening, confirmation, and workflow technologies into a single turn-key solution — so your lab delivers the highest data quality at the lowest cost per reportable result. 30+ years of expertise. All 50 states.
Screening
Gold-Standard Immunoassay
CEDIA and DRI technologies on clinical chemistry analyzers — the globally recognized standard for rapid, accurate presumptive drug detection across 40+ drug classes. Results in under 30 minutes.
Confirmation
Chromatography-Free Mass Spectrometry
Next-generation triple quadrupole MS with integrated DART ionization — 96 samples confirmed in 42 minutes, up to 15× faster than traditional LC-MS, operable by your existing staff.
Workflow
Pre-Validated Ready-to-Use Kits
NIST-traceable panels with calibrators, QCs, and internal standards pre-plated on 96-well plates. Remove from freezer, add samples, analyze. 30–40% faster processing, fewer errors.
Three Integrated Capabilities. One Seamless Lab.
We’ve assembled the most effective technologies at each stage of the drug testing process — and we wrap them in the consulting expertise to make it all work together from day one.
Stage 1 · Presumptive Screening
Immunoassay Detection
Rapid, accurate identification of drug classes using the world’s leading immunoassay technologies — proven across thousands of labs globally for nearly four decades.
- CEDIA technology — genetically engineered enzyme fragments for single-phase competitive binding with superior specificity
- DRI technology — homogeneous enzyme immunoassay with liquid, ready-to-use reagents that eliminate preparation steps
- Broadest test menu: opioids, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, cannabinoids, fentanyl, buprenorphine, synthetic cannabinoids, EtG, and 30+ additional drug classes
- Specimen validity testing — pH, specific gravity, oxidants, creatinine
- Compatible with all major clinical chemistry platforms
- Results in under 30 minutes with no pretreatment steps
Stage 2 · Definitive Confirmation
Chromatography-Free Mass Spectrometry
Next-generation triple quadrupole MS with integrated DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) ionization — purpose-built for routine toxicology labs that need definitive results without the complexity of traditional LC-MS.
- Chromatography-free DART workflows: 96 samples confirmed in 42 minutes — up to 15× faster than traditional LC-MS
- Seamless switch to conventional LC-MS source in seconds when needed
- 1,000 MRMs/second for comprehensive large-panel screening and confirmation
- “Lens-free” ion path with virtually zero chemical noise for maximum sensitivity
- Small benchtop footprint, operable by less experienced staff — no chromatography expertise required
- 95% reduction in organic solvent waste vs. traditional LC-MS workflows
- Results in ng/ml — the only methodology Medicare and private payers reimburse for confirmation
Stage 3 · Workflow Optimization
Pre-Validated Ready-to-Use Consumables
The consumable backbone that connects your screening and confirmation into one efficient operation. Eliminates tedious, error-prone manual standard preparation — so your analysts focus on results, not pipetting.
- Pre-plated calibrators, QCs, and NIST-traceable internal standards on 96-well plates — just add samples and go
- Pre-validated panels meeting ANSI/ASB Standard 036: opioids, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, barbiturates, stimulants, antidepressants, and more
- Suspended-state technology: all-in-one plates with enzyme buffer and β-glucuronidase in frozen solid state — add samples, incubate, analyze
- 30–40% reduction in sample processing time with fewer manual movements
- Custom panel builds available — your molecules, concentrations, and plate layout
- Expert consulting services for method validation, analyst training, and workflow optimization from PhD toxicologists
- ISO 17025 and CLIA accredited reference lab available for training and method development
Why This Combination Changes Everything
Each technology is exceptional on its own. Together — with our three decades of integration expertise — they create the most cost-effective, highest-quality toxicology operation available today.
Fastest Turnaround in the Market
Screening results in under 30 minutes. Confirmation of 96 samples in 42 minutes. Pre-validated consumables that cut prep time by a third. Your patients and ordering physicians get answers faster — and faster results mean better clinical decisions.
Lowest Cost Per Reportable Result
Chromatography-free confirmation slashes solvent costs by 95%. Ready-to-use consumables eliminate expensive manual standard preparation. Fewer re-runs from higher accuracy. The math works — and we’ll model it for your specific volume before you commit.
Detect What Others Miss
New synthetic drugs appear constantly — carfentanyl, kratom, K2, bath salts, designer opioids. Our screening menu covers 40+ drug classes, and our confirmation technology identifies specific substances and metabolites with definitive quantitative precision.
Built for Reimbursement
Medicare and private payers require LC-MS methodology for confirmation — and that’s exactly what we deploy. Our billing partners ensure optimal credentialing and reimbursement, while we navigate PAMA and MACRA changes to protect your revenue.
Your Staff Can Run It
Traditional LC-MS requires experienced chromatographers who are expensive and hard to find. Our chromatography-free confirmation system is designed for routine lab environments — your existing medical technologists can operate it with our training support.
We Stay and Optimize
Most consultants disappear after launch. We offer ongoing advisory partnerships — overseeing operations, watching reimbursement changes, optimizing your test menu, and ensuring your lab stays profitable and compliant year after year.
From First Conversation to First Patient Result
Discovery & Feasibility
Your goals, patient base, volume projections, and budget. We assess financial feasibility honestly — and tell you if the numbers work.
Regulatory & Design
CLIA, COLA, state applications. Physical lab layout. Test menu customized to your patient population and payer mix.
Instrument Selection & Installation
We place the right screening platform, confirmation mass spectrometer, and consumable workflow — sized precisely for your volume and data requirements.
Validation, Training & Go-Live
Method validation, staff hiring and training, LIS/EMR integration, billing and credentialing setup, inspection preparation — then launch.
Ongoing Advisory Partnership
We stay on to optimize operations, track reimbursement shifts, update your test menu for emerging substances, and protect your profitability.
Beyond Toxicology — Full Lab Support
Urine toxicology is our flagship. But Medical Source supports every aspect of clinical laboratory operations.
Molecular Testing
PGx pharmacogenomics for drug metabolism (cardiology, oncology, pain, psychiatry profiles), CGx cancer genomics for inherited mutations, and respiratory pathogen panels.
Profitability Consulting
Navigate PAMA reimbursement reductions and MACRA transitions. We optimize test menus, workflows, and billing strategies to protect and grow your bottom line.
Compliance & QA
CLIA/COLA accreditation support, deficiency correction, plan-of-correction drafting, QC/QA programs, SOPs, and complete inspection preparation.
Instrumentation
We work with nearly every major manufacturer — chemistry, hematology, immunoassay, molecular. Unbiased recommendations sized to your needs.
LIS & Software
Laboratory information systems, middleware, EMR/web-portal interfaces, billing modules, and customized reporting solutions.
Staffing & Training
Screening, recruiting, and onboarding medical technologists, analytical chemists, and molecular scientists for your operation.
Built for Every Practice Type
What Lab Owners Ask Us Most
What is a urine drug testing laboratory and how does it work?
A urine drug testing lab performs two tiers of analysis. Tier 1 — Presumptive Screening uses immunoassay technology on clinical chemistry analyzers to detect drug classes, with results in under 30 minutes. Tier 2 — Definitive Confirmation uses triple quadrupole mass spectrometry to identify specific substances and metabolites, reported in ng/ml. Medicare and private payers require LC-MS methodology for confirmation reimbursement. Medical Source provides the complete integrated workflow for both tiers.
How much does it cost to start a urine toxicology laboratory?
Costs vary based on testing volume, instrument selection, facility, and staffing. We provide free feasibility consultations to assess your specific situation — including projections, test menu requirements, and financial modeling. We also help secure financing. Call 770-642-9155 for a no-obligation conversation.
What is chromatography-free mass spectrometry and why does it matter?
Chromatography-free MS uses DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) ionization to eliminate the liquid chromatography step that creates bottlenecks in traditional drug testing. This processes 96 samples in about 42 minutes — up to 15× faster — with lower cost per test, 95% less solvent waste, and operation by staff without chromatography expertise. We deploy this as the confirmation backbone for the toxicology labs we build.
What immunoassay technologies do you use for screening?
We deploy two gold-standard technologies: CEDIA (Cloned Enzyme Donor Immunoassay), which uses genetically engineered beta-galactosidase fragments for superior specificity, and DRI (Drug Reagent Immunoassay), which uses G6PDH in a homogeneous format with liquid ready-to-use reagents. Both run on major clinical chemistry analyzers, require no pretreatment, and cover 40+ drug classes.
What are pre-validated consumable panels and how do they help?
Pre-validated panels are ready-to-use kits with calibrators, QCs, and NIST-traceable internal standards pre-plated on 96-well plates. Remove from freezer, add samples, analyze — eliminating hundreds of manual steps. Panels validated to ANSI/ASB Standard 036 cover opioids, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, stimulants, and more. Labs report 30–40% faster processing with improved accuracy and precision.
What certifications are needed to operate a toxicology lab?
You need CLIA certification, typically COLA or equivalent accreditation, and applicable state licenses. Medical Source handles the entire regulatory process — applications, QC/QA programs, SOPs, proficiency testing, validation, and inspection preparation.
Do you serve labs outside of Georgia?
Yes — we serve all 50 states. Based in Marietta, Georgia (near Atlanta), we’ve provided clinical laboratory consulting nationwide since 1992. Our clients include reference labs, individual practitioners, group practices, urgent care, behavioral health, pain management, oncology, and more.
How is Medical Source different from other lab consultants?
Unbiased guidance — we work with nearly every manufacturer, so recommendations fit your needs, not a brand. Truly turn-key — from regulatory applications through installation, validation, hiring, billing, and inspection. Ongoing partnership — we stay on to optimize operations and profitability for years, not just through launch. Many relationships have lasted 20+ years.
Ready to Build the Most Efficient Toxicology Lab in Your Market?
One call is all it takes. We’ll walk you through how our integrated screening, confirmation, and consumable workflow comes together — and model what it looks like for your specific operation. No pressure, no pitch — just 30+ years of straight answers.