Can a client retest a Positive Confirmation rapid test?

A client may request a retest following a positive confirmation.

While this is allowed, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

• The Original Specimen Has Been Opened:
  Once the rapid test has been sent to the lab and opened for confirmation testing, it is no longer considered a sealed specimen. This must be documented accordingly.
• Potential for Contamination:
  Because the original sample has been opened, there is a possibility—however small—of contamination. This means that a retest may not overturn the original results, even if performed by the same lab or a different one.
• Retest Limitations:
  A retest does not guarantee a different outcome. The reliability of the results may be impacted by the condition of the original sample after the seal has been broken.

It’s important to communicate these limitations clearly to the client before proceeding with a retest request.

However, unless the original test result was within 25% of the cut-off level, requesting a retest may not be worthwhile.
It could result in unnecessary use of time, money, and resources without changing the outcome.

The most effective option—for both you and the client—is to perform a new test and send that sample for confirmation.
This ensures a clean, uncontaminated specimen, provides a reliable result, and offers documented clarity for both the Fastest Labs location and the client.

In situations where a Bottle B retest cannot be performed on a Non-DOT test—due to insufficient specimen or other limitations—or when a Bottle B test yields a different result but the MRO will not overturn the original due to the sample having been previously opened, it may be best to recommend a hair test.

Hair testing can provide a more definitive result and offers a longer detection window, making it a reliable next step for both the client and the Fastest Labs location.