What Is a Medical Review Officer?
A Medical Review Officer is a licensed physician who reviews drug test results and checks medical explanations for unexpected findings. The physician may speak with the person tested, review supporting information, and decide whether the result should be reported as verified positive, negative, or another approved outcome. The review adds medical judgment to the testing process.
Quick Facts About Medical Review Officer
Category
Drug testing review
Used for
Checking test results and medical explanations
Common confusion
Not the specimen collector
Also called
MRO, Medical Review Physician
Often discussed with
DOT Drug Testing
Key Takeaways About Medical Review Officer
- A physician reviews results that may need medical context.
- The review can include a conversation with the person tested.
- The MRO is not the same as the specimen collector.
How Medical Review Officer Works
A Medical Review Officer reviews a drug test after the laboratory reports a finding that needs medical context. The physician checks the result and may discuss prescriptions, treatment, or other relevant health information with the person tested.
Related glossary terms: Chain Of Custody, Drug Panel, Specimen Collection.
The physician then makes a professional determination and sends the verified result through the proper reporting process. A laboratory analyzes the specimen, while the MRO reviews the meaning of the reported finding.
What the review covers
- Reviewing laboratory findings.
- Speaking with the person tested.
- Checking medical explanations and records.
- Reporting a verified outcome.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City team
When we handle DOT Drug Testing, we track the result through the review process and follow the reporting instructions tied to the test. We help keep the collection record, laboratory result, and MRO review connected. That record helps reduce confusion when a medical explanation needs review.
Medical Review Officer in Practice: A Real-World Example
A driver completes a DOT drug test, and the laboratory reports a finding that needs medical review. The Medical Review Officer contacts the driver, checks the medical explanation, and reports the verified result through the testing process.
Related Services
Related Terms
Chain Of Custody
Chain Of Custody is a documented record that tracks a drug test specimen from collection through…
Drug Panel
A drug panel is a group of drug tests performed on one specimen to check for…
Specimen Collection
Specimen Collection is the controlled process of receiving, identifying, and securing a sample for testing. In…
Split Specimen
Split Specimen is a drug-testing collection method that divides one urine sample into two sealed containers…
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