Urine Drug Screening Requirement

The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is aware of the confusion surrounding mandatory clinical requirements for students with our clinical partners, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and UPMC. Effective the Fall 2023 term, students must submit a urine drug screening before the start of their clinical term.

Students assigned to clinicals at a UPMC facility are now required to undergo a 5-panel drug test (amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, and PCP), while students assigned to clinicals at an AHN facility will now undergo a 9-panel drug test (cocaine, opiates, amphetamine, phencyclidine, barbiturates, oxycodone, benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, and methadone).

Students are responsible for the cost of their drug tests. These requirements are mandatory and were established by each medical facility. If a urine drug test yields positive results, the clinical agency will conduct a further evaluation.

For more information, please refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below. Any additional questions may be directed to Jen Larson, Clinical Placement Administrator, by email jal312@pitt.edu, or by phone at 412-624-6082.

How can I obtain UDS scripts from Pitt Student Health Services?

Complete the information in this Qualtrics survey: Urine Drug Screen Script Request.

Why am I required to take a urine drug screening test?

UPMC and Allegheny Health Network have both changed their mandatory clinical requirements ahead of the Fall 2023 term. Students must now submit a urine drug screening for those mandatory clinical requirements.

Who is responsible for paying for the test?

Students are responsible for the cost of their tests. Students will need to pay out of pocket or submit the cost of the screening to their insurance for payment.

When am I expected to get tested?

Effective 10/28/2024: AHN expects student to be tested no earlier than 30 days (1 month) before the start of their clinical term.

UPMC expects students to get tested before the start of their clinical term.

Does UPMC accept my employee drug screen certificate?

Yes.

What is being tested?

If a student is assigned clinicals at a UPMC facility, they will undergo a 5-panel screen for: Amphetamines, Cocaine, Marijuana, Opiates, and PCP.

If a student is assigned clinicals at AHN facility, they will undergo a 9-panel screen for: Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamines, Phencyclidine, Barbiturates, Oxycodone, Benzodiazepines, Methamphetamine, and Methadone.

Where do I go to get tested?

Students can use any agency for the drug test and are encouraged to select their providers carefully.

If you plan to have the screening done by Quest Diagnostic in the Pittsburgh area, they will require a script from a health provider.

Pitt Student Health Services (SHS) has established a protocol for requesting scripts for the Urine Drug Screen (UDS), UPMC 5 and/or AHN 9. You can access the form to request scripts here: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bISOpqDxcULjy8m.

Please follow these instructions. The ONLY method for requesting scripts from SHS is to fill out the form with your PeopleSoft ID number, first and last name, date of birth, and choose which scripts you are requesting. Do not directly contact Student Health Services (SHS).

What do I do with my test results?

Students are responsible for accessing their results and posting the drug screen test results in EXXAT.

How long does it take to receive my results?

Results vary per testing agency. Students are encouraged to start the drug screening process as soon as possible. No students will be permitted into clinical until requirements are met.

What happens if my results are positive?