TASC Collection Center

Located at 640 Walnut Street, Suite 101 in Reading, PA, the TASC Toxicology Center is open from Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM. On two random days per week, the Toxicology Center will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM as part of the select “Rise and Shine” group. Donors must preregister in advance if they need to report early for drug testing as part of this special group.

Using the federally accepted standards for chain of custody in collecting urine samples, TASC contracts with AverHealth, which conducts all specimen testing. While a standard 6-panel test screens for marijuana, amphetamine/methamphetamine, cocaine, benzodiazepines, opiates, and oxycodone, AverHealth can test for a multitude of substances, including synthetic cannabis (K2), Ecstasy, Ethyl Glucoronide (EtG), anabolic steroids, and common antidepressants.

All donors are observed by gender appropriate staff when submitting a urine specimen. Results will be released only to the entities as specified on the Consent to Release Confidentiality form that is presented to each donor. If referred by an agency affiliated with the Court of Common Pleas (i.e. APO, BCCYS, BCPS, etc.). Test results are available to the referral source via AverHealth online system within 48-72 hours.

Diluted Specimens

To be a valid, all urine samples must contain an acceptable concentration of creatinine. Creatinine is a metabolic by-product of muscle metabolism, and normally appears in urine in relatively constant quantities over a 24 hour period with “normal” liquid intake. Abnormal liquid consumption within 2-5 hours of submitting a sample, sometimes referred to as “water loading,” will cause the urine creatinine level to decrease. The following creatinine levels, as determined by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), are indicative of “water loading” or specimen substitution:

<20 mg/dL : Diluted specimen caused by short-term water loading or flushing

<2.0 mg/dL : Abnormally diluted specimen not consistent with human urine

Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds contain trace amounts of codeine and morphine which can result in a positive drug screen for opiates. It is recommended that donors refrain from consuming any products that contain poppy seeds, such as bagels, cakes, etc.

EtG Testing

Ethyl Glucoronide (EtG) is a direct metabolite of alcohol. The presence of EtG in urine may be used to detect recent ethanol ingestion, even after ethanol is no longer measurable. Sometimes called the “Monday morning test,” the presence of EtG in urine is an indicator that ethanol was ingested and can be detected in urine for up to 80 hours after ingestion.

OTC Medications

Over-the-Counter medications often contain alcohol and should be avoided at all costs. Substances like Nyquil, Robitussin, and Tylenol Severe Cold tablets may produce a positive for EtG. Please report the use of all OTC medications to your referral source. DO NOT ASSUME that they will not trigger a positive drug test!

Synthetic Cannabinoids (K2)

The Redwood Toxicology laboratory test for synthetic marijuana (i.e. K2) is a specialized test that screens for over 70 compounds commonly detected in street level K2. Working in conjunction with law enforcement, Redwood Toxicology provides the most up to date testing for K2 that has been confiscated on the streets, broken down into its component parts, and included as part of Redwood’s detection process.

For additional information, please contact Odnel Trumbore at OTrumbore@berkstasc.org.

You can also email drugtesting@berkstasc.org