Alcohol and Drug Testing Labs

Laboratories that test blood, urine and post-mortem specimens must be certified by the Department to provide these types of analyses.   Certification is granted based upon a successful on-site inspection of the laboratory, performed by the Laboratory Services Division inspector, and the successful participation in proficiency testing and ongoing compliance.   Laboratories accredited by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) are granted reciprocity on an annual basis.

These laboratories are certified to perform tests for one or more of the following categories: blood alcohol, blood drugs, urine drugs and post-mortem testing.

To become fully certified, laboratories must meet standards of performance as established by regulations. Standards of performance include: personnel qualifications, standard operating procedure manual, analytical process, and proficiency testing, quality control, and laboratory security, chain of custody, specimen retention, space, records, and results reporting.

Laboratory inspections must be performed prior to initial certification and annually thereafter by Department staff as established by these regulations. A laboratory meeting the requirements of these regulations will be issued a certificate. Recertification is required each July 1st.

Additional Resources:

• Laboratories Certified to Test Blood and Urine for Colorado DUI and DUID Enforcement  
• 5 CCR 1005-2 Rules Pertaining to Testing for Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Laboratory Fees