A Network Rail drug and alcohol test is a standard step for people entering or remaining in safety-critical rail work. Absolute Biomedical describes the process clearly on absolutebiomedical.uk: a urine sample for drugs, a breath test for alcohol, laboratory analysis through a RISQS-approved UKAS-accredited lab, and defined result timescales. This article walks through the panel, timings, locations, and employer-arranged extra screens — without hype and without inventing prices.
Urine screening and the laboratory
For Network Rail drug and alcohol screening, Absolute Biomedical collects a urine sample and sends it to an approved laboratory for testing against the railway drug and alcohol standard referenced on their site (Railway Group Standard GE/RT8070 as named on the current web copy). The laboratory is described as RISQS-approved and UKAS-accredited.
You must declare all prescribed medication accurately to the collection officer at the time of processing. Recent over-the-counter medicines should also be noted so the clinical review can interpret findings correctly. Failure to declare is a common reason reviews become more complex — not because honesty is optional, but because the Medical Review Officer (MRO) process exists to distinguish legitimate medication from prohibited use.
Substances listed on Absolute Biomedical’s site
The published panel includes:
- Amphetamines (including methamphetamines)
- Benzodiazepines
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- EDDP (methadone metabolite)
- MDMA
- Opiates
- Propoxyphene
- Alcohol — assessed separately with a Home Office–approved breathalyser / intoximeter
Alcohol breath testing gives immediate results. Drug urine results take longer because they go through laboratory analysis.
How long results take
Absolute Biomedical states that D&A results can take up to about three days, and longer if further investigation is required. If a sample needs Medical Review Officer (MRO) processing, additional charges may be passed on to the individual — confirm commercial detail with Absolute Biomedical or your sponsor; this draft does not quote fees. A fast-track option is mentioned on the site for a small fee, with same-day results possible in some cases — again, treat that as something to ask about when booking rather than a guaranteed SLA in this draft.
What a positive means
Positive samples lead to a five-year suspension noted on your Sentinel profile, according to Absolute Biomedical’s published copy. That is a career-critical outcome. If you are unsure about medication, supplements, or recent prescriptions, declare them and speak to the collection team before you assume “it will be fine.”
When you need a screen
Absolute Biomedical’s FAQ summarises frequency as follows:
- A new drug and alcohol screening is required to join the rail industry and begin working for a primary sponsor.
- After that, you need a new screening if you change primary sponsor and your last screening was more than 12 weeks ago.
- Employers can also arrange random, for-cause, and post-incident testing.
New starters typically combine the D&A with a Level 1 medical before they can start on track / enter the PTS path. See Post 3 for a checklist and Post 4 for change-of-sponsor rules.
Where collections happen
Screening can be at Absolute Biomedical’s centre in Abercynon (Ty Cynon, Navigation Park, South Wales CF45 4SN) or on your premises — office or site-based — across the UK. Phone lines for booking discussion are Mon–Fri 08:30–17:00 on 01443 303009; the site also states availability of alcohol and drug testing services 24/7 so employers can arrange collections at convenient times. Email as on site: [email protected].
Preparation tips (practical, not clinical promises)
- Bring original photographic ID and National Insurance evidence as listed in joining instructions.
- Bring medication details (prescribed and recent OTC).
- Confirm any fasting instructions on your joining paperwork — some Absolute Biomedical package cards mention fasting 10–14 hours; confirm when booking rather than treating it as a universal clinical rule for every D&A-only visit.
- Arrive able to provide a urine sample; follow collector instructions on site.
For employers: building a testing regime
Corporate packages on the Absolute Biomedical site cover office/site medicals and D&A, health and wellbeing programmes, and incident response / for-cause testing. Random programmes, for-cause, and post-incident arrangements are employer-led; Absolute Biomedical provides the collection and lab pathway. Post 5 in this set covers the differences for rail employers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the breath test the same as the urine test?
No. Alcohol is assessed by intoximeter/breathalyser with immediate results. Drugs are assessed via urine sent to the lab.
Will I get same-day drug results?
Standard urine results are described as up to around three days (longer if further review). Fast-track / same-day possibilities are mentioned on the site — ask when booking.
Does Absolute Biomedical invent Sentinel policy?
No — Absolute Biomedical reports the industry consequence of a positive sample as a five-year Sentinel suspension per their site copy. Always align your company policy with current Network Rail / Sentinel rules and your primary sponsor’s procedures.
Next step
To arrange a Network Rail drug and alcohol test — centre or on-site — call Absolute Biomedical on 01443 303009 or email [email protected].
Why chain of custody and lab accreditation matter
For employers, the credibility of a Network Rail drug and alcohol test rests on collector process and laboratory quality. Absolute Biomedical’s public description emphasises a RISQS-approved, UKAS-accredited laboratory pathway and a defined substance panel. That matters if results are later challenged, reviewed by an MRO, or used inside an investigation file. Cutting corners on collection quality is false economy.
Communicating with staff before a screen
Whether the trigger is induction, sponsor change, random selection or post-incident, clear communication reduces disputes. Tell people: what will happen, that medication must be declared, that alcohol is breath-tested immediately, that drug results take longer, and that positives have Sentinel consequences as described on Absolute Biomedical’s site. Absolute Biomedical’s collectors still run the clinical process; employers own the policy narrative.
Fast-track and operational urgency
Absolute Biomedical’s site mentions a fast-track service for a small fee with same-day results possible in some cases. Treat that as an enquiry point for urgent sponsor-change starts or incident pathways — confirm availability when you call 01443 303009 rather than advertising a fixed SLA in public web copy until Rob confirms wording.
After results return
Clear results allow work or training to proceed under sponsor rules. Non-negative or complex results may enter MRO review; Absolute Biomedical notes additional charges may be passed on if MRO processing is required. Keep HR and the candidate informed through your own policy — Absolute Biomedical supplies the screening service and result pathway as booked.