USDTL Research

Quantity Not Sufficient (QNS) Explained

Quantity Not Sufficient (QNS) is a result of not having a sufficient quantity (volume) of specimen to test for the panels ordered. The amount of specimen required for collection is directly related to the amount of specimen needed to screen and confirm for the panels we offer. The initial screening uses a portion of the original specimen and the confirmation testing uses another portion of the original specimen. To forensically confirm positives, means running a new test, with a new portion of the original specimen, using a different analytical technique.

Confirmatory tests that cannot be completed due to insufficient specimen volume will be canceled on an individual drug class and/or analyte basis and will be reported out as QNS.

We will report confirmation results for each test for which there is sufficient volume of specimen available. We will report out as many positive confirmation results as possible within the limitations of the specimen volume we have received. Submitted specimens that have QNS reports are charged the full price for testing ordered.

We highly recommend using a gem scale to assure accurate collection volumes. Specified volumes are located on the collection instructions.

Please have all collectors review the collection instructions for required specimen volumes to avoid receiving a QNS report. All collection instructions are available on our website. If you have any additional questions, please contact our client service advocates at 800.235.2367, or at clientservices@usdtl.com.

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