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Innovate Laboratory in Alberta
Time: Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm

Mail To Us

info@cps-us.cenlabs.ca

Call for help:

780-752-0248

Address

9182 34a Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5P4

FAQ’s

Central Laboratories – Best Practices in Alberta

Drug & Alcohol

Frequently Asked Questions

Oral fluid testing is designed to detect recent drug use. Depending on the substance, drugs may become detectable within a few hours after use and typically remain detectable for approximately 24 to 48 hours. Detection windows can vary depending on the substance used, frequency of use, and the individual’s metabolism.

Drug testing performed by Central Laboratories follows strict collection and chain-of-custody procedures. Specimens are collected by trained technicians and sent to certified laboratories for analysis. These procedures are designed to prevent tampering or substitution, making it very difficult to cheat a properly administered drug test.

Hair testing identifies patterns of drug use over a longer period. Drugs generally become detectable in hair about 7–10 days after use, once the hair containing drug metabolites grows above the scalp. Hair testing can typically detect drug use for up to 90 days, depending on hair length.

Oral fluid testing is considered a reliable method for detecting recent drug use. Central Laboratories uses validated testing methods and laboratory confirmation procedures to ensure accurate results and minimize the risk of false positives.

Alcohol can impair coordination, reaction time, judgment, and concentration. In workplace environments—especially those involving heavy equipment, vehicles, or hazardous materials—alcohol use can significantly increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and safety incidents.

Central Laboratories – Best Practices in Alberta

Fitness-to-Work

Frequently Asked Questions

A Fitness-to-Work assessment evaluates whether an individual is medically capable of performing the duties of a specific job safely. Depending on the employer’s requirements, the assessment may include a medical questionnaire, physical evaluation, drug and alcohol testing, hearing tests, respiratory screening, or other occupational health evaluations.

What is the purpose of a Fitness-to-Work assessment?

The scope of testing depends on the type of job, workplace risks, and employer policies. Positions involving safety-sensitive duties—such as operating heavy equipment or working in hazardous environments—often require more comprehensive evaluations.

To prepare for your appointment at Central Laboratories:

  • Bring government-issued identification
  • Bring any documentation provided by your employer
  • Get adequate rest before your appointment
  • Avoid alcohol or non-prescribed substances prior to testing
  • Inform the technician about any prescription medications you are taking

Central Laboratories – Best Practices in Alberta

Occupational Health
Audiometric (Hearing Health)

Frequently Asked Questions

Noise refers to unwanted or excessive sound. In workplace environments such as construction, manufacturing, and industrial settings, prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to gradual hearing damage.

Noise levels above 85 decibels (dB) over extended periods can increase the risk of hearing loss. Occupational health programs often require workers exposed to these levels to undergo regular hearing tests to monitor and protect hearing health.

Not necessarily. Hearing damage can occur even when noise does not feel extremely loud. Long-term exposure to moderate noise levels can still affect hearing, which is why routine audiometric testing is recommended for workers in noisy environments.

Central Laboratories – Best Practices in Alberta

Lung Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Airborne hazards in workplaces may include dust, chemical vapors, fumes, smoke, and biological contaminants. Workers in industries such as construction, mining, welding, manufacturing, and chemical processing may be exposed to these hazards.

Quantitative fit testing uses specialized equipment to measure how well a respirator seals against the face. The test provides a numerical measurement of leakage to confirm that the respirator provides adequate protection.

Qualitative fit testing is a pass-or-fail method that relies on the wearer’s ability to detect a taste or smell from a test substance while wearing the respirator. If the wearer detects the test agent, it indicates the respirator seal is not sufficient.

Central Laboratories – Best Practices in Alberta

Lead Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Short-term exposure to lead may cause symptoms such as headaches, stomach discomfort, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Higher exposures may also affect the nervous system.

Long-term exposure to lead can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. It may also affect blood production and cause long-term health complications if exposure continues over time.

Lead exposure can occur in industries such as:

  • Construction and renovation
  • Battery manufacturing and recycling
  • Welding and metal work
  • Mining and smelting
  • Painting and surface coatings
  • Certain manufacturing processes

Central Laboratories – Best Practices in Alberta

Have a question we haven’t covered?

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact our team and we will assist you with any inquiries regarding workplace testing, health assessments, or laboratory services.

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