Who is responsible for receiving and reviewing lab results?

The Medical Review Officer (MRO) plays a critical role in the process of receiving and reviewing lab results, particularly in the context of drug testing programs. As a licensed physician, the MRO is responsible for interpreting test results, assessing the medical history of individuals, and ensuring that results are evaluated within the context of any medications or legitimate medical conditions that may affect the findings. This ensures that results are not only accurate but also fair to the individuals being tested.

In cases where there are positive results or discrepancies, the MRO is also tasked with communicating these findings to the appropriate stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality. The MRO serves as a liaison between the laboratory and the employer, providing expert interpretation and taking into account any medical or compassionate reasons for drug presence in the body.

The other roles, although important in the lab environment, do not encompass the full spectrum of responsibilities associated with reviewing results and the medical implications of those results. A laboratory technician primarily focuses on conducting tests and generating results, while a quality control officer ensures compliance with standards and procedures, and a testing supervisor oversees testing operations but does not typically interpret results in the medical context that an MRO does.