Department of Transportation Drug Testing
The federal government estimated that if all workers between the ages of 18 and 40 were drug tested, 1/4 of the workforce would test positive. There is no room for drug abuse in working industries, especially the transportation industry.
Not only can drug testing inspire a drug-free workplace, but it can also help with drug abuse issues across communities. For this reason and more, DOT drug testing is essential.
What is DOT drug testing exactly? Keep reading to find out.
What Is a DOT Drug Test?
The DOT drug test is a test regulated by the government, more specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Congress recognized the need for a drug and alcohol-free transportation industry and passed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act in 1991. The act required this industry to implement drug and alcohol testing.
DOT agencies create industry-specific regulations to decide who needs testing and in what situations. Employers within the industry will implement and apply the regulations to their business.
Best Drug Test for DOT Testing
So, what does a DOT drug test include? All DOT drug testing uses the same 5 panel test that tests for the following substances:
- Amphetamines (AMP)
- Oxycodone (OXY)
- Cocaine (COC)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Who Is Required to Take a DOT Drug Test?
Those designated in DOT regulations as safety-sensitive employees are subject to a department of transportation drug test. This is someone who holds a job that can impact public safety and their own safety while on the road.
Some of the safety-sensitive positions include:
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- Federal Railroad Administration
- Federal Transit Administration
In certain situations, this panel drug test is required before an employee can resume their responsibilities.
Reasonable Suspicion/Cause
If one or more supervisor believes or suspects that an employee is under the influence of drugs, they can test that employee. This is usually based on behavior, concerning appearance, smell, speech, or other observations.
Random Testing
Random testing has to be done quarterly and must include a truly random selection process. This process gives every employee an equal chance to get selected and tested.
Return to Work Testing
This type of testing is necessary after an employee violates drug or alcohol rules. Employees aren’t allowed to return to any DOT job before getting tested.
This employee might also be subject to random testing at least six times within the first year of coming back to work. The tests are still urine tests but must get conducted under direct observation.
Follow-Up Testing
Follow-up testing takes place after return to duty testing. A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) will manage follow-up testing for up to five years. They will also determine how many times an employee is tested.
Post-Accident Testing
Post-accident testing is required if an employee is involved in an accident under DOT criteria. The drug test needs to be administered within 32 hours.
What Kind of Drug Test Does the DOT Use?
A DOT drug screen uses a 5 panel urine drug test to test for five substances at one time. Using a DOT urine test from 12 Panel Now is simple. The drug test cup comes as a kit with everything you need to test a donor.
Here are the easy steps to administering the DOT drug test:
- Remove the drug test cup from the pouch
- Write the donors information on the cup
- Collect a urine sample in the cup
- Close the secure lid
- Remove the label from the test cup
- Read results after 5 minutes
When you search, “DOT drug test near me,” you’ll likely find 12panelnow.com as a leading provider. This is because the 5 panel now drug test cup screens for the same drugs as a standard 5 panel urine cup drug test.
As the most popular tool used by private employers for workplace drug testing, you’ll reap more benefits than one. These tests are quick, easy, and accurate to detect substances in the urine.
The tests are 99.9% accurate even if the test subject is under the influence of other drugs or is ill.
Interpreting Test Results
Now that you know the answer to, “where can I get a DOT drug test?”, you might be wondering how to interpret the test results before you make a purchase.
The urine tests you purchase from 12panelnow are easy to administer and even easier to interpret. The rapid drug test provides you with accurate results within minutes.
Each substance tested on these drug test cups will have two regions, the control region (C) and the test region (T).
Only one colored band will appear in the control region (C) if the drug is detected in the system. This indicates that the test is positive.
Two colored bands will appear on the membrane when the test is negative. This means one band will appear in the control region (C) and another band will appear in the test region (T).
A negative test result indicates that the drug concentration is below the detectable level.
These are not the only two test results that might appear. Although it is rare, if the control region (C) band fails to appear, the test is invalid and needs to be readministered. Buying drug tests in bulk is beneficial for this reason.
The test is invalid whether a band appears in the test region (T) or not. The test will need to be discarded and you’ll review the procedure and repeat it with a new test. Discontinue using the kit if the problem persists.
DOT Drug Testing: Start Testing Your Employees Now
If you work in the transportation industry, you need to know about DOT drug testing. DOT agencies require drug testing to keep anyone on the road safe, including employees.
Because DOT drug testing is an essential part of the transportation industry, it is necessary to find the right drug test kit supplier. 12 Panel Now offers an easy-to-use, affordable, and accurate 5 panel DOT drug test.