DOT Drug Test

What is a DOT Drug Test?

A DOT drug test differs from a regular commercial drug test in several ways. The most important difference is that the DOT only allows urine drug testing. DOT drug testing follows a set of regimented protocols designed to protect the integrity of the analysis, so results usually take longer to process. Testing must be performed at a collection site that adheres to DOT regulations, specifically that the facility must employ qualified collectors and provide the donor with substantial privacy while urinating. Additionally, the collectors must follow strict protocols to maintain the chain of custody. DOT drug tests can ONLY be analyzed at an HHS certified laboratory, of which there are fewer than 40 nationwide. Rapid, instant, or point of contact drug testing is not permitted. There are five drugs and drug metabolites are tested in a DOT drug screening program: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, phencyclidine (PCP) and opiates. Once the sample has been analyzed, the results are reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer who, upon certifying the accuracy, will report.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has special drug testing requirements for those employed in safety-sensitive positions (as defined by the FMCSA and FAA). Examples of safety-sensitive positions include commercial vehicle drivers, truck drivers, locomotive engineers and signalmen, or flight crew members and air traffic controllers. The Department of Transportation has different testing requirements for different areas of transportation. For example, the testing requirements for air traffic controllers may differ from the testing requirements for commercial vehicle drivers. To find the requirements for your industry or job, visit Transportation.gov.

There are a variety of reasons and circumstances that warrant a DOT drug test to be performed. They can be performed as part of a DOT physical exam, a random drug screening protocol, following an accident, when an employer has reasonable suspicion that an employee is intoxicated, and as part of a return-to-duty exam.