5-Panel Drug Test, NON-DOT and Medical Review Officer

The Employer’s Guide to Drug Screening

Ensuring a safe and productive workplace is a top priority for any employer. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through a comprehensive employee screening program, with drug testing as a critical component. Navigating the world of drug tests, however, can be complex. From understanding the difference between DOT and NON-DOT screenings to the role of a Medical Review Officer, there’s a lot for hiring managers and HR professionals to know.

This guide provides a clear roadmap to the essentials of employee drug testing. We’ll break down different types of tests, explain key regulations, and outline additional services that can help you maintain a compliant and secure work environment. By understanding these elements, you can build an efficient and effective screening process that protects your business and your employees.

What Our Customers Say about Us

John L gave us a 5 star google rating and said, From the beginning, Brenda has been a wealth of knowledge and has been very patient explaining aspects of the DOT random drug testing program. I called multiple times to clarify our responsibility and what WSI could do to help and Brenda has been cheerful and eager to help us get started. Phil the CEO of the company also provided guidance and was knowledgeable and was very pleasant throughout. I’m glad to have found WSI, this is truly a customer first company.

For more 5-star reviews: https://workplacescreening.com/testimonials/

Need a Customer First Company to manage your employee screening program or to order a drug screen or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/

Need to order a drug test or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/

For More Google Reviews: https://workplacescreening.com/testimonials/

Employee Drug Testing: The Basics

Employee drug testing is the process of analyzing a biological sample—such as urine, hair, or saliva—to determine the presence of specified drugs or their metabolites. Pre-employment drug screening is a standard practice for many organizations to mitigate risks associated with hiring individuals who use illicit substances. It helps ensure that new hires can perform their duties safely and effectively.

Beyond pre-employment checks, businesses often implement ongoing drug testing programs, including:

• Random Testing: Unannounced testing of a randomly selected group of employees.
• Reasonable Suspicion Testing: Conducted when a supervisor observes behaviors or physical signs that suggest drug use.
• Post-Accident Testing: Required after a workplace accident to determine if drug use was a contributing factor.
• Return-to-Duty Testing: Required for employees returning to work after a violation of drug and alcohol policies.

A well-structured drug testing policy is the foundation of any successful program. It should clearly outline the who, what, when, and why of your company’s testing procedures, ensuring transparency and legal compliance.

Regulated Drug Test  vs. Non Regulated Drug Tests

When establishing a drug testing program, one of the first distinctions to understand is the difference between regulated (DOT) and non-regulated (NON-DOT) tests.

What is a DOT Drug Test?

A DOT drug test is a screening mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation for individuals in safety-sensitive positions across industries like trucking, aviation, and public transit. These tests are highly regulated and must follow the strict procedures outlined in the federal government’s 49 CFR Part 40.

Key characteristics of DOT drug tests include:

• Standardized 5-Panel Screen: DOT tests screen for a specific set of five drug classes: Marijuana (THC), Cocaine, Amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA), Opioids (including codeine, morphine, and heroin), and Phencyclidine (PCP).
• Mandatory MRO Review: All non-negative results must be reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO) to verify if there is a legitimate medical explanation for the result.
• Strict Collection Procedures: Urine is the only approved specimen type, and collections must be performed by a certified DOT collector following a precise protocol to ensure the integrity of the sample.

For more info on DOT Drug Test: Dot Drug Alcohol

What is a NON DOT Drug Test?

A NON DOT drug test refers to any screening that is not subject to federal DOT regulations. These tests are conducted based on an employer’s individual workplace policy. While NON-DOT testing offers more flexibility, it’s crucial that the policies are consistent, fair, and compliant with state and local laws.

Employers can customize their NON-DOT programs, choosing:

• The Panel of Drugs: While the standard 5-panel test is common, employers can opt for more extensive panels (like a 10-panel or 12-panel) to screen for additional substances such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or synthetic opioids.
• The Specimen Type: Employers can choose from urine, hair, saliva, or blood testing, depending on their needs for detection window and immediacy.
• The Testing Circumstances: The employer defines the policy for pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing.

Specialized Drug Tests

Beyond the standard panels, some employers may require specialized tests. This is common in healthcare or other fields where abuse of prescription medications is a concern. These tests can be tailored to screen for specific synthetic opioids, designer drugs, or other substances not included in typical panels. A knowledgeable screening partner can help you determine if a specialized test is appropriate for your organization.

The Role of the Medical Review Officer (MRO)

The Medical Review Officer (MRO) is an essential gatekeeper in the drug testing process, particularly for DOT-regulated testing. An MRO is a licensed physician with specialized training in substance abuse disorders and drug testing regulations.

The MRO’s primary responsibility is to review and verify drug test results from the laboratory. When a lab report is non-negative (meaning a drug was detected), the MRO’s work begins. The process involves:

1. Contacting the Donor: The MRO confidentially contacts the employee or applicant to discuss the result.
2. Investigating Medical Explanations: The donor is given the opportunity to provide a legitimate medical reason for the non-negative result, such as a valid prescription.
3. Verifying Prescriptions: If a prescription is offered as an explanation, the MRO will verify its validity with the pharmacy or prescribing physician.
4. Final Determination:
5. If a legitimate medical reason is confirmed, the MRO reports the result to the employer as “negative.”
6. If no valid medical reason is found, the MRO reports the result as “positive.”
7. If the donor refuses to cooperate, the result is reported as a “refusal to test or non contact positive – depending on the situation.”

By acting as an impartial third party, the MRO protects both the employer and the employee. They ensure that a positive result is not reported due to a legally prescribed medication, safeguarding employee privacy and preventing unfair disqualifications. For NON-DOT testing, using an MRO is considered a best practice that adds a layer of legal defensibility to your screening program.

DOT-Specific Compliance: Clearinghouse and Physicals

For employers with DOT-regulated drivers, compliance extends beyond drug testing.

FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is a secure online database that gives employers and government agencies real-time access to information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations.

Employers are required to:

• Query the Clearinghouse: Before hiring a CDL driver, employers must conduct a full query in the Clearinghouse.
• Conduct Annual Queries: Employers must run a limited query on all currently employed CDL drivers at least once a year.
• Report Violations: Employers must report drug and alcohol program violations (such as positive tests or refusals) to the Clearinghouse.

The Clearinghouse streamlines the screening process by ensuring that drivers with a history of violations cannot conceal it by simply moving to a new employer.

Helpful FMCSA Clearinghouse Info

What is the  Name of FMCSA Clearinghouse?

There are several names that FMCSA and the industry have for the Clearinghouse:

FMCSA Clearinghouse

FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

Clearinghouse FMCSA

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

DOT Clearinghouse

Clearinghouse

Owner Operator FMCSA Clearinghouse

FMCSA Log in For Employers and Drivers – Link Below for Registration and Log in:

For more info on FMCSA Clearinghouse Services: Fmcsa Chs

DOT and NON DOT Physicals

Physical examinations are another key component of ensuring an employee is fit for duty.

• DOT Physical: This is a federally mandated medical examination for commercial motor vehicle drivers. It must be performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the FMCSA’s National Registry. The exam assesses a driver’s physical, mental, and emotional health to confirm they can safely operate a commercial vehicle.
• NON DOT Physical: Many employers choose to require physicals for non-regulated positions, especially those that are physically demanding. These exams can be customized to assess specific job functions, such as the ability to lift a certain weight or work in challenging environmental conditions.

NON DOT Physical Menu:

• Respirator Physicals: For workers who handle hazardous substances.
• Pulmonary Function Test
• OSHA Medical Questionnaire
• Lift Test
• Chest X-Rays
• Kraus Weber
• EKG
• Vision Test
  • Vision Snellen
  • Vision Titmus
  • Vision Ishihara
  • Vision Jager

Essential Training for Your Team

A compliant screening program requires more than just policies and procedures; it requires a well-trained team.

• Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training: This training is mandatory for supervisors of DOT-regulated employees. It teaches them how to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use and the specific steps to take when they have reasonable suspicion. This training is also a best practice for NON-DOT programs to ensure fair and consistent application of the policy.
• For more info on Supervisor Training: Drug And Alcohol Awareness Training

• Designated Employer Representative (DER) Training: The DER is the employee responsible for managing the company’s drug and alcohol testing program. DER training ensures this individual understands their responsibilities, from sending employees for testing to handling results and maintaining compliance with regulations.
• For more info on DER Training: Designated Employer Representative Training

• DOT Collector Training: For organizations that wish to conduct collections in-house, staff must complete certified DOT collector training. This ensures collections are performed according to the strict federal protocol.
• For more info on DOT Collector Training: Dot Oral Fluid Collector Training

Additional Health Screening Services

Many employers integrate other health screenings into their programs to further promote workplace safety and wellness.

• Titer Testing: A titer test is a blood test that measures the level of antibodies in the blood to determine immunity to a specific disease (like measles, mumps, rubella, or varicella). It is often required for healthcare workers and others at risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases.

• Tuberculosis (TB) Testing: Tests like the QuantiFERON-TB Gold blood test are used to screen for tuberculosis infection. This is another common requirement in healthcare and other congregate settings.
• For more info on Titer Testing: Titer Testing

Let Our Experience Be Your Peace of Mind

Navigating the complexities of employee drug and alcohol screening can feel overwhelming. With over 30 years of experience, we provide comprehensive solutions to help you build and manage a compliant, efficient, and effective screening program. From DOT and NON-DOT testing to MRO services, physicals, and training, we offer scalable solutions to meet your unique needs. Let us handle the details, so you can focus on what you do best—running your business.

Workplace Screening Intelligence’s Electronic ordering and tracking will improve employment screening with knowledge of where in the process the employee or applicant is.  You will know when they show up at the screening site, when the specimen is at lab and in the MRO process. Removing all doubt if the employee can be hired in time.

Compliance with Federal and State rules and regulations can be challenging.  Let Workplace Screening Intelligence allow you to focus on your business and we will take care of the compliance.

We are there for you when you need us!!

Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training is mandated by the DOT.  It is a best practice for all NON DOT employers as it is the key to keeping your workplace drug free and further eliminate costly accidents.  Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training needs to be completed at hire for supervisors and best practice is to review every year.

Drug Test Locations

Workplace Screening Intelligence offers 20,000 plus electronically enable collection sites near your workplace or home.  That means you can order a drug test today, complete it today or by your deadline.

Need to order a drug test or other employee screening service today?  Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/

For a list of drug screen locations near you: Locations

What Our Customers Say about WSI

Jodi gave us a 5 star google review and said, It’s the dreaded FAA drug audit time and I wanted to be sure that my records were aligned with Workplace Screening and was contacted by Lisa Friedman to go over my questions… She was absolutely terrific, took the time to address my questions and made sure I had everything needed to present for the audit. Her personality, explanations, and the time she invested to go through my files with me was top notch. I didn’t feel rushed, she was attentive and thorough…thanks, Lisa, for your dedication!

For More Google Reviews: https://workplacescreening.com/testimonials/

Need to order a drug test, alcohol test or other employee screening service? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/