Your Guide to Drug Screening: 5-Panel Tests, Physicals & More
Hiring new employees is an exciting time for any business. It signals growth, expansion, and new opportunities. However, it also brings a distinct set of responsibilities. Ensuring that your new hires are safe, healthy, and fit for duty is not just a best practice—in many industries, it is a strict regulatory requirement. Navigating the world of employment screening can feel like learning a new language. From 5-panel drug tests to 10-panel screens, DOT versus NON-DOT physicals, and the complexities of the FMCSA Clearinghouse, there is a lot to digest.
For employers, the stakes are high. A bad hire can lead to safety incidents, legal liabilities, and decreased productivity. On the other hand, a robust screening process creates a safer work environment and reduces turnover. But how do you determine which tests are necessary? When does federal law supersede company policy? And how can you manage the logistics of testing without slowing down your hiring process?
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials of employee screening. We will break down the differences between common drug tests, explain the necessity of various physical exams, and highlight specialized testing options like Titer tests. Most importantly, we will discuss how leveraging electronic ordering and expert support can streamline your workflow, ensuring you remain compliant without becoming overwhelmed.
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/
Understanding Drug Panels: 5-Panel Drug Test vs. 10-Panel Drug Tests
When you decide to implement a drug-free workplace policy, the first decision you often face is selecting the right “panel.” A panel simply refers to the specific family of drugs the laboratory will screen for. While there are many configurations, the 5-panel and 10-panel tests are the industry standards.
The 5-Panel Drug Test
The 5-panel drug test is the most common option used by employers, and it is the standard required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the federal government. This test looks for the presence of five categories of street drugs and commonly abused substances:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines (including Methamphetamine)
- Opiates (Codeine, Morphine, Heroin)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
For many businesses, a standard 5-panel drug test covers the primary substances that pose safety risks in the workplace. It is cost-effective and legally defensible, making it a go-to for general employment screening.
The 10-Panel Drug Screen
While the 5-panel test covers illicit street drugs, the 10-panel drug screen casts a wider net. It includes everything in the 5-panel test but adds screening for prescription medications that are frequently misused. A typical 10-panel screen adds:
- Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax)
- Barbiturates
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
- Quaaludes
Employers in safety-sensitive industries—such as healthcare, construction, or manufacturing—often opt for the 10-panel screen. This is because the misuse of prescription sedatives or painkillers can be just as dangerous as illicit drug use when operating heavy machinery or caring for patients.
For more info on Employee Drug Testing: Employee Drug Testing
DOT Drug Test vs. NON-DOT Drug Test
One of the most common sources of confusion for employers is the distinction between DOT and NON-DOT testing. The difference largely depends on the nature of the employee’s job and federal regulations.
DOT Drug Testing
A DOT drug test is regulated by the Department of Transportation (49 CFR Part 40). If you employ CDL drivers, pilots, train engineers, or transit vehicle operators, you are federally mandated to perform these tests. DOT tests are strictly 5-panel screens; you cannot add or subtract drugs from this panel. The process is rigid, requiring a specific Chain of Custody Form (CCF) and a rigorous review process.
For more info on DOT Drug Test: Dot Drug Alcohol
NON DOT Drug Testing
A NON-DOT drug test applies to the vast majority of the private workforce not covered by federal transportation laws. As a private employer, you generally have more flexibility here. You can choose a 5-panel, 10-panel, or even a 12-panel test. However, you must still adhere to state laws regarding drug testing. While DOT tests are strictly urine-based, NON-DOT testing can utilize urine, hair, or oral fluid (saliva) depending on your company policy and state regulations.
For more info on NON DOT Drug Test: For Non Dot
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/
The Role of the Medical Review Officer (MRO)
Whether you are conducting DOT or NON-DOT testing, the Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a critical piece of the puzzle. An MRO is a licensed physician who receives laboratory results and reviews them. If a test comes back positive, the MRO contacts the donor to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation, such as a valid prescription.
This step protects both the employer and the employee. It ensures that an employee isn’t unfairly penalized for taking legally prescribed medication, and it provides the employer with a legally verified result.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse
For employers of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, drug testing goes beyond just the lab result. You must also utilize the FMCSA Clearinghouse. This is a secure online database that gives employers and government agencies real-time information about commercial drivers’ drug and alcohol program violations.
Before hiring a driver, you are required to query the Clearinghouse to ensure the applicant doesn’t have unresolved violations that prohibit them from driving. Furthermore, employers must report drug and alcohol violations to this database. This system prevents drivers who have tested positive from moving to a new job without completing the legally required return-to-duty process.
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:
Employee Health: DOT and NON-DOT Physicals
Ensuring an employee can physically handle the demands of the job is vital for preventing workplace injuries.
DOT Physical
A DOT physical is a medical exam required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial vehicle drivers. The goal is to ensure the driver has no medical condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a commercial vehicle. The exam covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, and a review of medical history. These must be performed by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.
NON DOT Physical
A NON DOT physical is a general “fitness for duty” exam used by employers for non-commercial roles. These are customizable based on the job description. For example, a warehouse role might require a physical that tests lifting ability and back health, while a corporate role might just require a basic wellness check. These exams help confirm that a candidate can safely perform the essential functions of the job.
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
For more info on NON DOT Physical: Non Dot Physical
Need to order a Physical 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/
Specialized Testing: Titer and QuantiFERON TB Tests
In healthcare, education, and childcare sectors, verifying immunity to infectious diseases is often a prerequisite for employment.
Titer Test
A Titer test is a blood test that checks for the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream. It determines if an individual is immune to a disease, either through prior vaccination or past infection. This is commonly used to prove immunity to Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), and Varicella (Chickenpox) without requiring the employee to track down decades-old immunization records. If you are looking for a “Titer Test Near Me,” utilizing a national screening partner can open up thousands of lab locations.
QuantiFERON TB Test
Tuberculosis (TB) screening is mandatory in many fields. The QuantiFERON TB test is a modern blood test that serves as an alternative to the traditional Tuberculin Skin Test (TST). Unlike the skin test, which requires two visits (one to place the test, one to read it), the QuantiFERON test requires only a single blood draw and is generally more accurate, as it is not subject to reader bias.
For more info on Titer Testing: Titer Testing
Need to order a Titer 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/
Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training
Testing is only one pillar of a drug-free workplace; education is the other. Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training is mandated by the DOT for supervisors of safety-sensitive employees. This training typically involves 60 minutes on alcohol misuse and 60 minutes on controlled substance use.
However, this shouldn’t be limited to DOT employers. It is a best practice for all NON-DOT employers as it is the key to keeping your workplace drug-free and further eliminating costly accidents. Supervisors are your first line of defense; they need to know what signs to look for and how to document reasonable suspicion. Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training needs to be completed at hire for supervisors, and best practice is to review it every year to keep the knowledge fresh.
For more info on Affordable and Unlimited Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training: Drug And Alcohol Awareness Training
Need to order a Supervisor Training 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/
Why Expertise Matters in Employee Screening
Managing all these variables—panels, physicals, compliance, and training—can be a full-time job. But it doesn’t have to be yours. You don’t need to be an expert in all areas of Employee Screening. Hire Workplace Screening Intelligence so we can help make you an expert.
Compliance with Federal and State rules and regulations can be challenging. A single misstep in the chain of custody or a failure to check the Clearinghouse can lead to fines or lawsuits. 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!!
Streamlined Process with Electronic Ordering
One of the biggest frustrations in drug testing is the “black hole” of information—sending a candidate to a lab and waiting days without an update. Workplace Screening Intelligence’s Electronic ordering and tracking will improve employment screening with knowledge of where in the process the employee or applicant is.
With our system, you will know:
- When the candidate shows up at the screening site.
- When the specimen arrives at the lab.
- When the result is in the MRO process.
This transparency removes all doubt if the employee can be hired in time, allowing you to plan your onboarding schedule with confidence.
Drug Test Locations
Convenience is key to a fast hiring process. If a candidate has to drive an hour to a lab, they are less likely to complete the test promptly. Workplace Screening Intelligence offers 20,000 plus electronically enabled collection sites near your workplace or home. That means you can order a drug test today, complete it today, or by your deadline. Whether you need a “Drug Test near Me” or a collection site across the country for a remote hire, we have you covered.
Need a drug test near me? Visit our handy drug test locator: Locations
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/
Not So Frequently Asked Questions
While many employers ask about price and turnaround time, there are nuanced questions that often get overlooked until a problem arises.
Can I use a “Rapid” or “Instant” test for a DOT employee?
No. DOT regulations strictly require laboratory-based testing. Instant or “point of collection” testing (POCT) is not permitted for DOT compliance, although it is a popular option for NON-DOT employers who need immediate answers.
What happens if an employee refuses a test?
In the DOT world, a refusal to test is treated effectively the same as a positive result. The driver must be removed from safety-sensitive functions immediately. For NON-DOT employers, your company policy dictates the consequence, but termination is a common outcome for refusal.
For info on Return to Duty Test Process: Return To Duty Process
Does a physical exam screen for drugs?
Generally, no. A standard physical exam focuses on overall health (heart, lungs, joints). A drug screen is a separate test, though it is often performed during the same visit for convenience. You must specifically order the drug screen in addition to the physical.
How long do Titer results take?
Unlike instant drug tests, Titer tests are lab-based blood tests. Results typically take 24 to 72 hours, depending on the specific antibodies being tested.
Let Our 30 Years of Experience Be Your Peace of Mind
Navigating the landscape of employee screening does not have to be a solitary struggle. Whether you are a small business owner hiring your first driver or an HR director managing a nationwide fleet, the goal remains the same: a safe, compliant, and efficient workforce.
At Workplace Screening Intelligence, we combine cutting-edge technology with deep industry knowledge. We handle the heavy lifting of logistics and compliance so you can focus on building your team. From instant 5-panel tests to complex DOT physicals and supervisor training, we provide a one-stop solution for modern employers.
Need to order a drug test or other employee screening service today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press the link to order now: Order Here
For a list of drug screen locations near you: Locations
Monica gave us a 5 Star Google Review and Said, We were faced with having to get a third-party relationship established for our screenings due to vendor request. We have been partnered with WSI for over 2 years now and we honestly have no issues at all. It is a seamless process that works well for our company. I would highly recommend them if you wanted the best from a Workplace Screen!
Kaela gave us a 5 Star Google Review and said, She made what could have been a complicated, multi-step process feel smooth and manageable. Her responsiveness and attention to detail have made a huge difference for us. Excellent customer service from start to finish—we truly appreciate her!
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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/