A Comprehensive Guide to Drug Testing: Understanding the Different Types and Where to Find Them
Drug testing is a crucial part of ensuring safety and reducing risks in the workplace, especially in industries that involve transportation where there are lives at stake. As an employer, it is your responsibility to implement a drug testing program that complies with federal and state regulations and ensures the safety and wellbeing of your employees and the general public. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the different types of drug tests, their benefits, where to find them, and what you need to know as an employer, HR professional, risk manager, or transportation company.
Types of Drug Tests
There are several types of drug tests available, each with its benefits and limitations. They include:
• Urine Drug Test: This is the most common type of drug test and is used to detect a variety of substances, including marijuana, cocaine, opioids, PCP and amphetamines. It is cost-effective, non-invasive, and easy to administer. However, it has a short detection window and can be easily tampered with.
• Hair Follicle Drug Test: This test is used to detect drugs in a person’s system for up to 90 days. It is difficult to cheat due to all collections be directly observed and provides a more extended detection window, making it ideal for detecting chronic drug use. However, it is more expensive than a urine test and can’t detect recent drug use.
• Oral Fluid Drug Test: This test uses saliva to detect the presence of drugs in a person’s system. It is non-invasive, tamper-evident, and can detect recent drug use. However, it has a shorter detection window than a hair follicle test, and the direct observed collection thwarts cheating.
• Blood Drug Test: This test is invasive and expensive and is rarely used for drug testing in the workplace. However, it provides the most accurate results as to recent use and can detect drugs in a person’s system for up to 24 hours.
DOT Drug Test
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all safety-sensitive employees undergo drug and alcohol testing. Employers need to comply with DOT regulations to avoid potential fines and legal consequences. The DOT drug test includes a urine test for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP. It also includes a breath alcohol test. All testing must be conducted by qualified testing facilities, and the results must be reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO). Please note that DOT has approved oral fluid drug testing in 2023. However, the following must occur before the first sample can be tested:
- FDA must approve a split specimen device that meets DOT’s requirements.
- 2 labs must be certified and use the same device to meet split specimen requirements.
- DOT collectors must be trained and certified with mock collections.
Non-Regulated Drug Test
Non-regulated drug testing is not required by law but is often implemented by companies to ensure the safety and health of their employees. Non regulated tests are less strict than DOT testing and can include any drug test available. Companies can decide what drugs they want to screen for and what consequences will be if an employee fails the test. Employers should notify employees that drug testing is a requirement for their employment and follow any state-specific regulations. Best practice is to place all of this information in your Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy. If you need assistance with a customizable drug and alcohol policy, contact our Knowledgeable Support Staff at 844-573-8378 or support@wokrplacescreening.com or press on link to order now https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
FMCSA Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse is a secure online database that maintains records of drug and alcohol violations for commercial drivers. Employers must register and report any drug and alcohol violations of their drivers to the Clearinghouse. When a driver applies for a new job, their potential employer must check the Clearinghouse for any drug and alcohol violations. Additionally, the employer must perform an annual FMCSA Clearinghouse query on each of their drivers. The Clearinghouse helps ensure that commercial drivers with drug and alcohol violations are no longer permitted to operate a commercial motor vehicle. For more information on the Clearinghouse, please visit https://workplacescreening.com/fmcsa-chs/
Drug Testing Near Me
Many testing facilities offer drug testing services. When choosing a testing facility, it is essential to ensure that they meet all the regulatory requirements for drug testing, such as certifications and accreditations. If you are looking for a drug test near me or you, contact Workplace Screening Intelligence for the following reasons:
- WSI has access to 20,000 plus collection sites nationwide.
- WSI can order a drug screen for you today and email you an electronic passport for your employee via email.
- All sites employ collectors trained and certified to perform DOT and other collections.
- If there is an issue, WSI’s full service drug testing will address the problem for you.
Drug testing is a crucial aspect of ensuring safety and reducing risks in the workplace. Employers need to implement a drug testing program that complies with federal regulations, state regulations and meet their specific needs. Understanding the different types of drug tests, the FMCSA clearinghouse, and where to find drug testing services is vital for employers, HR professionals, risk managers, and transportation companies. Make sure to work with a reputable testing facility and have a plan in place to handle any issues that arise from drug testing. By keeping your employees safe, you ensure that your company remains productive and successful.
Need assistance with your employee screening program or need to order a drug screen today near you or your employee? We have over 20,000 sites that allow you to be tested today. Contact our Knowledgeable Support Staff at 844-573-8378 or support@wokrplacescreening.com or press on link to order now https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/