The Employer’s Guide to Drug Screening, DOT Compliance, and Physicals
Hiring new talent is exciting, but the logistics behind onboarding can quickly become a bottleneck. Between navigating federal regulations, ensuring workplace safety, and managing the sheer volume of paperwork, Human Resources departments often find themselves overwhelmed.
Whether you are expanding into new markets or handling seasonal hiring spikes, the complexity of employee screening remains a constant challenge. You need to know if an applicant is physically capable of doing the job, whether they are drug-free, and if your company is compliant with federal laws.
Workplace Screening Intelligence (WSI) bridges the gap between complex regulations and efficient hiring. By leveraging electronic ordering and a network of over 20,000 collection sites, we help employers streamline the screening process.
This guide explores the essential components of employee screening—from marijuana testing and DOT physicals to understanding titers—ensuring you have the knowledge to make informed, compliant hiring decisions.
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 the Landscape: 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/ Regulated Drug Testing vs. Non Regulated Testing
The first step in establishing a robust screening program is understanding the difference between regulated and non-regulated testing. This distinction dictates which rules you must follow and how much flexibility you have in your drug testing policy.
Regulated Drug Tests (DOT)
Regulated tests are mandated by the federal government, specifically for “safety-sensitive” employees. This includes truck drivers, pilots, pipeline workers, and train engineers. The Department of Transportation (DOT) sets strict guidelines for these tests.
If you employ workers under DOT jurisdiction, you do not have a choice in the matter; you must conduct a DOT 5 Panel Drug Screen. This test strictly looks for five classes of drugs:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines (including Methamphetamine and MDMA)
- Opioids (Codeine, Morphine, Heroin, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Compliance here is non-negotiable. Even as state laws regarding marijuana change, the federal DOT standard remains firm: a positive test for THC is a violation, regardless of state legalization.
For more info on DOT Drug Test: Dot Drug Alcohol
Need to order a dot 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/
Non Regulated Drug Tests (Non-DOT)
For the vast majority of private employers, testing is “non regulated.” This means you have the freedom to design a drug-free workplace policy that fits your specific industry and corporate culture (provided it complies with state laws).
Non-regulated testing offers flexibility. You can choose a standard Non-DOT 5 Panel Drug Test, upgrade to a 10 Panel (which adds benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone), or even specialized panels that look for fentanyl or steroids.
Crucially, non-regulated testing allows you to decide your stance on marijuana. With the shifting legal landscape, many employers are opting for Non-DOT panels with NO THC. This allows you to screen for hard drugs while excluding marijuana from the results, potentially widening your candidate pool in states where recreational use is legal. There is risk no matter your decision on keeping or removing marijuana. For further information, contact Workplace Screening Intelligence to understand and mitigate your risk.
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 Critical Role of the Medical Review Officer (MRO)
A Medical Review Officer – MRO plays a crucial role in the drug testing process. They are responsible for reviewing and interpreting positive test results to ensure accuracy and fairness. The Medical Review Officer MRO contacts the employee to discuss the results and determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation for the positive test. This step helps protect both the employer and the employee from potential inaccuracies or misunderstandings. The Medical Review Officer MRO is also responsible for the safety sensitive letter and non-contact positive process.
Navigating Physical Exams: DOT Physicals vs. Non DOT Physicals
Just as drug tests differ based on regulation, so do physical examinations. Understanding which one your candidate needs is essential for compliance and safety.
DOT Physicals
A DOT Physical is a checkup mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial motor vehicle drivers as well as many other DOT modes. It determines if a driver is physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
These exams are rigorous. A certified medical examiner will check:
- Vision and hearing
- Blood pressure and pulse rate
- Urinalysis (for protein, blood, and sugar—this is different from a drug test)
- Physical assessment of limbs, lungs, and heart
Drivers who pass receive a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (often called a “medical card”), usually valid for up to 24 months. For those with untreated conditions, you may need to repeat your physical every 90-365 days or until the condition is treated.
For more info on DOT Physicals: Dot Physical
Need to order a DOT 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/
Non DOT Physical
A Non DOT Physical is generally used to determine if a candidate is “fit for duty” regarding the specific physical demands of a job. These are common in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing.
Unlike the standardized DOT exam, a Non DOT physical can be customized. It might involve a lift test to ensure an employee can safely carry 50 pounds, or a general health assessment to establish a baseline for workers’ compensation insurance. Employers often use these to reduce workplace injuries and lower insurance premiums.
Menu of NON DOT Physical Services:
- 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
Need to order a NON DOT 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 Medical Screenings: Titers and TB Tests
For employers in healthcare, education, and childcare, screening goes beyond drugs and physicals. You often need to verify an employee’s immunity to certain diseases. This is where Titer tests come into play.
What is a Titer?
A Titer test is a laboratory blood test that checks for the presence and amount of antibodies in a person’s blood. It proves whether an individual has immunity to a disease, either from past infection or vaccination.
This is a powerful tool for compliance. Instead of forcing an employee to get vaccinated again because they lost their childhood immunization records, a Titer test can scientifically prove they are already immune.
The “Big Titer”
We often refer to the standard healthcare panel as the “Big Titer.” This usually includes testing for:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B
QuantiFERON TB Gold Test
Tuberculosis (TB) screening is another non-negotiable for healthcare and congregate living staff. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold test is a modern blood test that serves as an alternative to the old-school skin prick test. It is highly accurate, requires only one visit (unlike the skin test which requires a follow-up to “read” the result), and is not affected by prior BCG vaccination.
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/
The FMCSA Clearinghouse: A Must for FMCSA Transportation Employers
If you employ CDL drivers, you must be enrolled in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. This is a secure online database that gives employers and government agencies real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations.
Before hiring a driver, you are legally required to query the Clearinghouse to ensure the driver does not have prohibited status. Furthermore, you must report any drug and alcohol violations to this database. Workplace Screening Intelligence offers FMCSA Clearinghouse membership services to help you manage these queries and reporting requirements without the administrative headache. Medical Review Officer reports positive drug test. Employer or their designated TPA reports, positive alcohols, refusals, Return to duty and completion of Follow-Up testing Programs.
Need more info on FMCSA Clearinghouse: Fmcsa Chs
Need to order a FMCSA Clearinghouse Support Program 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
Compliance isn’t just about testing; it’s about education.
For DOT-regulated employers, Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training is federally mandated. Supervisors must undergo 60 minutes of training on alcohol misuse and 60 minutes on controlled substance use. They need to know what to look for—the physical, behavioral, speech, and performance indicators of probable drug use.
However, this training is a best practice for Non-DOT employers as well. Training your supervisors on reasonable suspicion protects your company. If a supervisor sends an employee for a drug test based on a hunch rather than trained observation, you open the company up to discrimination lawsuits. Formal training validates the decision to test and is the key to maintaining a drug-free, accident-free workplace.
For more info on Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training: Drug And Alcohol Awareness Training
Need to order a Supervisor Training Program 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/
Logistics: Speed and Location Matter
The biggest friction point in hiring is often the “wait.” Waiting for the applicant to go to the lab, waiting for the lab to ship the sample, waiting for results.
Workplace Screening Intelligence utilizes electronic ordering to speed this up. This system improves employment screening by giving you visibility into where the employee is in the process. You will know when they show up at the screening site, when the specimen is at the lab, and when it is in the MRO process.
With access to over 20,000 electronically enabled collection sites, we likely have a location near your workplace or your candidate’s home. This removes the barrier of travel time and allows you to order a drug test or physical today and often have it completed the same day.
Need a drug test Near Me? Visit our handy drug test locator: Locations
Not So Frequently Asked Questions
While most employers ask about price and turnaround time, here are some deeper questions that can impact your screening strategy.
Can I mix and match DOT and Non-DOT tests?
Yes, but they must be managed separately. An employee cannot take a “Non-DOT” test to satisfy a DOT requirement. However, a company can have a policy that requires DOT testing for drivers and Non-DOT testing for warehouse staff. Some transportation employers also opt for additional non-dot testing for pre-employment testing and post-accident testing (Hair testing and testing post-accidents that don’t qualify as a DOT Post Accident Drug Test).
What is a “respirator physical questionnaire”?
OSHA requires that any employee who needs to wear a respirator must be medically evaluated to ensure the mask itself won’t cause health issues (like breathing strain). WSI offers this evaluation, often starting with a questionnaire that a physician reviews.
Why does a hair test cost more than a urine test?
Hair testing (available in 5, 7, 9, 12, and 14 panels) provides a much longer window of detection—typically up to 90 days, compared to a few days for urine. The complexity of the analysis and the durability of the sample contribute to the higher, but it provides a “lifestyle” view of drug use rather than just recent use.
Does a “No THC” panel mean we ignore marijuana completely?
It means you are ignoring it for hiring purposes on that specific test. However, you should still have a clear workplace policy regarding impairment. Just because you don’t test for it pre-employment doesn’t mean employees are allowed to be high on the job.
Simplify Your Screening with WSI
You don’t need to be an expert in all areas of Employee Screening—that’s our job.
Compliance with Federal and State rules and regulations can be challenging. Let Workplace Screening Intelligence allow you to focus on your business while we take care of the compliance. From the moment you order a test to the final MRO verification, we provide the technology, the network, and the expertise to get your people hired faster.
Need to order a drug test, physical, or Titer test today?
Our electronic ordering system is ready when you are. Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or visit our website to view locations near you and get started.
Let our 30 years of experience be your peace of mind.
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/