Drug Screening PCP and More
A Comprehensive Guide to Drug Screening: Understanding Non-DOT & DOT Drug Screening, Types of Panels, and More
Drug screening is a crucial aspect of hiring and maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employers need to ensure that their employees are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working to avoid potential accidents or liabilities. Whether you are a transportation company owner, an HR personnel, or simply an employer looking to implement a drug screening policy, understanding the different types of drug screening tests, processes, and regulations is vital.
If you need to order a test today or need additional services, please contact our support team at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com or press on link below to order a service now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
In this blog post, we will guide you through the basics of drug screening, including non-DOT and DOT drug screens, types of panels, detection periods, medical review officers (MROs), FMCSA Clearinghouse, and more. By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of drug screening and how to order a drug test today.
Non-DOT Drug Screening vs. DOT Drug Screening
Drug screening tests fall into two categories: non-DOT and DOT drug screens. Non-DOT drug screens refer to drug tests administered by private employers outside of the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. DOT drug screens are tests regulated by the DOT and required for transportation industry employees.
Non-DOT drug screens may include various types of tests, such as urine drug screens, oral fluid drug screens, hair drug screens, and others. DOT drug screens, on the other hand, require urine drug screens and may sometimes include other types of tests, depending on the employer’s needs. Please note as of the writing of this post, oral fluid drug testing is approved for DOT however, three items must be addressed before oral fluids can be utilized as an alternate to urine:
- Orla Fluid Device must be approved.
- 2 labs utilizing the same device must be certified.
- DOT Collectors must be trained and certified in oral fluid collections.
To determine which type of drug screen to use, employers need to consider their industry and regulatory requirements. For example, if you are a transportation company owner, you need to comply with DOT drug screening regulations, including screening for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), and amphetamines.
Types of Panels: 5-Panel and 10-Panel Drug Tests
Drug screening tests are not one-size-fits-all. Different industries may require different panels of drugs to be screened for. A panel refers to a group of drugs that a drug test screens for. The two most common panels of drugs are the 5-panel and 10-panel drug tests.
The 5-panel drug test screens for five categories of drugs: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP, and amphetamines. The 10-panel drug test includes all the drugs in the 5-panel test and adds five more, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, methaqualone, and propoxyphene.
Employers should choose the panel of drugs to be screened based on industry regulations, job requirements, and the company’s drug screening policy. For example, a transportation company may require its drivers to undergo a 5-panel drug test, while a medical institution may require a 10-panel test or more drugs if needed. Medical panels can have 20 or more drugs depending on position and reason for testing.
Detection Periods: How Long Does a Drug Stay in Your System?
Drug screening tests work by detecting the presence of drugs or their metabolites in a person’s body. The detection period of a drug depends on various factors such as the drug’s half-life, the frequency of drug use, the method of drug administration, and the person’s metabolism.
For example, marijuana can be detected in urine for up to 30 days for a frequent user, while cocaine typically has a detection period of 2-4 days. PCP drug detection period is up to 7 days, while amphetamines can be detected for up to 2-4 days. Another example is hair testing. Most drugs will remain in the individual’s hair for 90 days. It takes approximately 10 days for drugs to grow into the hair shaft.
Employers should be aware of detection periods when choosing the panel of drugs to be screened and when developing their drug screening policy. For example, a drug with a longer detection period may be more appropriate for pre-employment screening, while a drug with a shorter detection period may be more suitable for post-incident screening.
Medical Review Officers (MROs)
MROs are physicians who are responsible for the drug screening confirmation process. They review the drug test results and analyze any discrepancies, such as a positive result due to a valid prescription drug. The MRO’s role in the drug screening process is crucial in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the results, especially in cases where a positive result may have significant consequences for the employee.
FMCSA Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse is a secure online database that provides real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations. It allows employers to query the database to determine if potential or current drivers have a drug or alcohol violation.
Employers of CDL or CLP holders must register with the Clearinghouse and conduct queries for all new CDL or CLP drivers they wish to hire. They must also conduct annual queries for current employees with CDL or CLP licenses. If you need assistance with the FMCSA Clearinghouse, Workplace Screening Intelligence offers FMCSA Clearinghouse Membership programs which provides assistance with registering in the Clearinghouse, all of the employee and supervisor training materials as well as all the knowledge and documentation needed to document refusals and know substance use before or during safety sensitive duties. Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com for more information.
Owner Operator Testing
Owner Operators are on their own and don’t necessarily have a Human Resource Department or Drug Testing Expert at their disposal. Owner Operators operating under the FMCSA guidelines must do the following to be compliant with owner operator screening:
- Complete a pre-employment drug test
- Complete or have on file a DOT physical
- Register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse as a driver and employer
- Appoint a CTPA (such as Workplace Screening Intelligence) as your CTPA
- Perform pre-employment query
- Complete annual query
- Joina FMCSA Random Consortium
If you need assistance with a complete owner operator testing program? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com or press on link to order a service now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
Order a Drug Test Today
Implementing a drug screening program is essential for maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace. Whether you are a transportation company owner, an HR personnel or an employer, understanding the basic principles of drug screening is crucial. By leveraging this guide, you can choose the appropriate screening test, panel of drugs, and comply with regulations and policies.
To order a drug test, employers can use various drug testing providers. We recommend Workplace Screening Intelligence for several reasons:
- Electronic Ordering -email employee to be tested today
- 20,000 nationwide sites near your workplace or your employee’s home
- Support we are here to answer any questions or to make sure your report is delivered timely
Drug screening is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Employers need to understand the different types of drug tests, panels, detection periods, MROs, FMCSA Clearinghouse, and regulations to ensure compliance and effectiveness. By utilizing this comprehensive guide, you will have a better understanding of the drug screening process and the steps required to order a drug test today. If you need to order a test today or need additional services, please contact our support team at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com or press on link below to order a service now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/