How to Find the Best Drug Test Near You: Everything You Need to Know
Drug testing has become a routine practice in many industries, and for good reasons. It helps keep workers safer, fosters a more drug-free workplace, and ultimately saves companies money in terms of lost productivity, liability, and other costs. But it’s not always easy to find a reliable drug screening near you, especially if you have specific requirements or regulations to meet, such as DOT drug screen or non-reg drug screen. This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about drug testing near you, and additional information about the types of drug screens, medical review officers, consortium management, standalone pools, FMCSA clearinghouse, and much more. Whether you’re an HR manager, a risk professional, an employer, a transportation company, or an owner operator, this post can help you make informed decisions and find the best drug test near you.
Workplace Screening has over 20,000 sites near your office or near your employee’s home. 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 Order Here
1. Types of Drug Screen
There are several types of drug screens available, but two of the most common ones are 5 panel drug screen and 10 panel drug screen. A 5-panel drug screen typically tests for five categories of drugs, including amphetamines, cocaine, opioids, marijuana, and PCP (phencyclidine). A 10- panel drug screen, on the other hand, adds other commonly abused drugs such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, methaqualone and propoxyphene. Other drug screens, such as 7 panel or 12 panel, are also available for more specific testing requirements.
If you’re a DOT-regulated employer, you’re required to perform a DOT drug screen, which is a specific type of test that includes both an initial drug test and a confirmation test. DOT drug screens must be conducted at a certified laboratory, and only certain specimens such as urine or oral fluid are allowed. Please note although DOT has approved oral fluids in 2023, several items must be addressed before oral fluid drug testing can occur. A device must be approved for DOT use by the FDA. Secondly, two labs with same device must be inspected and certified by SAMHSA (two labs due to split specimen primary and secondary lab needs). Lastly, all collectors must be trained and certified with mocks before they can collect specimen. The DOT drug screen also has strict documentation requirements, such as using the CCF (Chain of Custody Form), which tracks the specimen from collection to analysis and ensures accountability and accuracy.
If you’re not subject to DOT regulations, you can choose a non-reg drug screen that can be done at a non-certified lab and with various specimens such as hair, sweat, saliva, or blood. However, it’s important to make sure that the non-reg drug screen meets the industry standards and your company policy.
2. Medical Review Officer (MRO)
A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a licensed physician who plays a critical role in the drug testing process by reviewing and interpreting the laboratory results and verifying any submitted medical explanations or prescriptions that could affect the results. The MRO acts as an independent and objective third-party between the laboratory, collections site and the employer, ensuring the confidentiality and accuracy of the drug test results and resolving any discrepancies or challenges to the results. The MRO also serves as a liaison between the employer and the employee, providing expertise or services as needed. MRO can also serve an important role as they also manage safety sensitive notification when an employee has a legal prescription but shouldn’t be driving a vehicle with issues the prescription may cause. Choosing a reputable and experienced MRO is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of your drug testing program. At Workplace Screening Intelligence all of our Medical Review Officers are trained and certified by AAMRO and MROCC. If you need an MRO today, contact our knowledgeable support staff today at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com
3. Consortium Management and Standalone Pools
Consortium management is a service that helps companies comply with DOT drug testing regulations by joining a consortium or a pool of other companies with similar testing requirements and sharing the costs and resources. Additionally, it can lessen the amount of testing for smaller to mid sized companies. The consortium management company coordinates all aspects of the drug testing process, from random selection to result reporting, and ensures that all members are in compliance with DOT or other regulations. Being part of a consortium can be cost-effective and efficient, especially for small or medium-sized companies that don’t have the infrastructure or expertise to manage their drug testing program. Workplace Screening Intelligence offers the following Consortiums:
FMCSA Consortium
FTA Consortium
FAA Consortium
FRA Consortium
PHMSA Consortium
CA PUC Consortium
NON DOT Consortium
Standalone pools, on the other hand, are designed for employers who want to conduct their own drug testing program but still need assistance with random selection and other administrative tasks. Standalone pools can be customized to meet the employer’s specific needs and can include only certain job positions or locations. Choosing the right type of consortium or standalone pool depends on various factors such as company size, industry, and compliance requirements. If you need assistance with affordable Random Management, please contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or support@workplacescreening.com
4. FMCSA Clearinghouse
The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) clearinghouse is a national database that provides real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders’ drug and alcohol violations, including positive drug or alcohol tests, refusals to test, and completed return-to-duty processes. The Clearinghouse FMCSA is a mandate for all CDL drivers and their employers, and is required to be used for pre-employment screening, annual queries, and reporting and recordkeeping purposes. The FMCSA clearinghouse helps promote safety on the nation’s highways by preventing CDL drivers with drug or alcohol violations from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) until they have completed the required SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) evaluation and return-to-duty process. The Clearinghouse has removed many drivers who were cheating the system before the implementation of the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Drug testing near you can be a complex and critical process, but with the right knowledge and resources, it can also be a reliable and efficient way to ensure a safer and healthier workplace. By understanding the different types of drug screen, choosing the right MRO, considering consortium management or standalone pools, and complying with FMCSA clearinghouse requirements, you can take proactive measures to prevent drug abuse and reduce risks. Whether you’re an HR manager, a risk professional, an employer, a transportation company, or an owner operator, you can find the best drug test near you by following these guidelines and partnering with trusted and experienced providers.
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 Order Here