Employee Screening Frequently Asked Questions You Didn’t Know You Needed
Employee screening has become an essential element of hiring and retaining a reliable, compliant, and productive workforce. While many HR professionals and employers already understand the basics of drug testing or physical examinations, the nuances behind certain practices are often overlooked or misunderstood.
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At Workplace Screening Intelligence, we aim to simplify this complex landscape. This article will answer some not-so-frequently-asked questions (NSFQs) about employee screening to give you an edge in promoting workplace safety, compliance, and efficiency.
What Are the Components of a 5-Panel Drug Test vs. a 10-Panel Drug Test?
A 5-panel drug test is one of the most common tests used during employee screening. It checks for commonly abused substances, including:
- Cocaine
- Marijuana (THC)
- Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine)
- Amphetamines
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
On the other hand, a 10-panel drug test not only tests for the drugs in a 5-panel test but also identifies additional substances:
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Methadone
- Propoxyphene
- Methaqualone or Quaaludes
The choice between these two tests can often depend on the nature of your business. For industries with higher safety standards (e.g., construction or transportation), you may require the more comprehensive 10-panel test to ensure employee reliability and minimize risks.
What’s the Difference Between DOT Drug Test and NON DOT Drug Testing?
DOT Drug Test
A DOT Drug Test is mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for safety-sensitive employees operating transportation vehicles, such as truck drivers, bus operators, and pilots.
- It adheres strictly to DOT regulations.
- The test includes a 5-panel drug screen.
- Testing must be completed using regulated protocols and reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO).
For more information on our DOT Testing Program: Dot Drug Alcohol
NON DOT Drug Test
A NON DOT Drug Test, on the other hand, applies to companies and industries that are not regulated by the Department of Transportation.
- It allows employers flexibility in choosing testing panels (e.g., 10-panel drug tests or specialized test).
- NON-DOT drug tests might address specific needs unique to an employer’s industry or team.
Key Difference: DOT drug tests are federally regulated; NON-DOT tests are not, giving employers more control over screening protocols.
For more information on our non dot testing programs: For Non Dot
What Happens if I Fail a DOT Drug Screen?
Failing a DOT drug test has serious consequences. Here’s what happens next:
- The result is sent to the Medical Review Officer (MRO).
- The MRO contacts the employee about the results and any legitimate medical explanations.
- If the failure is confirmed, the employer is notified, and the employee must immediately cease safety-sensitive duties.
- The employee must complete a Return-to-Duty process, which includes evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (which may include education), Return to Duty Drug Test and follow-up Drug Testing Program.
Failing a DOT drug screen is documented in the FMCSA Clearinghouse (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). This prevents employees from hopping between employers without completing rehabilitation and returning to compliance.
Need to order a Return to Duty drug screen or Follow-Up Drug Testing Program today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378
What Is a Dilute Specimen, and Why Does It Matter?
A dilute specimen refers to a urine sample so diluted that the concentration of drugs (or even the absence of them) cannot be accurately confirmed. This often occurs due to the individual drinking excessive water before the test, either intentionally or unintentionally.
How is it addressed?
- Negative Dilute Results: Often treated as a pass, but many employers may request a second test to confirm. Your Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy will dictate how to proceed.
- Positive Dilute Results: Treated as a failed drug test.
To ensure fair and consistent handling, Workplace Screening Intelligence follows MRO protocols for dilute specimens, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Is There an Easy Way to Find a “Drug Screening Near Me”?
Yes! Workplace Screening Intelligence makes it easy to locate drug testing services near you. We offer access to thousands of nationwide testing locations for both DOT and NON-DOT screenings.
How it works:
- Use our electronic ordering and tracking system to schedule a test.
- This means you can order a drug test today, complete it today or by your deadline.
- See real-time updates, including when the employee arrives at the testing site and when results are ready.
- Receive expert support for reviewing results and ensuring compliance.
A quick search using your zip code is all you need to find a testing site near you. Pleas visit our handy Drug screen collection locator: Locations
What Are the Primary Roles of the Medical Review Officer (MRO)?
A Medical Review Officer is a licensed physician responsible for reviewing drug test results to ensure their accuracy and compliance with federal or company regulations. These are their main functions:
- Result Validation: Verifying the integrity of the test results by identifying false positives or flaws in the testing process.
- Employee Interviews: Contacting individuals to gather information, such as prescribed medications, that could affect results.
- Compliance Assurance: Ensuring the testing process adheres to regulations and company standards.
- Addition Processes: Medical Review Office oversees the Safety Sensitive Letter Process as well as NON-Contact Positive Process.
By leveraging MRO expertise, businesses can confidently make hiring or retention decisions.
Need to order MRO Services 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/
What Makes Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training Essential?
The DOT requires all supervisors overseeing safety-sensitive employees to complete Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training, but this training benefits all supervisors in all industries (not just DOT-regulated).
Why is it essential?
- Improved Workplace Safety: Supervisors learn to detect and address drug or alcohol-related issues proactively.
- Accident Reduction: Awareness reduces the likelihood of drug or alcohol-induced workplace mishaps.
- Compliance: DOT mandates documentation for regulated industries.
To meet DOT requirements and boost your workplace policies, Workplace Screening Intelligence offers tailored supervisor training sessions, starting from onboarding and followed with annual reviews.
For more information on Workplace Screening Intelligence’s Affordable and Unlimited Supervisor Training Program: Supervisor Drug And Alcohol Training
Need to order Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training 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/
How Does Workplace Screening Intelligence Streamline Compliance?
Navigating federal and state regulations can be overwhelming. With shifting employment requirements, you need a partner who can shoulder the burden for you.
Workplace Screening Intelligence’s compliance solutions include:
- FMCSA Clearinghouse Registration Assistance
We help you register and maintain compliance with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, the DOT’s online database designed to track drivers that have violated DOT drug or alcohol testing requirements.
Other Names for FMCSA Clearinghouse you might encounter include:
- FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
- CDL Clearinghouse
- DOT Clearinghouse
- Clearinghouse FMCSA
- FMCSA Owner Operator Clearinghouse
Access the official FMCSA registration link here
- Electronic Tracking System
Stay updated on screening progress with real-time notifications when specimens arrive at labs or progress through the MRO review process.
What Should You Expect with a DOT Physical?
Employment-related physical exams are crucial for positions requiring manual labor, transportation duties, or public service roles. With a DOT physical, employers can ensure their employees meet federally mandated health and safety standards.
A DOT physical typically includes:
- Vision and hearing tests
- Blood pressure measurement
- Urinalysis for basic health indicators (not a drug screen)
- Detailed medical history review
- Hernia Check may require removing some clothing
Need to order a DOT Physical Near Me or DOT Medical Card Near Me Today? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
For NON DOT roles, tailored physicals are available, meeting employer-specific requirements while maintaining employee health information confidentiality. Example of NON DOT Physicals include: Lift Test, Respiratory Questionnaire, Respiratory Fit Test, Vision test and more.
Need to order a NON DOT Physical Near Me 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/
Why Choose Workplace Screening Intelligence for Employee Screening?
At Workplace Screening Intelligence, we excel at simplifying the complexity of employee screening so you can focus on achieving your business goals.
Here’s why HR professionals and employers trust us:
- Comprehensive Services
Whether you need NON-DOT Drug Test, DOT drug screening, or physical exams, we’ve got you covered.
- Compliance Assistance
With our expertise, you’ll stay compliant with federal/state regulations, including the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
- Real-Time Tracking
From test scheduling to results, our electronic tracking system removes bottlenecks and provides transparency at every step.
- Training Services
Our Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training programs and Designated Employer Representative Training keep businesses safe and informed.
- Nationwide Network
With over twenty thousand electronically enabled testing sites across the U.S., employees and candidates can conveniently access nearby screenings.
By partnering with Workplace Screening Intelligence, you gain a reliable ally dedicated to safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
Take the Next Step!
Need to optimize your employee screening process? Reach out to Workplace Screening Intelligence to ensure your workplace is safer, compliant, and more efficient than ever.
Visit us at or call us at 844-573-8378 to discuss how we can help.
Employee screening isn’t just a process—it’s an investment in your business’s success. Trust Workplace Screening Intelligence to deliver confidence and compliance every step of the way.
What Our Customers say about Us
Carlie M. gave us a 5 Star Google Review and said, “Brenda is amazing! Always so helpful and knowledgeable. Switching from our old provider to WSI has made my job SO much easier”!!
Need to order a drug screen, alcohol 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/