Non-DOT Testing Services – Everything You Need to Know
As an employer, it is essential to prioritize ensuring that your organization maintains a safe and healthy working environment. One way to promote this is by conducting drug & alcohol testing services as well as other services regularly. However, many employers aren’t aware that DOT testing may not be utilized for employees not in a DOT safety sensitive position. Using DOT for non-regulated or non-reg employees can face fines from the federal government. As such, they don’t fully understand or utilize non-DOT testing services. If you’re an employer or someone in HR or risk management, this blog post is for you! We will discuss what non-regulated drug tests, non-dot drug tests, and other non-DOT testing services are. We’ll also talk about the different types of tests available, what these tests can do for your organization, and how to develop a comprehensive drug and alcohol testing policy that meets your requirements.
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What is a non-regulated drug test?
A non-regulated drug test is a type of drug test that is not subject to the requirements mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Many employers use non-regulated testing to expand their testing protocols beyond DOT testing requirements. With non-regulated drug testing, employers can customize the type of tests used, testing frequency, training, and education requirements, and more. This approach allows employers to create comprehensive drug testing programs that are tailored to their needs. Non-regulated testing may also help identify drug abuse or illegal drug use that DOT testing does not cover due to non-dot allowing you to test for drugs such as Fentanyl and so many more.
Non-DOT drug testing and Hair Follicle Testing
Non-DOT drug testing is a broad term for various drug tests that are not regulated by the DOT. One non-DOT drug testing method is a hair follicle test. This test measures drug use over a more extended period than a standard urine test and can detect drug use from up to 90 days ago. Hair follicle testing is beneficial in identifying long-term drug use, making it an excellent option for pre-employment drug testing or for employees in safety-sensitive positions. Employers may also opt for hair follicle testing as a way to supplement other drug testing methods. A major benefit of Hair Drug Testing is every collection is directly observed and will thwart cheating with urine drug screen.
Oral Fluids Drug Testing
Oral fluids testing, also called saliva drug testing, is a non-invasive testing method that screens for drug use. This test requires employees to collect a sample of their saliva, which is then screened for the presence of drugs. Oral fluid testing typically detects drug metabolites from one day to several days after use, making it an excellent choice for post-accident drug testing, reasonable suspicion testing, and other non-regulated testing options. Oral fluids is also observed and will likely bring more positives than urine due to cheaters getting busted. Please note that DOT has approved oral fluid drug testing for DOT testing in 2023. However, a few items must be addressed before the first sample can be collected and tested:
- FDA needs to approve a split specimen.
- Two labs need to be inspected and certified by SAMHSA and utilize the same device. This is due to the split specimen process.
- DOT collectors must be trained and certified with mock collections. None of this can happen until the device is approved by FDA.
Non-DOT Physical
Some employers require physical exams to be performed to ensure the employee is fit to perform the job requirements safely. Along with a physical exam, non-DOT physicals may include additional testing for specific health conditions like loft tests or other concerns. By contracting with a qualified healthcare provider, employers can include this type of non-DOT physical exam to evaluate medical conditions in conjunction with assessing drug and alcohol usage.
Medical Review Officer (MRO)
An MRO is a licensed physician responsible for receiving the results of drug and alcohol testing and evaluating them for accuracy, validity, and compliance with current regulations. They analyze each test result and determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation for any positive results reported. MROs are necessary for non-DOT drug testing and can also be valuable consultants for employers when there is a safety sensitive concern. A safety sensitive concern may come about when a prescribing physician prescribes a narcotic to an employee who is driving a forklift, bus or some other vehicle.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy is a cornerstones of your drug and alcohol testing program. Developing a comprehensive drug and alcohol testing policy is key to balancing the safety needs of employing individuals in certain safety-sensitive areas while respecting individual rights It lays out all of the details, rights and responsibilities of the employee, supervisors and management. When a policy is implemented it should answer some of the following questions:
- Who can be tested
- How results can be challenged
- Does company have 2nd chance policy?
- Are employees terminated for positive results?
- How long after positive can employee reapply?
- What SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) the company utilizes?
- What EAP (Employee Assistance Program) the employer utilizes?
Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training
It is crucial that supervisors are knowledgeable about the risks of drug and alcohol abuse and understand how to comply with workplace policies and testing. Employers can provide Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training designed to help supervisors recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction and to educate them on protocols and procedures surrounding testing, reasons, and the impact of drug and alcohol use on safety in the workplace. This type of training can also help mitigate concerns surrounding detecting and reporting drug and alcohol usage without fear of retaliation. An effective training program will remove the most expensive employees from the workplace who can routinely cause accidents.
Titer Testing, Transferrin Gold TB Testing, Hepatitis Titer, Varicella Titer.
It is important for employers to work with healthcare providers and other professionals to design and implement a testing plan that meets their specific organization’s needs. Along with developing a drug and alcohol testing program, employers can also choose to offer additional testing options, such as Titer testing for Hepatitis or Varicella Titer testing to screen for potential health concerns. Additionally, transferrin gold TB testing can be undertaken to identify tuberculosis.
Non-DOT testing services offer employers additional flexibility beyond DOT requirements and offer testing methods that supplement what is required by DOT regulations. Employers can expect to have a deeper understanding of drug and alcohol testing and the various testing protocols that are available, including non-DOT physicals, titer testing, and transferrin gold TB testing. Employers can also expect to implement more significant awareness training programs, with a deeper understanding of available medical review officer (MRO) services. With this knowledge, employers can build comprehensive, effective drug and alcohol testing programs designed to keep workplaces safer and healthier for all.
Need to order a Drug Test or Physical at one of our 20,000 plus collection sites located near your place of business or your employee’s home, contact our Support Staff today at 844-573-8378 or [email protected] or press on link below to order a service today Order Here