Passing a Drug Screening Test: What Employers Need to Know
Passing a drug test has become a widely discussed topic, with many individuals searching for ways to beat the system in Google search terms. For employers, this is a critical concern. Cheating on a drug test can and does happen, leading to potential safety risks, compliance issues, and financial losses for businesses. However, with the right strategies, tools, and training in place, employers can maintain a drug-free workplace and stay compliant with federal and state regulations.
This blog will cover everything employers, safety managers, and HR professionals need to know about drug testing, including common test types, how to prevent cheating, key services like DOT Physicals and Medical Review Officer (MRO) support, and much more.
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/
Why Drug Screening Matters
Employers have the responsibility to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Drug screening is an essential tool to:
- Prevent accidents and workplace injuries
- Enhance productivity by addressing substance abuse
- Comply with federal (e.g., DOT) and state regulations
- Protect the integrity of the hiring process
The Growing Concern of Cheating on Drug Tests
Google searches for “passing a drug test” or strategies to cheat on drug tests are alarmingly popular. To mitigate this, employers must invest in quality drug screening methods and trained collectors. Using directly observed collections, such as oral fluid drug testing and hair follicle testing, can prevent tampering, as these methods ensure every collection is monitored without donors needing to remove clothing.
Regulated Drug Testing vs. Non Regulated Drug Testing
Regulated Drug Tests
Regulated drug testing is mandated for specific industries, particularly those under the Department of Transportation (DOT). This includes industries like trucking, aviation, railroads, pipelines, and mass transit. Employers in these sectors must follow strict guidelines outlined by agencies such as the FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, PHMSA, and the US Coast Guard. Please make sure you utilize a regulated drug testing chain of custody or it may not count towards your compliance goals.
A DOT-regulated drug test often involves the following steps:
- Collection with specific chain-of-custody protocols.
- Testing for substances like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP using a DOT-5 Panel Drug Test.
- Oversight by a Medical Review Officer (MRO), who verifies the test results and ensures compliance with DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Policies.
Employers can use DOT Physical exams to determine whether an employee is medically qualified to operate vehicles and machinery. Searching for a “DOT physical near me” can direct employees to approved locations nationwide.
Non Regulated Drug Testing (Non-DOT)
Non regulated drug tests are used by employers outside of DOT-mandated industries. For questions like “What is a non-dot drug test?” or “What is non-dot testing?”, here’s the answer:
- A non-dot drug test is designed to fit the employer’s requirements. It allows for flexibility in substances tested and testing methods.
- Employers often use these tests to address company-specific concerns, such as screening for synthetic drugs like K2 Spice or Ketamine.
Non-regulated testing typically includes 5 Panel Drug Test or 10 Panel Drug Tests or customized tests to check for additional substances like fentanyl or buprenorphine.
Common Types of Drug Tests
Here’s a breakdown of drug tests that employers can consider based on needs and compliance requirements:
1. Urine Drug Test
A common and cost-effective test that screens for various substances. It requires careful adherence to a chain of custody form to ensure sample integrity.
2. Oral Fluid Drug Test
Directly observed and harder to tamper with. Ideal for reducing cheating during random testing, pre-employment drug testing or other drug testing . Oral Fluids has become more popular since the DOT approved oral fluids to be utilized for DOT purposes in 2023.
3. Hair Follicle Drug Test
Provides a longer detection window, making it effective for pre-employment or background screening. Hair Follicle Drug Screening provides a 90 day window of detection.
4. Alcohol Tests
Critical for roles requiring sobriety, such as DOT-regulated positions. There are several other alcohol test available:
- Breath Alcohol Test to determine if someone is under the influence at that time
- Urine Alcohol Test are not recommended as the results will not stand up in court
- EtG Alcohol Test determines if someone has consumed alcohol over the last 80 hours
- Peth Alcohol Test determines if someone has consumed alcohol over the last 14 days
Additional Layers for Testing Accuracy
MRO Oversight
A Medical Review Officer (MRO) serves as a key figure in ensuring test accuracy and compliance. The Medical Review Office verifies test results, identifies potential discrepancies, and ensures employees and employers are informed of outcomes. Employers should consider partnering with experienced MRO services for peace of mind as well as knowing it is mandated that a Medical Review Officer is utilized for regulated drug test.
Random Testing and Consortia
Random testing deters drug use by creating uncertainty about test timing. For regulated industries, participation in consortia like the FMCSA Random Testing Consortium, FAA Random Testing Consortium, and others ensures fair and rotating random selections. Employers looking for “DOT Consortium” or “Non-DOT Random Testing Consortium” services should consider partnerships with companies like Workplace Screening Intelligence that leverage advanced software for managing compliance. Examples of Drug Testing Consortiums that Workplace Screening Intelligence offers:
DOT Consortiums:
FAA Random Drug Testing Consortium, FMCSA Random Drug Testing Consortium, FRA Random Drug Testing Consortium, FTA Random Drug Testing Consortium, PHMSA Random Drug Testing Consortium, and US Coast Guard Random Drug Testing Consortium.
NON-DOT Consortiums:
CAPUC Random Drug Testing Consortium, NON-DOT Random Drug Testing Consortium, OHIO BWC 5% Random Drug Testing Consortium, OHIO BWC 15% Random Drug Testing Consortium.
How Employers Can Thwart Cheating
Cheating detection often requires a combination of technology, training, and policy enforcement. Best practices to reduce tampering include:
- Direct Observations during collections (e.g., oral fluid or hair follicle)
- Supervisor Training to spot signs of substance abuse
- Utilizing collection sites that are trained to identify possible cheaters
- Chain-of-custody protocols to maintain sample integrity
Compliance Made Easy
Navigating the complexity of regulations from entities like FMCSA, FAA, or CAPUC can be challenging. Tools like the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse or services such as Supervisory Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training ensure compliance at all levels of the organization. We take the complex out of compliance. Let our 30 years of experience be your peace of mind!!!
FMCSA Employers often ask, “Does every employer and driver need to register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse?” or “What’s required for the DOT Clearinghouse login for drivers?” Yes, every FMCSA Driver must register in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Driver who operates under FMCSA regulations should register in the Clearinghouse so they know when a new employer is requesting permission on a pre-employment query or be notified when a drug or alcohol violation occurs. Short take, Employers must register in the Clearinghouse and employees should register, however, there is no mandate.
Employer Peace of Mind with Workplace Screening Intelligence
With over 30 years of experience, Workplace Screening Intelligence provides technology and services to simplify compliance. From electronic ordering and tracking for screening processes to expert training, you’ll have complete oversight of your program.
Training for Safer Work Environments
Designated Employer Representative Training and Employee Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training are vital components of any drug-free workplace initiatives. Supervisors should:
- Complete training during hire
- Revisit training annually to reinforce best practices
Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training
- Complete During Hire
- Many Employers consider it a best practice to perform annually as it will likely cut down costly workplace accidents caused by impairment.
- Drugs and alcohol aren’t the only reason for impairment. Other impairment issues:
- Parents with deprived sleep
- Individuals on new medications
- Medication issues
- Employees with issues from the onsite of new health issues (i.e., diabetes).
Bottom line, removing impaired employees, whether drug and alcohol issues or other issues, will save the company financially with mistakes and costly accidents.
Specialized Health and Wellness Testing
Employers can expand services beyond standard clinical tests to include test that will identify new health issues before it becomes a problem with employee’s productivity or spikes in healthcare insurance rates:
- Complete Metabolic Profile – CMP
- Complete Blood Count – CBC
- Lipid/Cholesterol Testing
- Prostate Specific Antigen – PSA
- Other Testing
Additional Services:
Non DOT Physicals:
- 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
Titer Tests to evaluate immunity for specific diseases:
- Hepatitis A Titer
- Hepatitis B Titer
- Hepatitis C Titer
- Varicella Titer
- MMR Titer
- Measles Titer
- Mumps Titer
- Rubella Titer
What is a TB Test with blood?
The QuantiFERON TB Test, also known as the QuantiFERON Gold TB Test, is a blood test that screens for tuberculosis (TB). It measures the immune response to TB bacteria in the blood, providing a more accurate result than the traditional skin test.
By leveraging these advanced screening solutions, businesses can ensure compliance, enhance safety, and foster a healthier work environment. Ready to streamline your employee screening processes? Contact Workplace Screening Intelligence today!
The benefit of the QuantiFERON TB Test it only requires one visit to the lab collection site, in place of going to doctors office for two visits with traditional TB test.
These additional offerings help promote overall workplace health and safety.
For more information on Titer Testing: Titer Testing
What Employers Should Know
FAQs to Simplify the Process
- How do I find a drug test near me?
Utilize Workplace Screening Intelligence’s handy drug test collection site locator: Locations
- What is a 4 Panel Drug Screen?
A test that screens for four of the most common substances, typically PCP, cocaine, opiates, and amphetamines. Typically, this is a panel used for employers who prefer not to test for Marijuana or
- Does a drug test always occur with a DOT Physical?
Not necessarily. A DOT physical determines medical fitness, while a drug test checks for substance use. Both are critical for compliance. Typically, no drug test when an employee is getting recertified. However, for pre-employment, typically a drug test and physical are completed together.
- What Are Quaaludes?
Quaaludes are a brand name for methaqualone, a sedative-hypnotic drug that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Although it is no longer legally available in the United States, Quaaludes may still be encountered in some drug tests, particularly those that screen for a wide range of substances, like the 10-panel test.
- What are names of the FMCSA Clearinghouse that are commonly utilized in the FMCSA Industry:
- FMCSA Clearinghouse
- FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
- Clearinghouse FMCSA
- Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
- DOT Clearinghouse
- Clearinghouse
- Owner Operator FMCSA Clearinghouse
Why Workplace Screening Intelligence?
When employers need trusted services for compliance, safety, and drug screening, Workplace Screening Intelligence delivers:
- Electronic Tracking for seamless communication and tracking across the process stages
- Random Testing Consortia for regulated and non-regulated industries
- Superior Support with experienced MRO and compliance experts
Partner with us to safeguard your hiring practices while letting you focus on running your business. Make your workplace screening a hassle-free process.
If you’re looking for expertise and guidance in workplace drug testing, contact Workplace Screening Intelligence today and experience the confidence of state-of-the-art solutions. Together, we’ll ensure compliance and create a safe, drug-free work environment.
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/