Understanding the Benefits of Proctored Drug Screen Collections
Drug testing is a crucial element in today’s world, especially in certain industries like transportation and other safety-sensitive jobs. However, the key to drug testing is not only to conduct the test but also to ensure that the test is carried out efficiently and accurately. For this reason, many companies opt for proctored drug screen collections, which offer several advantages over standard collections. In this article, we’ll be discussing the benefits of proctored drug screen collections and why they could be a preferable option.
1. Proctored Collections
Proctored collections refer to drug screen collections that are done under the supervision of a trained individual. Proctored collections refer to an individual who is monitored virtually while they perform their oral fluid drug screen. This can be from anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet or mobile phone connection. When drug testing is done fairly and accurately, it ensures that employees who use drugs are not in positions where their impairment could cause an accident or harm to other employees and the public. There are many benefits to proctored collections which will be discussed during this blog post.
2. Benefits of Proctored Collections
One of the primary benefits of oral fluid drug screen proctored drug screen collections is that they are more secure than non-proctored urine drug screen collections. Proctored collections ensure that the sample is collected and tested accurately, with no possibility of tampering. In addition, proctored collections help to reduce the risk of litigation for employers. Since the sample is collected in front of a trained technician or nurse/medical assistant, it is witnessed and less likely to be questioned. With proctored collections, employers can have peace of mind, knowing that their employees have been tested for drug use in a reliable and trustworthy manner. Employers may also find the following reasons to perform a proctored oral fluid drug screen. Proctored collections are available 24 hours per day. Employees who can’t make a drug screen during work hours can be collected at any time. Cost savings are also enjoyed when you don’t have to pay the employee to drive to a collection site and/or while they wait to be collected. Employees that live in rural areas where drug screen collection sites aren’t available may also enjoy using oral fluid proctored collections as they won’t have to drive 25-50 miles to the nearest collection site.
3. Non-Regulated Drug Test
Proctored collections at this time can only be utilized for Non-Regulated drug testing. Non-regulated drug tests refer to drug tests that are not subject to any specific regulations, unlike those required by DOT regulations. Employers can use non-regulated drug tests for pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, follow-up testing, and more. Non-regulated drug tests aim to test employees for drugs, alcohol, and other substances that could impair their judgment and ability to perform their job duties. Non-regulated drug tests typically involve the collection of urine, hair or saliva and/or oral fluid samples, which are then sent to a laboratory for testing. DOT has passed regulations in 2023 that allow Oral fluid Testing or Saliva testing for DOT. Until the below 3 items are answered, no DOT collections can happen with oral fluid specimen:
- FDA must approve a Split Sample Collection Device.
- Two labs must be inspected and certified for Oral Fluid Drug Testing. They both must utilize the same oral fluid of saliva collection device in order to meet split specimen retesting guidelines.
- DOT collectors must be trained in oral fluid collections and then certified after performing Oral Fluid Mock collections. The mock collections must be witness by an individual who has 1 year experience in DOT oral fluid collections or by an individual who has successfully completed a Train the Trainer Course and has completed their mock collections successfully.
The questions everyone wants to know – when will the first DOT specimen be collected? Our best guess is the first quarter of 2025. The guestimate is because all three things must happen in order due to labs needing the FDA to clear a device in order to have reagents and devices to perform QA/QC and collectors need to know which device labs will use to perform mock collections successfully. Each collector will have to perform mock collections on every device utilized at their collection site or for on-site drug screen collections.
If you need Oral Fluid Mock Collections performed, please contact Workplace Screening Intelligence at 844-573-8378 or [email protected]
4. Medical Review Officer (MRO)
It is highly recommended that you utilize an MRO for Proctored drug screen collections. To ensure that drug tests are accurate, employers generally hire Medical Review Officers (MROs). MROs are licensed medical doctors who have specialized training and experience in drug testing. These professionals are responsible for evaluating drug testing results, determining whether there are any discrepancies or problems in the testing process. If there is a discrepancy, the MRO will notify the employer and the employee, giving them an opportunity to respond and explain the situation before any final determinations are made.
5. Drug Test Near Me
If you’re looking for a drug test near you, you have come to the right place. Workplace Screening Intelligence offers over 20,000 collection sites which are electronically enabled to allow your employee or applicant to be tested today. The locations will also be close to your workplace or their home. We also offer mobile drug testing services, where a trained technician comes to your workplace to conduct the tests.
Need to order a drug screen today? We have 20,000 locations near your workplace or your employee’s home. Contact our Knowledgeable Support Staff at 844-573-8378 or [email protected] or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/
6. Rapid Drug Screening
Yes, Rapid Oral Fluid Drug Screening is also offered via Proctored Collections. Oral Fluid Rapid testing devices come in a varied panels, however, the most popular is the rapid 5 panel drug screen. Rapid Drug screens allow the employer to know today if the drug screen is negative. Positives are sent to the lab for confirmation.
Key benefits of Proctored Drug Screen Collection:
- Every drug screen is virtually supervised. Cuts out cheaters.
- Drug Screens can be performed any time of the day or night.
- Idea for afterhours post-accident testing.
- Cost saving with employees driving to collection site and waiting for a drug screen.
- Rural employees will appreciate not having to drive 25 miles or more to find a collection site.
Proctored drug screen collections offer several benefits for employers, including improved accuracy, reduced risk of litigation, and greater security. Non-regulated drug tests can help employers test for drug use when regulations don’t apply. Employers can rely on Medical Review Officers (MROs) to ensure that any discrepancies or problems in the testing process are evaluated accurately. If you’re looking for a drug test near you, it’s important to choose a reputable company like Workplace Screening Intelligence that has the latest technology and equipment. By opting for drug testing solutions that offer the highest levels of security and accuracy, employers can ensure their employees are safe and performing at their best. If you are interested in Proctored Collections or need assistance with your drug free workplace program, please contact our Knowledgeable Support Staff at 844-573-8378 or [email protected] or press on link to order now: https://workplacescreening.com/order-here/