Your Guide to Titer Testing and Employee Screening
Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is a top priority for any employer. A comprehensive employee screening program is one of the most effective ways to achieve this, protecting your team and your business from potential risks. Whether you’re hiring new staff or maintaining compliance, understanding the various types of screening available is crucial.
This guide will walk you through key employee screening services, from immunity checks like titer testing to mandatory procedures like DOT drug tests. We’ll explore what these tests are, why they are important, and how you can easily implement them into your company’s protocols. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for building a robust screening program that keeps your business compliant and your workforce secure.
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.
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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/
For More Google Reviews: https://workplacescreening.com/testimonials/
The Foundation of a Safe Workplace: Employee Screening
Employee screening is a multi-faceted process designed to verify applicant information and ensure they meet the necessary health and safety standards for the job. This is particularly important in industries where employees are exposed to communicable diseases or operate in safety-sensitive roles.
A well-structured screening program helps you:
- Maintain a Safe Environment: Identify potential health and safety risks before they impact your workplace.
- Ensure Compliance: Adhere to federal, state, and industry-specific regulations, avoiding costly fines and legal issues.
- Boost Productivity: A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Screening helps minimize absenteeism due to illness.
- Protect Your Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to safety enhances your brand and makes you an employer of choice.
Workplace Screening Intelligence simplifies this entire process. Our electronic ordering and tracking system provides complete transparency, allowing you to monitor an applicant’s progress every step of the way. You’ll know when they arrive at the screening site, when a specimen is received by the lab, and when it’s under review, removing any doubt and streamlining your hiring timeline.
What is a Titer Test?
A titer test is a simple blood test that measures the level of specific antibodies in a person’s bloodstream. These antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight off diseases. The test determines if an individual has immunity to a particular illness, either from a previous vaccination or a past infection.
Why is Titer Testing Important for Employers?
For many professions, especially in healthcare, education, and childcare, proof of immunity to certain diseases is a mandatory requirement. Titer testing provides a definitive answer to whether an employee is protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Key benefits of incorporating titer testing include:
- Confirming Immunity: It verifies if an employee’s vaccinations are still effective or if a booster shot is needed.
- Preventing Outbreaks: Ensuring staff are immune to contagious diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella is vital for protecting both your employees and the public they serve.
- Meeting Compliance Standards: Many industries and institutions require proof of immunity as a condition of employment. Titer tests provide the necessary documentation.
Titer Testing Menu
Workplace Screening Intelligence offers a comprehensive menu of titer tests to meet the needs of various industries. Common titer tests include:
- Hepatitis A Titer – Detects antibodies indicating past infection or vaccination.
- Hepatitis B Titer – Checks for immunity to Hepatitis B and evaluates vaccine response.
- Hepatitis C Titer – Screens for past or present Hepatitis C infection.
- TransFERRON Gold TB Test – A modern tuberculosis screening method that detects TB exposure with high accuracy.
- Measles Titer – Verifies immunity to measles, often required for healthcare and school environments.
- Mumps Titer – Verifies immunity to mumps, often required for healthcare and school environments.
- Rubella Titer – Verifies immunity to rubella, often required for healthcare and school environments.
- MMR Titer – Verifies a combination of measles, mumps and rubella.
- Varicella Titer – Verifies immunity to varicella, often required for healthcare and school environments.
Understanding the Quantiferon TB Gold Test
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. Screening for TB is a standard requirement in many workplaces, particularly in healthcare and other congregate settings. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) test is a modern and highly accurate blood test used to detect TB infection.
Quantiferon Gold TB Test vs. T-Spot and Skin Tests
For decades, the tuberculin skin test (TST) was the standard for TB screening. However, blood tests like the QuantiFERON and T-Spot have become the preferred method for many organizations due to their distinct advantages.
- Accuracy: The TST can produce false positives, especially in individuals who have received the BCG vaccine for TB. The QuantiFERON test is more specific and not affected by prior BCG vaccination, reducing the likelihood of a false-positive result.
- Convenience: The QuantiFERON test requires only a single visit for a blood draw. In contrast, the TST requires two visits: one to administer the test and a second one 48 to 72 hours later to read the result. This makes blood tests more efficient for both employers and employees.
- Objectivity: The results of a skin test can be subjective, relying on a healthcare professional to measure the reaction size. The QuantiFERON test is an objective laboratory test, eliminating potential for human error in interpretation.
Both the QuantiFERON-TB Gold and T-Spot are Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs), but the QuantiFERON test is often chosen for its streamlined laboratory process.
For more info on Titer testing: Titer Testing
Comprehensive Drug Testing Programs
A drug-free workplace program is essential for maintaining safety, productivity, and employee well-being. Drug testing helps deter substance abuse and identifies individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others. Workplace Screening Intelligence provides both DOT and NON-DOT drug testing solutions to fit your company’s specific needs.
DOT Drug Test
For industries regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), drug and alcohol testing is mandatory. This includes sectors like trucking, aviation, rail, and public transit. DOT drug tests follow strict federal guidelines to ensure consistency and legal defensibility.
A standard DOT drug test is a 5-panel urine screen that checks for:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines (including methamphetamine and ecstasy)
- Opiates (including heroin, codeine, and morphine)
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- For more info on DOT Drug Test: Dot Drug Alcohol
NON DOT Drug Test
For businesses not regulated by the DOT, a NON-DOT drug testing program can be customized to meet specific company policies and state laws. These tests offer more flexibility in terms of what substances are screened for and the testing methods used (urine, hair, oral fluid).
Common NON-DOT panels include:
- 5-Panel Drug Screen: Similar to the DOT test, this is a popular choice for many employers. We also offer a 5-panel test that excludes THC, which is useful for companies in states where cannabis is legal.
- 10-Panel Drug Screen: Expands on the 5-panel test to include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqualone, methadone, and propoxyphene.
- Expanded Panels: We can screen for additional substances like fentanyl, buprenorphine, synthetic cannabinoids, and even steroids.
- Hair Testing: Provides a longer detection window (up to 90 days), making it effective for identifying habitual drug use.
- Instant Testing: Delivers negative results within hours, speeding up the hiring process.
- For more info on NON DOT Drug Test: For Non Dot
The Role of the Medical Review Officer (MRO)
A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a licensed physician who is responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory results from a drug testing program. The MRO plays a critical role in verifying test results. If a result is positive, the MRO contacts the employee to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation for the finding, such as a valid prescription. This crucial step protects both the employee and the employer, ensuring fairness and accuracy in the testing process.
Employee Physicals for a Fit-for-Duty Workforce
Physical examinations are another key component of employee screening, designed to ensure that an individual is physically capable of performing their job duties safely.
DOT Physicals
Drivers of commercial motor vehicles are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to pass a DOT physical exam. These exams must be conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry. The physical assesses a driver’s vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall physical health to confirm they can safely operate a commercial vehicle.
A DOT physical is a necessary step for maintaining a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). DOT Physicals must be repeated every two years. For those that have untreated health conditions, you may need to repeat your physical every 90-365 days.
For more info on DOT Physicals: Dot Physical
NON DOT Physicals
Many employers also require non-regulated physicals to ensure employees can meet the physical demands of their jobs. These can be tailored to the specific role, assessing factors like strength, stamina, and flexibility.
NON DOT Physical Menu:
- 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
For more info on NON DOT Physical: Non Dot Physical
Essential Employer Training Programs
A successful screening program goes beyond testing; it also involves educating your team. Workplace Screening Intelligence offers critical training programs to empower your supervisors and ensure compliance.
Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training
DOT regulations mandate that all supervisors of safety-sensitive employees receive training on the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol abuse. This training equips them to make objective, fact-based decisions when they suspect an employee is under the influence.
Even for NON-DOT employers, this training is a best practice. It is a cornerstone of maintaining a drug-free workplace, helping supervisors intervene before a potential issue leads to a costly accident. Training should be completed upon hiring a supervisor and refreshed annually. A one-year subscription to our Drug and Alcohol Supervisor Training is just $99.99 and covers all of your Supervisors.
For more info on Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training: Drug And Alcohol Awareness Training
Other Key Trainings
- DER Training: Training for the Designated Employer Representative (DER), the employee responsible for managing the company’s drug and alcohol testing program.
For more info on DER Training: Designated Employer Representative Training
- DOT Collector Training: For individuals who will be performing DOT specimen collections.
For more info on DOT Collector Training: Dot Oral Fluid Collector Training
Not So Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a test for myself?
Yes, individuals can order their own tests for personal, legal, or pre-employment purposes. You can easily order a test online and visit one of our thousands of collection sites.
How do I find a testing location near me?
Workplace Screening Intelligence has a network of over 20,000 electronically enabled collection sites across the country. You can easily find a convenient location for drug tests, physicals, and other screenings near your workplace or home using our online locations finder. This extensive network means you can order a test and have it completed the same day.
Need a drug test Near Me? Visit our handy drug screen locator: Locations
What happens if an employee’s test result is positive?
If a test result comes back positive, our MRO will contact the employee to determine if there’s a legitimate medical reason. If no valid explanation is provided, the MRO will report the result as positive to you, the employer. From there, you would follow your company’s established drug and alcohol policy. For DOT positives, you will be removed from your safety sensitive position and must complete Return to Duty Process before returning to work. For more info on Return to Duty Process: Return To Duty Process
What are the requirements for an FMCSA Employer to remain compliant?
MCSA Employer Responsibilities
DOT-regulated employers must:
- Follow the drug and alcohol testing procedures outlined in 49 CFR Part 40
- Develop and implement a compliant workplace drug and alcohol policy
- Maintain documentation for all prehire and ongoing compliance requirements, including:
- Application for employment
- Road test certificate
- Employment history and reference checks (3 years)
- Valid DOT medical certificate
- FMCSA Clearinghouse pre-employment query
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) checks (3 years)
- Pre-employment drug screen
Ongoing Requirements for FMCSA Compliance
To maintain compliance with FMCSA regulations, employers must:
- Conduct annual MVR reviews
- Complete annual Clearinghouse queries
- Ensure DOT physicals are current (every 24 months or sooner)
- Maintain enrollment in a certified random testing pool
- Assign and train a Designated Employer Representative (DER)
- Provide certified Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training
Let Our Experience Be Your Peace of Mind
Navigating the complexities of employee screening and compliance can be challenging. Federal and state regulations are constantly evolving, and managing a comprehensive program requires significant resources. With over 30 years of experience, Workplace Screening Intelligence is here to take the compliance burden off your shoulders.
We are more than just a service provider; we are your partner in creating a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace. Let us handle the compliance so you can focus on what you do best—running your business.
Ready to streamline your employee screening process? Contact our knowledgeable support staff at 844-573-8378 or order a test online today.
What Our Customers Say about WSI
SR gave us a 5 Star Google Review and said, CSS Lisa Friedman, is a gem! She is so helpful and kind. She takes her time and answers every question. She is a plethora of knowledge. It is very comforting to know you in good hands, with a professional!
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