Understanding Non Contact Positive Results: A Comprehensive Guide for Employers and Transportation Professionals
As an employer or transportation professional, ensuring the safety of your workforce is of the utmost importance. With an increasing number of employees using drugs, it becomes challenging to maintain the integrity of your drug testing program. The role of a Medical Review Officer (MRO) becomes crucial in this regard. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of Non Contact Positive results, the role of MROs, and how it affects non-DOT drug testing, 5 panel, 10 panel, and DOT drug tests, and the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
1. Understanding Non Contact Positive Results: Non Contact Positive refers to a drug test result that indicates drug use, but no contact between the donor and the Medical Review Officer. The MRO is responsible for investigating the result and ensure that the result is accurate. This type of result is prevalent in non-DOT drug testing and Dot Drug testing where the MRO (Medical Review Officer) contacts the donor 3 times within a 24 hour period to interview as to why the donor is positive. MRO interview will determine if there is a legitimate explanation as to why the donor is positive. When the donor doesn’t return the call, the MRO results the specimen as a non-contact positive.
2. The Role of the Medical Review Officer: The MRO is a licensed physician responsible for reviewing and interpreting drug test results. Their primary role is to determine whether the test results indicate drug use and, if so, to report it to employers. In the case of a non-contact positive, the MRO has the ability to change the result to either a positive or negative drug screen if the donor contacts them at a later time.
3. Non DOT Drug Testing, 5 panel, and 10 panel drug test: Non-DOT drug testing is becoming increasingly popular as more employers seek to maintain a drug-free workforce. Non-DOT drug tests are customized tests that may include multiple drugs, depending on the employer’s specifications and the MRO’s recommendation. 5-panel and 10-panel drug tests are common packages that cover a variety of commonly abused drugs. The 5-panel test screens for – cocaine, marijuana, PCP, amphetamines, and opioids. The 10-panel test covers benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene, and methaqualone, in addition to the five drugs in the 5-panel test.
4. DOT Drug Testing and the FMCSA Clearinghouse: The DOT mandates drug and alcohol testing for all safety-sensitive employees under the FMCSA Clearinghouse regulations. The DOT testing is a five-panel test and is highly regulated. The test must be conducted in a specific manner, using authorized collections and testing labs, utilizing specific forms, and overseen by a qualified MRO. If a result is positive, the MRO must ensure that the result is valid, investigate any medications the donor may be taking, and determine if there was any reasonable explanation for the test to show positive. The Medical Review Officer reports all positive drug screens to the Clearinghouse FMCSA, including non-contact positives.
As an employer or transportation professional, it is essential to stay up-to-date with drug testing regulations and guidelines. Hiring a licensed MRO and staying updated with non-contact positive results and the FMCSA Clearinghouse regulations can help you maintain a drug-free workforce. Remember that drug testing programs are designed to promote safety in the workplace and prevent substance abuse, so adequate and proper drug testing measures can help you create a safer environment for everyone.
If you need assistance with your Drug Free Workplace or need to order a drug test or physical today, contact our knowledgeable Support Team at 844-573-8378 or [email protected]