DOT Random Testing
The U.S. DOT requires that all safety-sensitive employees should be enrolled in a random drug and alcohol testing program – and failing to comply can result in fines and penalties. Depending on the industry, some employees may only be subject to random drug testing. For example, USCG & PHMSA do not perform random alcohol tests.
Random DOT Testing Requirements
Employers must use a truly random selection process for these test – and employees must be notified just prior to the testing event. Failure to show up for a test, interfering with the process, or trying to cheat it can be considered a refusal to test. The random testing process includes:
- An annual random selection of employees (known as a DOT Consortium)
- DOT-regulated employees required to participate
- Supervision training
- Becoming knowledgeable of DOT Drug & Alcohol policies
Also, a complete DOT compliance package includes:
- DOT Consortium Membership
- DOT Drug Test
- DOT Drug & Alcohol Policy
- Supervision Training
- Certificate of Compliance
- DOT Notifications
Information On This Topic
Understanding Drug Testing Types, Methods and Specimen Collection
Examining the wide assortment of drug testing options available and exploring the potential pros and cons of each method
There are several reasons or circumstances that can lead to the necessity of a drug test.
Why do businesses need Random Drug Tests
Do you remember the last time you applied for a new job? Or perhaps you are a hiring manager at the business who has accepted many applications and interviewed potential hires. One common part of the hiring process is the pre-employment drug test. No matter what side of the process you are on, this drug test is designed to ensure that the company ends up with the best employees possible who will be able to perform their duties safely and successfully.
Prescription Drug Abuse Signs, Symptoms and Statistics
Prescription drug abuse implies taking prescription medication was not given to you by the doctor, or taking your prescription medication in a manner that differs from the instructions. While taking prescription medication is not perceived as equivalent to taking illegal street drugs, the consequences can be equally harsh
Regarding DOT random testing requirements, as of January 1, 2022 the following chart shows the annual minimum drug & alcohol random testing rates established with DOT Agencies:
DOT Agency | Random Drug Testing Rate | Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
---|---|---|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) | 50% | 10% |
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | 25% | 10% |
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) | 25% - Covered Service 25% Maintenance of way |
10% - Covered Service 10% - Maintenance of Way |
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) | 50% | 10% |
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) | 50% | Not Applicable |
United States Coast Guard (USCG) (now with the Dept. of Homeland Security) | 50% | Not Applicable |
Please note: Employers (and C/TPAs) subject to more than one DOT agency drug and alcohol testing rule may continue to combine covered employees into a single random selection pool. USCG covered employees may be combined with DOT covered employees in drug testing pools even though the USCG is now part of the Department of Homeland Security.
Be prepared for your drug test!
- Bring your Government Issued Picture ID
- Bring Drug Test Paperwork or Authorization
- Complete TSL Intake Form & HIPAA Disclosure
- Pay for your test on site
- Make sure you are hydrated if you are performing a Urine Test
- Expect to have your nail polish removed if getting a Nail Drug Test
- We do not need your prescription information but a Medical Review Officer (MRO) may contact you after collection to verify your medications.
- For urine testing, plan on arriving 3 hours before we close (1 hr minimum) to provide a cushion of time for a shy bladder situation.
- For hair testing, be sure to dry your hair completely before arriving.
- For nail testing, be sure to clean your nails with soap and water before arriving. Also, artificial nails and polish must be removed.
What Are Your Hours?
- All Test Smartly Labs are open Monday through Friday, from 9am - 5pm
Do We Need To Have An Appointment?
- No appointment is required to come into our labs, and all of our locations are on a walk-in basis. However, it is recommended you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing. If your situation requires special time considerations, please call us to determine if it would be better to arrange an appointment time.
Do I Need Doctors’ Orders For Testing?
- No doctors’ orders needed, we are a Direct-Access Testing Center. You are encouraged to consult your medical professional with your lab test results.
What’s The Turnaround Time For Lab Work?
- Average turnaround time is 2-5 business days depending on the complexity of the lab work. Most tests are available in 2-3 days.
Do You Need A List Of My Medications For A Drug Test?
- Per protocol, the lab techs are not allowed to receive or ask for your medications. A medical review officer or MRO, a licensed physician who specializes in toxicology, will call you and ask for your medications and your physician’s phone number if it’s detected in your sample during testing. The MRO will then call your physician to verify your medications.
DOT Drug Tests Are Required in the Following Situations
- Pre-employment for safety-sensitive individuals
- Reasonable suspicion, in case employers suspect that an employee is under the influence of drugs,
- Random tests performed quarterly.
- Return-to-duty testing, which is required after a violation of drug and/or alcohol regulations. An employee isn’t allowed to return to work before being tested and may be subject to unannounced testing 6 times in the first year.
- Follow-up testing after return-to-duty in addition to other DOT required tests
- Post-accident testing – in case the employee is involved in an accident involving certain DOT criteria. The alcohol test must be undertaken within 8 hours after the accident, and the drug test within 32 hours.
Depending on the gravity of the situation and the company’s policy, the employee may lose their certification/license. An employer can implement a separate company drug screening policy that tests for additional drugs.
However, drivers are allowed to use prescription drugs if certain conditions are met, the substance is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner, and it doesn’t affect the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle. In case the authorized medical practitioner prescribes the medication without being aware of the subject’s assigned duties, the exception to the rule doesn’t apply, even if the medication is obtained legally.
Our Popular Products
DOT (Dept of Transportation) Drug Test Panel
Price: $69 / Online Prepay Price: $67 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
DOT US Coast Guard (USCG) Drug Test Panel
Price: $89 / Online Prepay Price: $87 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
DOT (Dept of Transportation) Breath Alcohol Test
Price: $45 / Online Prepay Price: $39 Step 1: Choose a Testing Center location Step 2: Select desired appointment date & time Step 3: Choose "Online Prepay" to receive lowest price OR, select "Pay In-person" option for standard pricing Step 4: Complete the required fields and get tested
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Test Smartly Labs ofOverland Park6600 College Blvd, Suite 205
Overland Park, KS 66211,
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