OVERVIEW OF DRUG TESTING
Most common types of testing:
# Pre-employment, post-offer
# Reasonable suspicion/for cause
# Random
# Post-incident (must define injury, property damage)
# Return-to-duty
# Follow-up or periodic unannounced (must define in policy)
The U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT) requires the above-types of testing for most DOT regulated companies. Non-regulated companies may add other types of testing (i.e. pre-promotion, annual physical, etc.), as would be applicable for the company and in compliance with any state laws.
Standard illicit drug tests:
# 5-panel: marijuana, PCP , opiates, amphetamines, cocaine
# 10-panel: above 5 + barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqualone, methadone, & propoxyphene
# Alcohol
Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that the 5-panel screen and alcohol testing be used for all DOT regulated companies. Non-regulated companies may test for as many drugs as they wish as would be applicable for the company and in compliance with any state laws.
Specimens most-commonly used for testing:
# Urine (for illicit drugs)
# Breath (for alcohol testing)
# Blood (only in specific situations-rarely used)
# Hair (expected to be approved for DOT use)
# Oral fluids (expected to be approved for DOT use)
Testing process best-practices overview:
# Urine specimen given in a secured restroom, unobserved
# Chain-of-custody form and procedures used with any specimen
# Specimen screened for selected drugs
# If positive result on screening test, specimen goes to confirmatory testing
# Confirmatory testing uses a different chemical method
# If confirmed positive, reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO)
DOT testing and some state laws require use of the above-listed procedures and an MRO.
C. E. Edwards
Arizona H.I.D.T.A., Demand-Reduction Program Drug-Free Workplaces, Schools & Communities
Drug Testing - English Overview