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Accredited Drug Testing Voted “Top 10 Recommended Drug Testing Provider”

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Accredited Drug Testing has been voted one of the Top 10 recommended drug testing providers in the nation for pre-employment screening.
Accredited Drug Testing, one of the Nation's leading providers of drug, alcohol, and DNA testing has been voted a Top 10 Recommended Pre-Employment Screening Provider in the United States by ES Professional Services Magazine.

Accredited Drug Testing was recognized for its exceptional customer service, expertise in the drug and alcohol testing industry and its significant growth in 2019. With drug testing centers in most cities throughout the United States including Orlando, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York City, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Nashville and Miami, Accredited Drug Testing provides testing services for employers including small, medium and large companies who need a pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion or post-accident drug test and for individuals or families needing a drug test for court-ordered purposes or personal reasons.

Company President, James A. Greer, stated, We are honored to have been selected as one of the top 10 drug testing providers in the Nation and this recognition is shared by all of our employees from the scheduling department to the drug testing collectors and all team members who serve our customers.

Greer, who has been in the drug testing business since the early 90's, is recognized as an expert in the drug and alcohol testing industry and is a graduate of the Prestigious Cornell University's Executive Leadership Program. Greer also currently serves as the Chairman of the National Alcohol and Drug Screening Association (NDASA).

Accredited Drug Testing also specializes in providing US Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing for employees designated as safety-sensitive such as truck drivers, airline pilots, train engineers and mariners regulated by the US Coast Guard. The company's commitment to exceptional customer service includes the availability to schedule a drug or alcohol test by phone or online 24/7 and the fact that all employees are thoroughly trained in DOT and NON-DOT testing requirements and the overall company philosophy that serving their clients in a friendly and professional manner is the number one priority.

To read more about Accredited Drug Testing being selected as one of the Top 10 Pre-employment Screening Companies click here to read the whole story!

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The question is often asked, “what happens if I refuse a DOT drug test?”

Let's be clear on what it means to refuse a DOT drug test before diving into what happens afterward. According to DOT Rule 49 CFR Part 40 Section 40.191, an employee has refused to take a drug test if you:

  1. Fail to appear for any test (except a pre-employment test) within a reasonable time, as determined by the employer, consistent with applicable DOT agency regulations, after being directed to do so by the employer. This includes the failure of an employee (including an owner-operator) to appear for a test when called by a C/TPA (see 40.61(a));
  2. Fail to remain at the testing site until the testing process is complete; Provided, That an employee who leaves the testing site before the testing process commences (see 40.63(c)) for a pre-employment test is not deemed to have refused to test;
  3. Fail to provide a urine specimen for any drug test required by this part or DOT agency regulations; Provided, That an employee who does not provide a urine specimen because he or she has left the testing site before the testing process commences (see 40.63(c)) for a pre-employment test is not deemed to have refused to test;
  4. In the case of a directly observed or monitored collection in a drug test, fail to permit the observation or monitoring of your provision of a specimen (see 40.67(l) and 40.69(g));
  5. Fail to provide a sufficient amount of urine when directed, and it has been determined, through a required medical evaluation, that there was no adequate medical explanation for the failure (see 40.193(d)(2));
  6. Fail or decline to take an additional drug test the employer or collector has directed you to take (see, for instance, 40.197(b));

7. Fail to undergo a medical examination or evaluation, as directed by the MRO as part of the verification process, or as directed by the DER under 40.193(d). In the case of a pre-employment drug test, the employee is deemed to have refused to test on this basis only if the pre-employment test is conducted following a contingent offer of employment. If there was no contingent offer of employment, the MRO will cancel the test; or

8. Fail to cooperate with any part of the testing process (e.g., refuse to empty pockets when directed by the collector, behave in a confrontational way that disrupts the collection process, fail to wash hands after being directed to do so by the collector).

9. For an observed collection, fail to follow the observer's instructions to raise your clothing above the waist, lower clothing and underpants, and to turn around to permit the observer to determine if you have any type of prosthetic or other device that could be used to interfere with the collection process.

10. Possess or wear a prosthetic or other device that could be used to interfere with the collection process.

11. Admit to the collector or MRO that you adulterated or substituted the specimen.

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Once the MRO reviews and verifies that a DOT employee has refused a DOT drug test, the employer or TPA will immediately remove the employee from performing the safety-sensitive function until successful completion of the return-to-duty process with a qualified substance abuse professional.

This means that if you are a truck driver, you will no longer be driving your truck until you meet with a substance abuse professional, they evaluate you, prescribe you a course of treatment and you complete this return-to-duty process at your own cost.

*You will be drug tested at least 6 times in the next 12 months, and up to 60 months.

If you would like to know more about refusing a DOT drug test, please give our office a call at 800-221-4291!

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What Drug Test Panel Should I Choose?

Many employers and individuals do not know which drug test is right for them. Listed below, you will find information regarding the most popular drug test panels available.

5 Panel

A 5 panel drug test is still the most common available. Currently, the 5 panel urine drug test is the only panel currently used for testing by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

What Is Tested In a 5 Panel?

A 5 panel screens for the following substances:

  1. Marijuana
  2. Cocaine
  3. Phencyclidine
  4. Amphetamines – Methamphetamine, MDMA & MDA
  5. Opiods- codeine, heroin, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone & hydromorphone

10 Panel

As we continue to explore options for drug testing, it is important to note that a 10 and 12 panel drug test will always include the drugs tested in a 5 panel. These tests are more common when looking for something specific not included in a standard 5 panel.

What Is Tested In a 10 Panel?

The drugs tested in a10 panel urine drug test include:

  • Amphetamines
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • MDA
  • Methadone
  • Methaqualone
  • Opiates
  • PCP
  • Propoxyphene

What Is Tested In a 12 Panel?

The 12 Panel is on of the most comprehensive options available that screens for:

  • Amphetamines
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • MDA
  • Methadone
  • Methaqualone
  • Tramadol
  • Demerol
  • Opiates
    • Codeine
    • Morphine
    • 6 AM Heroine
    • Hydrocodone
    • Hydromorphone
    • Vicodin
    • Lortab
    • Lorcet
    • Dilaudid
    • Oxymorphone
    • Oxycodone
  • PCP
  • Propoxyphene

What other drug test panels are available?

Employers and sometimes individuals continuously look for ways to expand their drug test panel. Employers will often customize their drug drug testing program to keep their workplace productive, healthy employees and to promote a safe working environment. If you are in need of a customized drug testing option, call us today at (800)221-4291 and speak with our customer service team.

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Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse

As expected, as teens enter high school, and sometimes even middle school, they are likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Maybe they saw their parents drinking and wanted to try it, or maybe a friend offered them some marijuana and they gave in to peer pressure. Either way, the reality of the matter is that more and more teens are becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol.

The Effects of Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse on the Brain

According to Dr. Kevin Wandler, Chief Medical Officer, Advanced Recovery Systems, Teens have chemically naïve brains that have not been exposed to drugs or alcohol. The neurochemical effects that they get are more intense than folks older than 25. With that being said, it is the harsh reality that as the children grow older, the brain will begin to develop unevenly due to the drastic effect of drugs and alcohol. This may cause a negative effect on the child's memory, ability to respond to stimuli, and develop an addiction much easier than that of a child who has never used drugs.

Fast Facts About Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse

  • In 2017, about one in four high school seniors used an illicit drug, such as heroin or marijuana, in the past 30 days.
  • In 2015, more than 770 teens aged 15 to 19 died of drug overdose
  • According to results from the 2017 Monitoring the Future survey, 45 percent of teens have tried marijuana once in their life by 12th grade.
  • The report found that 33.2 percent of 12th-graders, 19.7 percent of 10th-graders and 8 percent of eighth-graders reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days.
  • One in 10 teens in high school drinks and drives.
  • More than 1.4 million adolescents ages 12 to 17 needed treatment for an illicit drug problem in 2016.

How To Get Your Teen Drug and Alcohol Tested

Accredited Drug Testing offers urine, blood, hair and oral saliva drug and alcohol testing for minors, with parental consent. If you suspect your teen may be using drugs or alcohol, please give our office a call at 800-221-4291, so we can schedule the right test for you!

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It is very important to watch the contents that you put into your body, but even more important once you become pregnant. Studies have shown that once a woman uses drugs during pregnancy, she becomes a higher risk for a miscarriage, premature labor, fetal death and even maternal death. Some common drugs and their harmful effects are listed below:

Marijuana

  • What happens when a pregnant woman smokes marijuana? Marijuana crosses the placenta to your baby. Marijuana, like cigarette smoke, contains toxins that keep your baby from getting the proper supply of oxygen that he or she needs to grow.
  • How can marijuana affect the baby? Studies of marijuana in pregnancy are inconclusive because many women who smoke marijuana also use tobacco and alcohol. Smoking marijuana increases the levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in the blood, which reduces the oxygen supply to the baby. Smoking marijuana during pregnancy can increase the chance of miscarriage, low birth weight, premature births, developmental delays, and behavioral and learning problems.

Cocaine

  • What happens when a pregnant woman consumes cocaine ? Cocaine crosses the placenta and enters your baby's circulation. The elimination of cocaine is slower in a fetus than in an adult. This means that cocaine remains in the baby's body much longer than it does in your body.

  • How can cocaine affect my baby? According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), during the early months of pregnancy cocaine exposure may increase the risk of miscarriage. Later in pregnancy, cocaine use can cause placental abruption, which can lead to severe bleeding, preterm birth, and fetal death. OTIS also states that the risk of birth defects appears to be greater when the mother has used cocaine frequently during pregnancy. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecology (ACOG), women who use cocaine during their pregnancy have a 25 % increased chance of premature labor. Babies born to mothers who use cocaine throughout their pregnancy may also have a smaller head and be growth restricted. Babies who are exposed to cocaine later in pregnancy may be born dependent and suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sleeplessness, muscle spasms, and feeding difficulties. Some experts believe that learning difficulties may result as the child gets older. Defects of the genitals, kidneys, and brain are also possible.

Heroin

  • What happens when a pregnant woman uses heroin? Heroin is a very addictive drug that crosses the placenta to the baby. Because this drug is so addictive, the unborn baby can become dependent on the drug.
  • How can heroin affect my baby? Using heroin during pregnancy increases the chance of premature birth, low birth weight, breathing difficulties, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), bleeding within the brain (intracranial hemorrhage), and infant death. Babies can also be born addicted to heroin and can suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, convulsions, diarrhea, fever, sleep abnormalities, and joint stiffness. Mothers who inject narcotics are more susceptible to HIV, which can be passed to their unborn children.

Methamphetamine

  • What happens when a pregnant woman takes methamphetamine? Methamphetamine is chemically related to amphetamine, which causes the heart rate of the mother and baby to increase.
  • How can methamphetamine affect my baby: Taking methamphetamine during pregnancy can result in problems similar to those seen with the use of cocaine in pregnancy. The use of speed can cause the baby to get less oxygen, which can lead to low birth weight. Methamphetamine can also increase the likelihood of premature labor, miscarriage, and placental abruption. Babies can be born addicted to methamphetamine and suffer withdrawal symptoms that include tremors, sleeplessness, muscle spasms, and feeding difficulties. Some experts believe that learning difficulties may result as the child gets older.

If you, or someone you know, would like to know more about how drug usage can affect a pregnant woman or their unborn child, please give Accredited Drug Testing a call at 800-221-4291

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Pre-employment Marijuana

As we have seen many states follow in Nevada's footsteps in legalizing marijuana, Nevada is now the first state in the country to ban employers from testing for marijuana. If an employee tests positive for marijuana in the state of Nevada, the employer can't do anything about it. We are now at a total of 11 states, Illinois being the most recent state to legalize marijuana. Marijuana is still currently classified as a Schedule I substance at the federal level.

There are limitations to Nevada's law, however. Per CBS News, those with public safety jobs like firefighters and emergency medical workers, as well as those who operate vehicles, are exempt from the law, which takes effect next year.

As our legal cannabis industry continues to flourish, it's important to ensure that the door of economic opportunity remains open for all Nevadans. That's why I was proud to sign AB132 into law, which contains common-sense exceptions for public safety and transportation professionals, Gov. Steve Sisolak said when signing the law.

Excluding Marijuana

Also, a similar law was passed by the New York City Council this spring. The state of Maine prohibits employers, schools and landlords from discriminating against those who use marijuana, but there's no drug testing law. We are starting to see many employers nationwide requesting for drug tests that exclude THC. In a competitive labor market, employers are looking to remove marijuana from pre-employment drug screening policy's to widen candidate pools. Major company such as, Citigroup is considering changing its screening policy for marijuana, per Business Insider.

According to Quest Diagnostics, marijuana is most often found during pre-employment screenings, court ordered, probation etc. About 2.8 percent of urine tests used by workplaces detected the presence of marijuana, reports USA Today. Quest Diagnostics also has found marijuana use since 2014 is up 16 percent among U.S. workers, and up 24 percent among those in safety-sensitive jobs like pilots or train operators, reports Business Insider.

Experts have said that there is not much of a connection between pre-employment drug testing and improved employee performance, per Business Insider. Business Insider also stated, such testing might keep some employees from applying to companies that require it. In addition, urine tests are not the most accurate when it comes to drug results, it can show the presence of THC even if marijuana wasn't ingested recently or regularly.

The National Law Review notes the Nevada law doesn't apply if in conflict with the provisions of collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts, or to positions funded by federal grants. The law also allows for exemptions for positions an employer has determined could adversely affect the safety of others, so companies are advised to review job descriptions with that in mind, per the National Law Review.

Marijuana Testing

New York City's recently passed law also has a number of exemptions, including law enforcement officers; some construction or maintenance jobs; employees required to have a commercial driver's license; those supervising children, medical patients or those with disabilities.

Quest Diagnostics found marijuana positivity rates rose at least 20 percent from 2015 to 2017 for workers in transportation, construction and manufacturing industries, per Business Insider. Post-accident urine test positives shot up 81 percent between 2014 and 2018.

We are noticing many changes in testing for marijuana, however it is very important to have exemptions in these new laws for all safety sensitive occupations. As the legalization laws keep expanding throughout the nation, so will the drug testing policy's. The end of pre-employment testing for marijuana could be on the horizon, but not for everyone there will always be exemptions for using marijuana.

If you need to order a drug test with or without THC give us a call today at (800) 221-4291 or visit our website at www.Accrediteddrugtesting.com

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Drug and Workplace Safety

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The U.S. Department of Labor and the National Institute on Drug Abuse have found that employees who suffer from drug or alcohol dependency are nearly three times more likely to either cause or personally experience an injury-related absence from work.

By James A. Greer l Jun 01, 2019

With the rise of unions in the 1800s and the industrial revolution, workplace safety became a rallying cry for workers, particularly in areas such as coal mining, manufacturing, and other employment venues where potential safety hazards existed. While labor movements in Europe were the originators of promoting workplace safety, these efforts eventually made their way to the United States and after years of injuries and fatalities in the American workforce, state and local governments began responding to workers’ demands to regulate the workplace and ensure safe workplace environments.

The need for workplace safety in the United States at its beginning primarily focused on equipment and the conditions of the physical workplace. While those issues remain important, a new culprit affecting workplace safety has arrived in force, and the culprit is drugs and drug use by employees.

Over the last 40 years, the U.S. government, law enforcement, and academics have conducted research, including direct observations of the effect of drug use, including illegal substances and prescription medications, on the human brain. And in most cases, the evidence has been clear: When a person is under the influence of a drug, whether for medical purposes or recreational use, the reflexes slow down, the ability to make rational decisions is negatively impacted, and the user can in many cases subject others to unsafe circumstances or environments that can cause injury and even a fatality.

In the 1980s, the U.S. government recognized this issue and formally adopted drug testing for the U.S. military, federal contractors, and, ultimately in 1991, the U.S. Congress passed the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act, which required all agencies under the U.S. Department of Transportation to implement drug and alcohol testing for employees of the nation’s transportation industry who performed safety-sensitive functions. This effort by Congress was in response to several well-known tragic accidents that resulted in injury and death where the use of illegal controlled substances was determined to be the cause.

While Congress mandated drug testing for the nation’s transportation industry, many employers adopted the philosophy that drug testing employees provides greater workplace safety along with other benefits. Recent statistics estimate that 14.8 million Americans use illegal drugs, and 70 percent of them are employed. Furthermore, a significant percentage of this drug usage occurs at work, or the employees are high when they arrive to their workplace.

These statistics clearly show the potential for a workplace injury, particularly in the areas of transportation, manufacturing, and heavy equipment operation. The need to conduct drug and alcohol testing is crucial to providing a safe environment for employees. The U.S. Department of Labor and the National Institute on Drug Abuse also have found that employees who suffer from drug or alcohol dependency are nearly three times more likely to either cause or personally experience an injury-related absence from work.

The benefits for an employer who chooses a drug-free workplace are numerous and can include a reduction in the employee turnover rate, a reduction in workplace incidents or accidents, improved employee morale, and in many cases a reduction of insurance premiums as it relates to the operations of the business. Furthermore, drug use has a direct impact on violence and criminal behavior, which also can impact workplace safety. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that adults between the ages of 18 to 49 who use marijuana or cocaine were much more likely to commit crimes of all types than those who do not use these illegal substances.

Turning Back the Clock?

In recent years a discussion has begun in which drug-free workplace testing is being questioned. Many who oppose an employer’s right to perform drug tests fail to recognize that drug testing directly impacts the ability of an employer in providing a safe workplace for his or her employees. These efforts to limit or eliminate workplace drug testing either choose to ignore or are unaware of how workplace safety became an important part of our nation’s historical employer/employee relationship.

Eliminating drug testing in the workplace will not only place employees at risk, but it will turn back more than 100 years of efforts made to protect our nation’s workforce and meet the commitments that employers made to their hard-working employees that safety is our priority.

For employers who have or are considering relaxing their workplace drug testing programs as a result of recent changes in how various states respond to individual marijuana use, there must be a clear understanding of two major impacts, which are:

  • The culpability the employer will face by putting its non-drug using workforce in jeopardy of injury
  • The risks/costs associated with assuming 100 percent liability for any and all workplace accidents caused by employee substance use

Marijuana is Not Safe for Work

The trend toward relaxing drug policies stems from a tendency to view some substances as more or less harmful than others. The reality is, any impairment of any kind is unsafe. That having been said, let’s consider the issues surrounding employee marijuana use. While it makes for good political sound bites to say that marijuana is “safe,” the harsh reality is that today’s marijuana products are anywhere between 10 and 50 times more powerful than the same drug used in the 1970s-1980s. Any training that helps supervisors detect the signs and symptoms of employee drug use means they will spend a significant amount of time explaining how employees who use marijuana have difficulty learning and retaining new information, trouble with multi-divided attention tasks, struggle with time and distance tracking, can display hallucinatory behaviors, and could be at-risk for psychotic breaks. Does this sound “safe” for the workplace?

We are in an era where some employers choose to ignore substance use that could cause significant damageat their own expensesimply because it is a political hot button. This simply is not a wise fiscal decision, nor is it a policy that respects the safety of the workforce.

While some states have changed laws pertaining to workplace drug testing, none of these current laws prevents an employer from having a workplace drug testing policy and enforcing a drug-free workplace. While changing marijuana laws happens to be what is currently trending, the parameters for safety must stand true and will outlast the momentary hoopla of popularizing this particular drug of choice.

Workplace drug testing should be used as a deterrent to drug use, with a positive focus on detecting when an individual needs help with their sobriety as well as reminders of the importance of staying safety-focused at all times. At the end of the day, employees may not realize the value in it, but drug testing is part of their individual rights to safety in the workplace, yet it is the employer’s responsibility to protect and keep those rights fully intact.

References
1. U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics-Drug and Crime Data
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse
3. U.S. Department of Labor
4. U.S. Department of Transportation

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This is the question that many people ask due to the rise in recreational and medical marijuana. With many states beginning to legalize the drug it has has caused many issues in the workplace for employees and employers. The controversy is that employers have to ask themselves is marijuana use affecting job safety and should it be allowed even with a prescription?

Marijuana Controversy

Christine Clearwater, president of Drug-free Solutions Group, specializes in substance abuse prevention in the workplace. She says marijuana legalization should not lead to more lenient employer drug policies. She also states that, the highly politicized battle over marijuana laws can drown out statistics employers need to be aware of:

  • Car crashes involving marijuana went up 300% between 2010 and 2013, and they continue to rise as more states legalize the drug
  • Marijuana is 10 to 20 times stronger today than it was in the 1960s and ’70s
  • Marijuana is an addictive drug

It is very important for employers to issue a drug policy based on the safety of employees, not based off of legal or ethical concerns. Having a drug policy in tact is a very important business decision, it ensures that the employer will not be held accountable over an employee under the influence in the workplace. Accredited Drug Testing offers Drug Free Work Place policy's customized the each company and their needs.

Marijuana And Job Safety

The substance THC in marijuana affects many necessary job related skills such as, perception, reaction time, coordination and more. Many people with safe-sensitive positions such as, operating machinery or company vehicles are at a higher risk if under the influence.

According to a study reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, employees who tested positive for marijuana had 55% more industrial accidents, 85% more injuries and 75% greater absenteeism compared to those who tested negative. Also impacting the workplace:

  • Decreased productivity
  • Increased worker compensation and unemployment compensation claims
  • High turnover
  • Lawsuits

These are the top 4 things that employers don't want or try to avoid. About 1/6 employees has a substance abuse problem. This is why a Drug Free Workplace policy is crucial, not only helps the employers but also helps keep the safety of all employees.

Challenges Of Medical Marijuana

Many medical marijuana-using employees have legally challenged their employers due to a positive drug test result, even when they are prescribed for it. Some states such as, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine and Rhode Island, protect employee rights against disciplinary action for medical marijuana use. However, marijuana is still illegal according to federal law, which classifies it as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Federal law supersedes state law. Important things to know about medical marijuana:

  • The Americans with Disabilities Actalso sides with the employer when it comes to medical marijuana
  • Most states will not pay worker compensation to an employee who was under the influence at the time of an accident
  • Most state health insurance programs will not pay for medical marijuana.

Drug Free Work Place Tips

Marijuana is the most frequently used drug of abuse in the United States and the drug most often detected in workplace drug testing. In 2014, about 6.8 million adults ages 18 to 25 (19.6%) and about 13.5 million adults ages 26 and older (6.6%) used marijuana. A solid workplace drug policy can go a long way to keeping a company drug-free.

  • Issue quarterly random drug tests to employees, that way you ensure the employees are drug-free all year round.
  • Expand the drug testing panel more than just the 5-panel standard. You can even customize your own panel.
  • Offer hair drug test instead of a urine drug test to ensure more accurate results and a further detection period.
  • Lastly, make sure to have a strong policy enact that management can enforce.

The health and safety of employees is dependent on the employer, therefore it is the employers responsibility to provide a Drug Free Work Place Policy. Everything you need listed above can be provided by Accredited Drug Testing. Visited accrediteddrugtesting.com for more information or call 800-221-4291.

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Free Test Program

Terms and Conditions

Accredited Drug Testing understands that many Federal Government employees have been required to seek other private employment opportunities due to the Federal Government Shutdown. In an effort to assist those Federal Government Employees with the financial hardship incurred, Accredited Drug Testing will provide any Federal Government current employee one drug or alcohol test at no charge when required to self-pay by an employer.

The following conditions apply:

  • Employees eligible to receive this free test must be current Federal Government Employees and must scan or fax proof of Federal Government Employment (Pay stub, Federal ID).
  • Drug or alcohol tests may be scheduled for the following purposes: pre-employment, random, post-accident. This program will not apply to reasonable suspicion testing.
  • Tests may be scheduled at available testing centers Nationwide (in-network).
  • Federal Government Employees who have been required to seek full or part-time employment from non-government agencies may utilize the free test provided they have shown proof that they are a Federal Government Employee affected by the Government shutdown and required to self-pay for the test.
  • Free testing only applies to urine and breath alcohol methods. Hair testing will be discounted by 50% of the standard fee, if required. No other discounts are provided for other testing methods or services.
  • All terms and conditions are final, and this program has no cash value and Accredited Drug Testing reserves the right to make all final decisions regarding eligibility. This program and offer will end upon the reopening of the United States Federal Government ( shutdown ends).

To schedule a drug or alcohol test in conjunction with this program, please call 1-800-221-4291.

It is our hope that all Federal Government Employees return to work soon, and this program will assist in some small way.

James A. Greer, CPCT

President/CEO

Accredited Drug Testing, Inc.

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DOT Drug Testing Orlando

Random Drug and Alcohol Consortium

RANDOM DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAM

(As required by 49 CFR Part 40)

FOR

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
Pipeline & Hazardous Material Administration (PHMSA) Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

Accredited Drug Testing Inc (ADT) serves as a consortium / third party administrator (C/TPA) which manages the entire random pool/Consortium for DOT regulated companies and DOT covered safety sensitive employees. The random testing consortium is cost effective and complies with all requirements of DOT 49 CFR Part 40 which mandates that all safety sensitive employees be enrolled in a random drug and alcohol testing program.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has strict regulations requiring regulated companies and independent operators (CDL License Holders) be a member of a random drug and alcohol testing program and failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines and other DOT sanctions.

The Accredited Drug Testing Consortium ensures compliance with DOT specific agency regulations and customer service is our number one priority. Our staff specializes in all DOT random drug and alcohol testing requirements and we are committed to serving our random consortium members in need of a pre-employment drug test, random drug test or breath alcohol test.

A DOT drug test is a 5 panel urine test and all DOT drug tests require a Federal Chain of Custody form, this is a special 5 page form which must be used when a DOT drug test is administered. Accredited Drug Testing provides all members of our consortium a package of Federal Chain of Custody Forms to be used when taking a DOT drug test.

When joining a random drug testing consortium, it is important that the Consortium staff be fully knowledgeable of all DOT regulations regarding 49 CFR Part 40 and the DOT random drug and alcohol testing requirements. Accredited Drug Testing Inc prides itself on providing accurate and professional information and services regarding the DOT random drug and alcohol testing requirements.

Each DOT Agency along with the USCG has specific regualtions regarding the implementation of a random drug testing program. For more informaiton regarding your specific agency, please visit the following regulations.

  • FAA- Aviation – 14 CFR Part 120, Subpart E, section 120.109(b)
    14 CFR Part 120, Subpart F, section 120.217(c)
  • FMCSA- Motor Carrier – 49 CFR Part 382.305
  • FRA -Railroad – 49 CFR Part 219.601 and 219.607
  • FTA -Transit – 49 CFR Part 655.45
  • PHMSA – Pipelines – 49 CFR Part 199.105
  • USCG – Maritime – 49 CFR Title 46 Part 16.230
    • NOTE FRA requires emplyers to submit their random plans for approval

Accredited Drug Testing Inc is fully versed in the DOT procedures for pre-employment drug testing, random drug testing, reasonable suspicion drug testing, post accident drug testing, return to duty drug testing and follow up drug testing.

When you and your company are enrolled in the Accredited Drug Testing random testing consortium, your company will receive a Certificate of Compliance (email and U.S Mail) and when any of your drivers or other safety sensitive employees are selected for a random test, the DER (designated employer representative) or you, the independent operator will be sent an email and a phone call will be made to ensure that you and your employee are aware of the selection, provided the closest testing center location and any assistance needed to ensure compliance with the DOT random drug or alcohol test process.

Please Note- If you are currently being audited/inspected or found to be in violation by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and you are calling to join the random testing consortium or schedule a DOT drug or breath alcohol test, please advise the Accredited Drug Testing staff who specialize in DOT compliance related issues.

Accredited Drug Testing, random testing consortium Easy, Cost Effective with Immediate Compliance!

For immediate compliance with DOT’s random testing requirements or to schedule a DOT drug or alcohol test call Accredited Drug Testing at (800)221-4291.

Accredited Drug Testing Inc has a special Compliance Package for independent operators (CDL License holders) and other DOT regulated companies.

Complete Compliance Package Independent Operators/Small Companies Includes:

  • Pre-employment or Random drug test,
  • Consortium Membership (First Year)
  • Supervisor Training
  • DOT Drug & Alcohol Policy
  • Certificate of Enrollment

Additional DOT Drug tests may be ordered at a discount when purchasing the complete compliance package.

Call Accredited Drug Testing for additional information and fees (800)221-4291.

To Review DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Regulations- CLICK HERE

Who's Covered?

  • Truck Drivers- CDL Operators
  • Train Engineers
  • Boat Captains- Officers
  • Airplane Mechanics
  • Airline Pilots- Flight Attendants
  • Pipeline Workers

Additional companies/operators subject to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing

  • If you or your company operate vehicles with a gross weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds
  • If you or your company operate vehicles which can transport 16 or more passengers. (including the driver)
  • If you or your company operate vehicles which transport hazardous materials.

DOT Random Drug & Alcohol Testing

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all covered employees be enrolled in a random testing program. The selection of any covered employee must be made by a computerized selection process and any covered employee selected for a drug and alcohol test must immediately proceed to take the test once notified.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) determines the percentages that each consortium must select for a drug & alcohol test. As an example the FMCSA Consortium must select 25% of its members for a drug test annually and 10% for an alcohol test.

The Accredited Drug Testing Inc random testing program notifies covered employees by email and a phone call and provides the location of the closest testing center for the covered employee to go and take their drug and alcohol test.

Failing to take a random drug or alcohol test once selected can result in substantial fines and penalties by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Accredited Drug Testing Inc provides a random testing consortium for covered employees who are required to comply with DOT random testing requirements.

Random Testing Requirements For Each Federal Agency DOT Consortium

  • FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 25% drug and 10% alcohol
  • FAA Federal Aviation Administration 25% drug and 10% alcohol
  • FRA Federal Railroad Administration 25% drug and 10% alcohol
    • MOW (Maintenance of Way) 50% drug and 25% alcohol
  • FTA Federal Transit Administration 50% drug and 10% alcohol
  • PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials 50% drug
  • USCG United States Coast Guard 50% drug

DOT Consortium Employee List Revisions

Quarterly each consortium member will be contacted by Accredited Drug Testing and asked to update the company's DOT covered employee list, prior to the random selection draw (add or remove employees from the consortium). Companies can remove or add employees to the consortium at anytime prior to the selection date. Maintaining an accurate consortium list is an important service provided by Accredited Drug Testing Inc and requires the cooperation of all Consortium Members.

DOT Post Accident Drug & Alcohol Testing

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that any covered employee immediately proceed to take a drug and breath alcohol test in the event of an accident which falls under the DOT post accident drug and alcohol testing requirements.

When possible the covered employee can contact Accredited Drug Testing Inc and the drug and alcohol test can be conducted at a testing center close to where the accident occurred, however on many occasions a post accident drug and alcohol test will require an on-site/mobile drug testing service which can be provided by Accredited Drug Testing Inc.

DOT Reasonable Suspicion Supervisor Training

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated companies educate and train all supervisors in how to detect employees under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.

Supervisors must be trained to in accordance with agency specific requirements to enable supervisors to determine whether reasonable suspision/cause exists and whether or not a test is required based on the trained supervsors observations.

Accredited Drug Testing Inc provides a supervisor training course which is web based and which will provide a Certificate of Completion at the conclusion of the course. The course is approximately 3 hours in length and maybe accessed at anytime.

DOT Drug & Alcohol Policy

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that any regulated company with two or more employees holding safety sensitive positions covered by 49 CFR Part 40 must have a written DOT Drug & Alcohol Policy and all employees must be provided a copy of the policy. Companies must comply with all requirements listed in the DOT drug and alcohol policy.

Accredited Drug Testing Inc specializes in the development and implementation of a DOT Drug & Alcohol Policy Call Accredited Drug Testing at(800)221-4291

DOT Additional Requirements/Information

The Department of Transportation only recognizes and authorizes a 5 panel urine drug test and a breath alcohol test for compliance with 49 CFR Part 40.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that a Federal Chain of Custody Form (5 Page CCF) be used with all drug screens and that all breath alcohol testing devices be approved by the DOT.

The staff of Accredited Drug Testing Inc are certified and trained in DOT drug specimen collections and DOT breath alcohol testing.

DOT Audits/Inspections

The Department of Transportation (DOT) regularly conducts DOT Audits to ensure compliance with 49 CFR Part 40. These audits can occur due to being recently issued a DOT License (New Entrant) or complaints have been filed against the company or a follow up audit due to previous violations.

When a DOT audit/inspection occurs the following primary factors are considered,

  • Pre-employment drug tests on all covered employees on file
  • Random Pool Membership on all covered employees
  • Reasonable Suspicion/Supervisor Training Completed
  • Written drug and alcohol policy
  • Copy of DOT regulations on file
  • All DOT Licenses are current

DOT Physicals

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that all drivers holding a CDL License must successfully pass a DOT physical to be issued a CDL Medical Card. The Medical Card is valid for 24months and must be renewed every 2 years with a new physical.

Accredited Drug Testing Inc provides DOT physicals nationwide at most drug testing centers and our affiliated medical facilities. All DOT Physicals are administered by an examiner trained and certified by the FMCSA.

Accredited Drug Testing Inc is your one stop shopping for all DOT Drug Testing and DOT Breath Alcohol Testing.

To join the random testing consortium or schedule your DOT Drug Test or DOT Alcohol Test Call, (800)221-4291

Specializing in DOT drug and alcohol Consortium regulations.

When You Need A Test, Choose The Best!

Accredited Drug Testing