DOT Drug Testing Locations Riverdale Park, MD
Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in Riverdale Park, MD and the surrounding areas provide DOT Drug Testing, DOT Alcohol Testing, DOT Physicals, Consortium enrollment and other DOT services for Employers, Single operators and all DOT modes who are required to comply with 49 CFR Part 40 in Riverdale Park, MD including FMCSA, FTA, FAA, USCG, FRA and PHMSA . Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same day service is available in most cases.
Scheduling a DOT test is Fast and Easy, call our scheduling department or schedule your test online 24/7
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center.
6201 Greenbelt Rd, Suite M3 2.8 miles
College Park, MD 20740
7933 BELLE POINT DR 3.4 miles
GREENBELT, MD 20770
920 VARNUM ST NE 3.6 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20017
4121 MINNESOTA AVE NE 4.3 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20019
10452 BALTIMORE AVE 4.7 miles
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
4451 PARLIAMENT PL STE G 5.1 miles
LANHAM, MD 20706
3510 HEIDI LN 5.1 miles
SPRINGDALE, MD 20774
4729 SELLMAN RD 5.3 miles
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
3422 GEORGIA AVE NW 5.4 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20010
10117 PALAMAR DR 5.5 miles
LANHAM, MD 20706
8121 GEORGIA AVE STE 208 5.6 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
1401 BLAIR MILL RD APT 1222 5.9 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
911 U ST NW 5.9 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20001
1600A BRIGHTSEAT RD APT 301 6.3 miles
HYATTSVILLE, MD 20785
8700 CENTRAL AVE STE 204 6.3 miles
LANDOVER, MD 20785
815 CONNECTICUT AVE NW 7.1 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
1145 19th Street NW Suite 506 7.2 miles
Washington, DC 20036
1145 19TH ST NW STE 601 7.2 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
1140 19TH ST NW STE 700 7.2 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
9801 GEORGIA AVE STE 222 7.2 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20902
12200 ANNAPOLIS RD, SUITE 120 7.2 miles
GLENN DALE, MD 20769
11947 WINGED FOOT CT 7.3 miles
WALDORF, MD 20602
2029 K ST NW STE 301 7.4 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
9141 ALAKING CT STE 112 7.6 miles
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD 20743
2440 M St NW Ste 414, 7.6 miles
Washington, DC 20037
11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT 8.1 miles
UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20774
11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT 8.1 miles
LARGO, MD 20774
11002 VEIRS MILL RD STE 700 8.4 miles
WHEATON, MD 20902
13823 OUTLET DR 8.5 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20904
12555 CENTRAL AVE. STE A&F 8.6 miles
CHINO, CA 91710
8218 WISCONSIN AVE STE 208 9.2 miles
BETHESDA, MD 20814
4355 FORESTVILLE RD APT 302 9.4 miles
FORESTVILLE, MD 20747
P. O. BOX 376 10.0 miles
LAUREL, MD 20725
5606 HOLTON LN 10.2 miles
TEMPLE HILLS, MD 20748
Onsite Only 10.3 miles
Largo, MD 20774
3676 Alpen Greenway 10.3 miles
Burtonsville, MD 20866
3301 WILSON BLVD 10.5 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22201
3060 MITCHELLVILLE RD 10.7 miles
BOWIE, MD 20716
3263 COLUMBIA PIKE 11.0 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22204
4000 Mitchellville Rd Ste A112, 11.2 miles
Bowie, MD 20716
1005 N GLEBE RD STE 140 11.3 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22201
On-site ONLY 11.9 miles
LAUREL, MD 20724
8768 SUSINI DR 12.1 miles
LAUREL, MD 20723
5550 COLUMBIA PIKE APT 551 12.5 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22204
225 REINEKERS LN 12.8 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314
6064 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church Medical Center 13.0 miles
Falls Church, VA 22044
4320 SEMINARY RD 13.3 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
4527 DUKE ST 14.0 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
6020 RICHMOND HWY STE 100 14.0 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22303
920 W BROAD ST STE B 14.5 miles
FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046
7700 OLD BRANCH AVE E108 14.5 miles
CLINTON, MD 20735
5130 DUKE ST STE 10 14.5 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
PO BOX 59815 14.6 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20859
18111 PRINCE PHILIP DR, STE T12 15.0 miles
OLNEY, MD 20832
6144 EDSALL RD APT 303 15.4 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
6715 Little River Turnpike Ste 300 16.1 miles
Annandale, VA 22003
6656 DOBBIN RD 16.6 miles
COLUMBIA, MD 21045
7609 RICHMOND HWY STE B 16.6 miles
Alexandria, VA 22306
5590 GENERAL WASHINGTON DR 17.1 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22312
15005 SHADY GROVE RD Ste 450 17.1 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
15225 Shady Grove Road, Suite 207 17.2 miles
Rockville, MD 20850
9707 Medical Center Dr Ste 120, 17.2 miles
Rockville, MD 20850
6226 OLD FRANCONIA RD 17.3 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22310
8101 HINSON FARM RD STE 314 17.3 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22306
8316 ARLINGTON BLVD STE 206 17.4 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22031
5501 BACKLICK RD 17.5 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151
7377 WASHINGTON BLVD STE 101-102 17.6 miles
ELKRIDGE, MD 21075
5510 ALMA LN STE 200 17.6 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151
3020 Hamaker Court, B-110 17.7 miles
Fairfax, VA 22031
6785 Business Pkwy 17.7 miles
Elkridge, MD 21075
11055 Little Patuxent Pkwy, SUITE 202 17.8 miles
Columbia, MD 21044
8501 Arlington Blvd Ste 120, 17.8 miles
Fairfax, VA 22031
14800 PHYSICIANS LN STE 131 17.9 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
6120 BRANDON AVE STE 105 18.2 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22150
100 MAPLE AVE E 18.5 miles
VIENNA, VA 22180
8945 N WESTLAND DR 18.8 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
431 N FREDERICK AVE GAITHERSBURG 18.8 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
408 HEADQUARTERS DR STE 3-B 18.9 miles
MILLERSVILLE, MD 21108
42010 VILLAGE CENTER PLZ 19.6 miles
STONE RIDGE, VA 20105
3169 BRAVERTON ST, STE 200 19.7 miles
EDGEWATER, MD 21037
3059 SOLOMONS ISLAND RD 19.8 miles
EDGEWATER, MD 21037
2661 RIVA RD BLDG 600 SUITE 610 19.9 miles
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
75 MAYO RD 20.1 miles
EDGEWATER, MD 21037
803 RUSSELL AVE 20.1 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20879
808 LANDMARK DR STE 116 20.2 miles
GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061
200 Hospital Dr Ste 103, 20.7 miles
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
820 Bestgate Rd, 21.1 miles
Annapolis, MD 21401
7839 ROLLING RD STE A 21.3 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22153
802 Cromwell Park Dr STE H-Cromwell Business Park 21.3 miles
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
811 CROMWELL PARK DR STE 104 21.3 miles
GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061
2170 OLD WASHINGTON RD STE 111 21.4 miles
WALDORF, MD 20601
10560 MAIN ST 21.9 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22030
10721 MAIN ST STE 3100 22.1 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22030
10721 Main Street, Suite 1400 22.1 miles
Fairfax, VA 22030
537 RITCHIE HWY STE 2G 22.2 miles
SEVERNA PARK, MD 21146
9055 Chevrolet Dr Ste 101, 22.5 miles
Ellicott City, MD 21043
1419 FOREST DR STE 104 22.5 miles
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403
701 DIGITAL DRIVE STE L 22.6 miles
LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD 21090
5822 OAKLAND RD 22.7 miles
HALETHORPE, MD 21227
12321 MIDDLEBROOK RD 23.2 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
9396D BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE 23.3 miles
ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21042
19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR 23.4 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR, STE 308 23.4 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
106 Elden St Ste 18b, 23.4 miles
Herndon, VA 20170
20528 Boland Farm Rd Ste 205, 23.6 miles
Germantown, MD 20876
208 ELDEN ST 23.6 miles
HERNDON, VA 20170
3500 OLD WASHINGTON RD STE 104 23.7 miles
WALDORF, MD 20602
3460 Old Washington Rd Ste 104, 23.7 miles
Waldorf, MD 20602
12070 OLD LINE CTR STE 201 23.9 miles
WALDORF, MD 20602
462 HERNDON PKWY STE 103 24.1 miles
HERNDON, VA 20170
11848 Robertson Farm Circle 24.1 miles
Fairfax, VA 22030
4807 BENSON AVE 24.2 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21227
3059 MARSHALL HALL RD 24.2 miles
BRYANS ROAD, MD 20616
3070 HEATHCOTE RD 24.3 miles
WALDORF, MD 20602
3708 MOUNTAIN RD 24.4 miles
PASADENA, MD 21122
1419 KNECHT AVE 24.5 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21227
3650 JOSEPH SIEWICK DR Ste 400 24.7 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22033
(Don't see a DOT drug testing location near you, call us at (800) 221-4291)
Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your DOT drug test at any of our Riverdale Park, MD Drug testing locations, Call us Today!
"When you need a test, choose the best"
How to schedule a DOT drug test in Riverdale Park, MD
To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in Riverdale Park, MD call our local scheduling department at (800) 221-4291. You may also schedule your DOT drug test online utilizing our express scheduling registration system by selecting your test and completing the Donor Information/Registration Section. You must register for the test prior to proceeding to the testing center.
The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest DOT drug or DOT alcohol testing center which performs the type of test you have selected. A donor pass/registration form with the local testing center address, hours of operation and instructions will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take this form with you or have it available on your smart phone to provide to the testing center. No appointment is necessary in most cases. However, you must complete the donor information section and pay for the test at the time of registration.
Our laboratories are SAMHSA certified and all test results are verified by our in-house licensed physicians who serve as Medical Review Officers (MRO).
In addition to providing DOT drug testing and DOT breath alcohol testing in Riverdale Park, MD , Accredited Drug Testing also has additional testing centers throughout the metropolitan area and surrounding cities.
On the road or on vacation, no worries, Accredited Drug Testing has over 20,000 testing centers in all cities Nationwide and we can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
What are the DOT drug testing requirements?
In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act created the following DOT Agencies which established drug and alcohol testing regulations to ensure that aircraft, trains, trucks, and buses were operated in a safe and responsible manner. As an employer or individual operating in a "Safety Sensitive" position, it is important to understand how these regulations impact you.
49 CFR Part 40 (commonly known as part 40) explains:
- How drug and alcohol testing is conducted
- Who is authorized to participate in the drug and alcohol testing program
- What employees must do before they may return to duty after a drug and/or alcohol violation
Each DOT Agency and the USCG have specific regulations that cover:
- The agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use
- Who is subject to comply with these regulations
- What type of testing is required
- When testing is required
- Consequences of non-compliance
FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its rule that would establish requirements for commercial driver's license employers and individuals with regards to the drug and alcohol clearing house which will take affect on January 6, 2020.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will allow employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, State Law Enforcement and individual CDL operators to access real time important information about a CDL Driver's drug and alcohol program violations and the ultimate goal of this database is to enhance safety on our Nation's public roadways.
For specific requirements, click the appropriate agency listed below in which you or your company is regulated by. Ask about our DOT Complete Compliance Package!
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (14 CFR Part 120)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG) (46 CFR Parts 4,5 and 16)
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (49 CFR Part 382)
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) (49 CFR Part 199)
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) (49 CFR Part 655)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (49 CFR Part 219)
The Opioid Overdose Crisis
Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
- Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
- Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
- An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
- About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
- Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
- The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
- Opioid overdoses in large cities increase by 54 percent in 16 states.
In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)
DOT Compliance Checklist in Riverdale Park, MD
DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Requirements for Safety Sensitive Employees.
(FMCSA-FAA-USCG-FRA-PHMSA-FTA)
- Pre-Employment Tests
- Correct Federal Custody & Control Form (CCF)
- Substance Abuse Professional Process
- Regulations on File
- Random Pool Testing
- *Supervisor Training
- *Written Policy
- Post-Accident Testing Situations
- Previous Employers Checks
- Employee Education
- Record Keeping
- Removal of covered Employee
- Designated Employer Representative
* In addition, any company which employs 2 or more covered employees must have a written drug and alcohol policy and all supervisors must complete the DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training. (Click here to learn more about our online training programs)
If a DOT covered employee or company does not have a copy of the original pre-employment drug test with a negative result, then a new DOT pre-employment drug test must be conducted, and the result maintained on file.
The department of transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated "safety sensitive" employees have on file a negative DOT pre-employment drug test result and be a member of a DOT approved random selection consortium. In addition, if a DOT regulated company has more than one "safety sensitive" employee, the employer must also have a written DOT drug and alcohol policy and an on-site supervisor must have completed supervisor training for reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use or impairment.
To be compliant with DOT regulations, a company's DOT drug and alcohol testing program must have the following components. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.
What is a DOT Drug Test in Riverdale Park, MD ?
On January 1, 2018 the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule which altered the DOT 5 panel urine test. Employers and individuals should be aware that the current DOT drug test is still a urine drug test, collected by qualified collectors, analyzed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory and reviewed by a licensed Medical Review Officer. Below you will find a list of the drugs that are screened for in the DOT 5 panel urine drug test:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opioids**
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Pre-employment
- Random
- Reasonable suspicion
- Return to Duty
- Post-Accident
- Follow Up
** Special note: Opioids' was previously called Opiates' and all DOT drug tests will continue to include confirmation testing for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin) when necessary.
In the January rule change, the Department of Transportation (DOT) also added initial screening and confirmation testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group
When is a DOT drug test required in Riverdale Park, MD ?
All safety sensitive employees regardless of DOT agency are required for the following drug testing and/or alcohol testing based on each situation:
What is DOT pre employment testing in Riverdale Park, MD ?
As a new hire or a current employee transferring from a non-safety sensitive function into a safety sensitive function (even with the same employer), you are required to submit to a DOT pre employment drug test.
Some employers may, but are not required to, conduct pre employment alcohol testing. Only after your employer receives a negative pre employment DOT drug test result (and negative alcohol test result - if administered) may you begin performing in a safety-sensitive capacity.
What is random DOT Drug Testing in Riverdale Park, MD ?
All safety sensitive employees are subject to unannounced random drug & alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is administered just prior to, during or just after performing safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the industry specific regulations, you may only be subject to random drug testing.
Listed below are the current (2019) DOT random testing rates for each DOT agency.
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. | ||
DOT Agency | 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate | 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
---|---|---|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] | 25% | 10% |
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] | 25% | 10% |
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] | 25% - Covered Service 50% - Maintenance of Way * | 10% - Covered Service 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
Federal Transit Administration [FTA] | 50% | 10% |
United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) | 50% | N/A |
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. |
DOT Agency 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
---|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] 25% 10% |
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] 25% 10% |
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] 25% - Covered Service / 50% - Maintenance of Way * 10% - Covered Service / 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
Federal Transit Administration [FTA] 50% 10% |
United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) 50% N/A |
What is reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing in Riverdale Park, MD ?
Safety sensitive individuals and employees are required to submit to any test (whether it is a drug test, alcohol test or both) that a supervisor requests based on reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that one or more trained supervisors reasonably believes or suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Supervisors cannot require testing based on a hunch or guess alone; their suspicion must be based on observations concerning your appearance, behavior, speech and smell that are usually associated with drug or alcohol use
What is return to duty DOT Drug Testing in Riverdale Park, MD ?
If you have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol testing rules, you are required to take a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test before being allowed to return to a safety-sensitive function for any DOT regulated employer. You may also be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for at least 6 times in the first 12 months following your return to active safety-sensitive service.
Return-to-duty tests must be conducted under direct observation.
What is DOT post accident drug testing Riverdale Park, MD ?
If you are involved in an event (accident, crash, etc.) meeting certain criteria of the DOT agency, a post-accident drug test will be required. In most cases you will then have to take a drug and alcohol test if you are involved in a qualifying crash. Each DOT agency may have specific rules with regards to what is a post-accident test, for example, the FRA requires a blood specimen for drug testing and an alcohol test.
If you are involved in a qualifying accident, you are required to remain available for this testing and are not permitted to refuse testing.
Remember: Safety-sensitive employees are obligated by law to submit to and cooperate in drug & alcohol testing mandated by DOT regulations.
What is DOT follow up drug testing Riverdale Park, MD ?
DOT follow up testing occurs when an individual has violated the drug and alcohol testing rules. The amount of follow-up testing you receive is determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and may continue for up to 5 years. This means the SAP will determine how many times you will be tested (at least 6 times in the first year), for how long, and for what substance (i.e. drugs, alcohol, or both). Your employer is responsible for ensuring that follow-up testing is conducted and completed. Follow up testing is in addition to all other DOT required testing and all follow-up tests will be observed. For more information on the SAP process or to locate a Substance Abuse Professional in Riverdale Park, MD simply call us at (800)221-4291
When you need a test, choose the best!
DOT Drug Testing Services Riverdale Park, MD
(800)221-4291
For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here
For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here
Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Understanding DOT Drug Testing
DOT drug testing is a regulatory requirement enforced by the United States Department of Transportation to ensure that operators and safety-sensitive personnel in the transportation industry are compliant with federal drug-free workplace laws. This testing applies to millions of transportation professionals across various sectors, including aviation, trucking, railways, public transit, and pipelines.
Regulated Entities and Individuals
- Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers: Includes anyone operating commercial vehicles that require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Aviation Professionals: Applies to pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and aircraft maintenance personnel.
- Railroad Operators: Covers those who operate trains, prepare vehicles for service, and dispatch operations on the railway.
- Public Transit Workers: Encompasses bus drivers, mechanics, and any staff responsible for the safety of public transport operations.
- Pipeline Operators: Includes individuals involved in the operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities.
What Substances Are Tested?
The DOT drug testing program focuses on several major classes of drugs:
- Amphetamines and Methamphetamines
- Opiates, including heroin, codeine, and morphine
- Cocaine
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), found in marijuana
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Procedure of DOT Drug Testing
The testing process is standardized to prevent tampering and ensure consistent results:
- Sample Collection: Urine samples are collected under strict conditions to ensure that they are not tampered with or substituted.
- Screening Tests: Initial screenings are conducted using immunoassay techniques. If a test is positive, further confirmation is required.
- Confirmation Tests: Confirmatory testing using more precise methods like Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) confirms the presence of specific drugs.
- Review Process: An MRO reviews confirmed positive results to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation before reporting the result to the employer.
Implications of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with DOT drug testing regulations can lead to significant consequences:
- Removal from Safety-Sensitive Duties: Employees testing positive are immediately removed from their safety-sensitive duties.
- Rehabilitation and Return-to-Duty Testing: Before returning to duty, employees must undergo an evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), complete any prescribed treatment, and have negative results on follow-up tests.
- Employment Consequences: Additional consequences may include job suspension, termination, or other disciplinary actions based on the employer’s policies.
DOT drug testing serves as a critical safeguard in the transportation industry, promoting a safe and responsible work environment while ensuring public safety and compliance with federal regulations.