DOT Drug Testing Locations Great Falls, VA
Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in Great Falls, VA 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 Great Falls, VA 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.
42010 VILLAGE CENTER PLZ 0.6 miles
STONE RIDGE, VA 20105
PO BOX 59815 5.0 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20859
106 Elden St Ste 18b, 5.1 miles
Herndon, VA 20170
208 ELDEN ST 5.3 miles
HERNDON, VA 20170
462 HERNDON PKWY STE 103 6.1 miles
HERNDON, VA 20170
46440 BENEDICT DR STE 108 6.3 miles
STERLING, VA 20164
100 MAPLE AVE E 6.8 miles
VIENNA, VA 22180
21525 RIDGETOP CIR STE 260 7.1 miles
STERLING, VA 20166
21036 TRIPLESEVEN RD 7.2 miles
STERLING, VA 20165
2 Pidgeon Hill Dr Suite 120, 7.6 miles
Sterling, VA 20165
14800 PHYSICIANS LN STE 131 7.8 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
2 LYNDHURST CT 8.1 miles
STERLING, VA 20165
9707 Medical Center Dr Ste 120, 8.2 miles
Rockville, MD 20850
45305 CATALINA CT STE 103 8.5 miles
STERLING, VA 20166
15005 SHADY GROVE RD Ste 450 8.5 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
15225 Shady Grove Road, Suite 207 8.9 miles
Rockville, MD 20850
920 W BROAD ST STE B 9.2 miles
FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046
3020 Hamaker Court, B-110 9.4 miles
Fairfax, VA 22031
3650 JOSEPH SIEWICK DR Ste 400 9.4 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22033
21785 FILIGREE CT 9.6 miles
ASHBURN, VA 20147
21785 Filigree Court, Suite 20, 9.6 miles
Ashburn, VA 20147
8501 Arlington Blvd Ste 120, 9.6 miles
Fairfax, VA 22031
8316 ARLINGTON BLVD STE 206 9.7 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22031
8218 WISCONSIN AVE STE 208 9.9 miles
BETHESDA, MD 20814
10721 Main Street, Suite 1400 10.6 miles
Fairfax, VA 22030
10721 MAIN ST STE 3100 10.6 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22030
10560 MAIN ST 10.7 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22030
8945 N WESTLAND DR 10.8 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
431 N FREDERICK AVE GAITHERSBURG 10.8 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
11848 Robertson Farm Circle 11.2 miles
Fairfax, VA 22030
12713 SHOPPES LN 11.3 miles
FAIRFAX, VA 22033
803 RUSSELL AVE 11.3 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20879
1411 H SERVICE RD 11.4 miles
CHANTILLY, VA 20151
6064 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church Medical Center 11.8 miles
Falls Church, VA 22044
4437 BROOKFIELD CORPORATE DR STE 108 11.8 miles
CHANTILLY, VA 20151
1005 N GLEBE RD STE 140 12.0 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22201
12321 MIDDLEBROOK RD 12.2 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
4200 PLEASANT VALLEY RD 12.3 miles
CHANTILLY, VA 20151
19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR 12.5 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR, STE 308 12.5 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
11002 VEIRS MILL RD STE 700 12.6 miles
WHEATON, MD 20902
3301 WILSON BLVD 12.6 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22201
9801 GEORGIA AVE STE 222 12.8 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20902
Onsite only 12.9 miles
Ashburn, VA 20148
24801 PINEBROOK RD ATTN LAB 13.2 miles
CHANTILLY, VA 20152
6715 Little River Turnpike Ste 300 13.3 miles
Annandale, VA 22003
5550 COLUMBIA PIKE APT 551 13.3 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22204
1401 BLAIR MILL RD APT 1222 13.3 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
20528 Boland Farm Rd Ste 205, 13.5 miles
Germantown, MD 20876
8121 GEORGIA AVE STE 208 13.6 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
2440 M St NW Ste 414, 13.9 miles
Washington, DC 20037
3263 COLUMBIA PIKE 14.0 miles
ARLINGTON, VA 22204
1140 19TH ST NW STE 700 14.3 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
2029 K ST NW STE 301 14.3 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
1145 19th Street NW Suite 506 14.3 miles
Washington, DC 20036
1145 19TH ST NW STE 601 14.3 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
6201 CENTREVILLE RD STE 200 14.4 miles
CENTREVILLE, VA 20121
3422 GEORGIA AVE NW 14.5 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20010
5501 BACKLICK RD 14.6 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151
5510 ALMA LN STE 200 14.7 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151
815 CONNECTICUT AVE NW 14.7 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
911 U ST NW 14.9 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20001
6144 EDSALL RD APT 303 15.3 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
5590 GENERAL WASHINGTON DR 15.3 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22312
4320 SEMINARY RD 15.4 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
5130 DUKE ST STE 10 15.6 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
6120 BRANDON AVE STE 105 15.8 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22150
920 VARNUM ST NE 15.9 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20017
4527 DUKE ST 15.9 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
952 EDWARDS FERRY RD NE 16.0 miles
LEESBURG, VA 20176
18111 PRINCE PHILIP DR, STE T12 16.0 miles
OLNEY, MD 20832
51 CATOCTIN CIR NE 16.6 miles
LEESBURG, VA 20176
6226 OLD FRANCONIA RD 16.7 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22310
222 CATOCTIN CIR,SE, STE 100 16.7 miles
LEESBURG, VA 20175
211 S King St Suite C, 17.2 miles
Leesburg, VA 20175
225 REINEKERS LN 17.9 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314
7839 ROLLING RD STE A 18.1 miles
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22153
6020 RICHMOND HWY STE 100 18.6 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22303
8694 CENTREVILLE RD 18.8 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
13823 OUTLET DR 18.8 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20904
8773 MATHIS AVE 18.8 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
4121 MINNESOTA AVE NE 19.2 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20019
8685 Sudley Rd, 19.4 miles
Manassas, VA 20110
8609 SUDLEY RD STE 104 19.4 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
8640 SUDLEY RD STE 203 19.5 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
10452 BALTIMORE AVE 19.5 miles
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
8714 SUDLEY RD 19.5 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
9003 CHURCH ST 19.9 miles
MANASSAS, VA 20110
4729 SELLMAN RD 20.0 miles
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
3676 Alpen Greenway 20.0 miles
Burtonsville, MD 20866
6201 Greenbelt Rd, Suite M3 20.1 miles
College Park, MD 20740
7609 RICHMOND HWY STE B 20.2 miles
Alexandria, VA 22306
7933 BELLE POINT DR 20.9 miles
GREENBELT, MD 20770
8101 HINSON FARM RD STE 314 21.2 miles
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22306
216 Locust St 22.1 miles
Occaquan, VA 22125
5606 HOLTON LN 22.1 miles
TEMPLE HILLS, MD 20748
12581 MILSTEAD WAY STE 103 22.5 miles
WOODBRIDGE, VA 22192
12731 Marblestone Dr, Suite 100 22.7 miles
Woodbridge, VA 22192
6950 PIEDMONT CENTER PLZ 22.8 miles
GAINESVILLE, VA 20155
14370 Lee Highway, Suite 101 23.2 miles
Gainesville, VA 20155
7588 GARDNER PARK DR 23.2 miles
GAINESVILLE, VA 20155
8768 SUSINI DR 23.6 miles
LAUREL, MD 20723
P. O. BOX 376 23.9 miles
LAUREL, MD 20725
10117 PALAMAR DR 24.0 miles
LANHAM, MD 20706
4451 PARLIAMENT PL STE G 24.1 miles
LANHAM, MD 20706
8700 CENTRAL AVE STE 204 24.1 miles
LANDOVER, MD 20785
3510 HEIDI LN 24.1 miles
SPRINGDALE, MD 20774
1600A BRIGHTSEAT RD APT 301 24.2 miles
HYATTSVILLE, MD 20785
4355 FORESTVILLE RD APT 302 24.6 miles
FORESTVILLE, MD 20747
14010 SMOKETOWN ROAD, STE 101 24.8 miles
WOODBRIDGE, VA 22192
9141 ALAKING CT STE 112 24.9 miles
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD 20743
14142 MINNIEVILLE RD MINNIEVILLE PLAZE SUITE 204 24.9 miles
WOODBRIDGE, VA 22193
4158 DALE BLVD 24.9 miles
DALE CITY, VA 22193
(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 Great Falls, VA Drug testing locations, Call us Today!
"When you need a test, choose the best"
How to schedule a DOT drug test in Great Falls, VA
To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in Great Falls, VA 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 Great Falls, VA , 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 Great Falls, VA
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 Great Falls, VA ?
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 Great Falls, VA ?
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 Great Falls, VA ?
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 Great Falls, VA ?
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 Great Falls, VA ?
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 Great Falls, VA ?
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 Great Falls, VA ?
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 Great Falls, VA ?
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 Great Falls, VA simply call us at (800)221-4291
When you need a test, choose the best!
DOT Drug Testing Services Great Falls, VA
(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.