OVERVIEW OF DRUG TESTING

Most common types of testing:

• #  Pre-employment, post-offer

• #  Reasonable suspicion/for cause

• #  Random

• #  Post-incident (must define injury, property damage)

• #  Return-to-duty

• #  Follow-up or periodic unannounced (must define in policy)

  The U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT) requires the above-types of testing for most DOT regulated companies. Non-regulated companies may add other types of testing (i.e. pre-promotion, annual physical, etc.), as would be applicable for the company and in compliance with any state laws.

  Standard illicit drug tests:

• #  5-panel: marijuana, PCP , opiates, amphetamines, cocaine

• #  10-panel: above 5 + barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqualone, methadone, & propoxyphene

• #  Alcohol

  Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that the 5-panel screen and alcohol testing be used for all DOT regulated companies. Non-regulated companies may test for as many drugs as they wish as would be applicable for the company and in compliance with any state laws.

  Specimens most-commonly used for testing:

• #  Urine (for illicit drugs)

• #  Breath (for alcohol testing)

• #  Blood (only in specific situations-rarely used)

• #  Hair (expected to be approved for DOT use)

• #  Oral fluids (expected to be approved for DOT use)

  Testing process best-practices overview:

• #  Urine specimen given in a secured restroom, unobserved

• #  Chain-of-custody form and procedures used with any specimen

• #  Specimen screened for selected drugs

• #  If positive result on screening test, specimen goes to confirmatory testing

• #  Confirmatory testing uses a different chemical method

• #  If confirmed positive, reviewed by a Medical Review Officer (MRO)

  DOT testing and some state laws require use of the above-listed procedures and an MRO.

  C. E. Edwards
  Arizona H.I.D.T.A., Demand-Reduction Program Drug-Free Workplaces, Schools & Communities